By Andrea Krase

Wouldn’t it be fantastic to find everything essential for babies, children and families in the local area in one place? Enfield mum, Andrea Krase, was passionate about communicating anything child and family-related in Enfield.

She tried many new things and gained a new social circle when she had her first baby. Andrea wanted to help others have a similar positive experience. She wanted parents and children to socialise more, regularly showcase the activities of business members, and create opportunities for business owners to meet and work together.

 

Since launching Sophia’s Diary (www.sophias-diary.com) in October 2015, Andrea’s website has been used by thousands of local parents. Children’s classes, playgroups, events, places to go, blogs, a business directory and community news can all be found. With hundreds of listings on the website, and a very active social media presence, parents are more aware about what family focussed businesses are doing in the area. In addition to saving families time, The Sophia’s Diary Discount Card (www.sophias-diary.com/discounts) was launched in September 2017 to help parents save money. The discount card also helps to promote spending with local businesses so more money stays in the local community.

Andrea has helped Enjoy Enfield to find the best baby and toddler products in the borough. Take a look at our handy guide for presents, keepsakes and decorative items.

Furniture

Babios ( 0800 689 1923) specialises in children’s furniture and has the most beautiful and unique items. There is an extensive variety of cots, wardrobes, bunk beds and furnishings. Their videos provide ideas for different themes. The best product of all is their supercool car beds so make sure you have a look.

Bedroom Accessories

Personalised items are so popular at the moment and can add a special touch to a child’s bedroom.

Studio Jacqueline (07594 314517) creates eco-friendly, handmade pallet signs. Personalised messages, and images can be chosen for each order. These are fantastic, long-lasting keepsakes, and make a lovely gift.

 

Sparkly Crafts make the most beautiful and modern name plaques, hanging decorations, jewellery boxes and bow holders. Different colours and charms can be added to match a room theme. Other products such as keyrings and compact mirrors can be ordered too.

Baby hand or footprints can be added to a ceramic at Going Pottery (0208 351 7098). This will be a treasured keepsake for a whole lifetime. Going Pottery is based at 156 Lancaster Road, EN2 0JS.

Boutique Pretty English (020 8127 5358) has some breath-taking products for children and the home. We particularly like their beautifully whimsical cuddle cushions – the fairies and mermaids are gorgeous, each one based on an original illustration by Lily Day (aka artist Michelle Martin). Add a few drops of essential oil and use to decorate and scent a child’s room. Pretty English is tucked away at 3A Wilson Street, N21 1BP.

Occasion Wear

Bambino Couture  specialise in children’s special occasion outfits, including christening girl/ bridesmaid outfits, page boy suits and party wear. Outfits are carefully selected based on exceptional quality, design and uniqueness. They offer distinctive pieces, from traditional to contemporary styles, that suit all tastes and budgets. Everyday clothing such as coats, knitted dresses and twopiece outfits can also be purchased. Bambino Couture is based in Southgate. To visit the store please email.

 

Bella Beau personalise vests, sleepsuits, bibs, robes and towels, using great quality items. Bespoke touches ensure products make the perfect gift for baby showers, going home outfits or birthdays. They also create favours, boxes and accessories for weddings and christenings.

Clothing

Independent baby boutiques offer different and unique items. Mini Moi Boutique love all things monochrome and most of their clothing designs are unisex and can be worn by boys and girls. Rompers, jackets, gilets, outfits and swimwear for babies and children can be ordered online.

 

Sara’s Kids in Edmonton is a real gem. Billed as a factory outlet, you can pick up some gorgeous outfits for kids at amazing prices. The girls’ party dresses are the biggest draw but there are also some brilliant outfits for kids who prefer the casual look too. Sara’s Kids is situated at 27 North Mall, Edmonton Green Shopping Centre.

Baby Hamper Gifts (08447 704 353) create luxury and personalised hampers for newborn boys and girls. They can consist of vests, sleepsuits, muslins, blankets, comforters and even bath products. Hampers can be presented as nappy-cakes, giftboxes, suitcases and clothes bouquets. There is even a page on the website for ideas about what to get for mum too! The business is based at 146 Carnarvon Avenue, EN1 3DS.

Books and Toys

Popular series, That’s Not My… (Lion, Unicorn, Monkey) by Usborne Books () is one of the cutest collections of books for babies and toddlers. They are colourful, easy to understand and stimulate babies’ senses, as they have different textures to feel. If you are interested in hosting a book party, placing an order or just want to find out more, contact Enfield-based Anne Croxford.

Enfield’s Baby Sensory franchise co-owner, Lisa Robson, is also an author of book Good Night Sleep Tight. This is the perfect book for baby’s bedtime story. The book is available to order from Waterstones, Enfield Town branch as well as online.

 

Sprint’s Enchanted Emporium  offers a fantastic range of educational baby and toddler toys such as floating, rolling and spinning toys, a wooden activity calendar and shape sorters.

The Special Teddy Bear

Not only does Edmonton family-run business My Elements (020 8373 2687) offer beautiful bears to purchase, a child’s name can be embroidered on the toy too, to add that special and personalised touch. The eyes do not consist of buttons so it is safe for babies.

Our other Top Tips

There are many fantastic classes and groups for babies and toddlers in Enfield. They include swimming, baby yoga, music, art and dance classes. Read the Sophia’s Diary blog for ideas and information.  Places such as Jump In Enfield  run Toddler Time during term time too from 10am-12pm.

The pregnancy page on Sophia’s Diary provides details for local maternity and pregnancy related services.

Mum2Mum Nearly New Sales organise events where bargains can be found, and parents can sell baby items such as car seats, toys and clothes that they no longer need. The next sales in Enfield will take place at St. Stephen’s Church Hall, 56 Village Road, EN1 2EU, on 29 September and 3 November.

NCT Enfield deliver fantastic antenatal classes, and organise meet ups for parents too.

Grow Baby (07952 694577) provides good quality new and secondhand baby clothes and equipment (for children aged 0-5yrs) completely free of charge to anyone who needs it, regardless of their income, background or faith. Growbaby takes place 10.30am-12pm every Wednesday during term time at 36 Brigadier Hill, EN2 0NQ. Sophia’s Diary has a Party and Events Page . Under 5s soft play hire and entertainers for toddlers can be found, to make organising that first birthday party a lot easier!

This feature covers just a selection of local businesses. There are many, many others in the borough and we encourage you to support them all. If you visit an interesting shop in the borough then send a tweet with #EnjoyEnfield to let everyone know about it.