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Original poster

Baby shopping in London

20 replies

TheBeesKnee · 09/02/2023 22:54

Please help me.

Currently 27 weeks pregnant and my mum wants to take me shopping for the baby this weekend.

We have a pram and crib so it's really only clothes etc that I need.

We live in East and South London.

Any recommendations would be hugely welcome. She's desperate for a big day out 😭

OP posts:

RosesAndHellebores · 09/02/2023 22:57

You only really need babygros and vests for the first 3 to 6 months.

Your baby's due in about May I guess so summer things.

Heyahun · 09/02/2023 23:00

Just go to Westfields in Stratford or something has absolutely everything and you can get nice food after

Particularprick · 09/02/2023 23:05

My recommendation would be to order some babygros online for delivery and to go see an art exhibition, have a lovely lunch and go to the theatre instead

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Freshair87 · 09/02/2023 23:05

Yeah I'd also go Westfield Stratford. They have a mamas and papas, then their H&M and Zara have some good baby bits as well as M&S. on the bottom floor Waitrose end there are more kids clothes stores for more high end designer bits. Also an entertainer for some baby toys

Waxamole · 09/02/2023 23:06

Oxford street, John Lewis, mango, Zara, H&M, next, primark. Can also go down to fenwicks

Rainallnight · 09/02/2023 23:07

I loved Mamas and Papas for ‘posh’ bits in that exciting phase! (Now I’m all about the hand me down dresses from Next 😂)

Original poster

TheBeesKnee · 09/02/2023 23:18

To be clear, DP and I have been buying second hand clothes and washing them. We got lots of 50p items at a mum2mum sale at a local school, it was brilliant. We also bought some blankets, one of which I've nicked for myself 😅

Mum is aghast at this and is desperate to buy stuff and contribute.

I don't want to go shopping or see her at all for that matter, but that's a different thread. I'm very tired and might try to cancel but she's a very difficult woman and we have a very strained relationship as it is.

I just needed a recommendation of where we could go where there was more than one baby shop. I know I sound ridiculous but I'm tired and haven't been to many baby shops at all, any new bits I picked up have been in Sainsbury's when we've been doing the weekly shop.

OP posts:

JL642 · 09/02/2023 23:21

Agree with Westfield Stratford as all the baby shops are together (except for M&S and next - just a short walk).

I found m and s. Next and mamas the best! M and s great prices, next very pretty items!

Unless you’re particular our baby only wore baby grows and vests. I underestimated how many clothes we’d get as gifts - I didn’t even do a baby shower - and also how long baby would fit in newborn if you have a small baby.

Other key purchases we found: tomee tipee sleeping bag (so good), and a wonderful shawl for day swaddling and white noise.

I didn’t buy anything for feeding in advance (as wanted to bf and knew I could get bottles steriliser quickly on AMAzon if needed)

we also had a next to me crib and a few cardis for layers, Muslims and hats (literally one or two).

Have fun!!

JL642 · 09/02/2023 23:27

just seen your follow up post. Your mum sounds excited for the new arrival!?

If you’re cost conscious definitly m and s Westfield Stratford.

We barely bought any brand new babygrows ourselves to be honest (had a mix of gifts and hand me downs) so don’t over do it! Sounds like you have quite a bit already!

Businessflake · 09/02/2023 23:29

I don’t think you can buy babies in London?

Rahrahrahraah · 09/02/2023 23:36

do not go to Westfield Stratford in half term
<Shudders>

Original poster

TheBeesKnee · 10/02/2023 10:22

Businessflake · 09/02/2023 23:29

I don’t think you can buy babies in London?

Oh no whatever shall I do now 😭

OP posts:

SquirmOfEels · 10/02/2023 10:25

I'd go to Harrods just to gawp at the department. Then make my way down to Peter Jones for the real shopping - plus there's Trotters next to PJs, and other shops (inc a big M&S) on Kings Road

BertieBotts · 10/02/2023 10:27

Next has some gorgeous stuff for babies. I also buy mostly second hand and when I buy new it would be a real treat to get stuff from there. I indulged for my third baby, who had more than enough hand me downs, and I didn't care that they were more expensive, I just got one packet of sleepsuits and one packet of vests. Lovely and well worth it.

You can always get stuff in bigger sizes too. I also agree with M&S.

BertieBotts · 10/02/2023 10:29

John Lewis has Frugi as well. Out of my price range, but absolutely lush.

(If you can't tell, I enjoy "rainbow vomited in baby's wardrobe" kind of style. If you like something more traditional and pastel pink/blue/white, then these might not be for you!)

ShakeYourTittyTattas · 10/02/2023 10:41

Unfortunately many "just baby" shops have shut down - Mothercare etc. You're unlikely to get that "all in one place" shop.

The big department stores are your best bet and the centres like Westfields don't really do many independent shops - you're better off going to Lakeside which does have a couple of independent baby shops from memory?

FunnyItWorkedLastTime · 10/02/2023 10:53

I'd think of one baby thing that you do still need and go to John Lewis Oxford Street with her to get a nice one, and a couple of packets of muslins. Have a cup of tea and a cake in the top floor cafe. It won't be the cheapest option, but she'll enjoy it, it's a nice ritual, and it'll be much more civilised than Westfield at half term. Then maybe go to H&M just down the road for some cheaper baby bits.

Ireallydohope · 10/02/2023 11:08

Go to John Lewis for a mooch around and also have a coffee there that'll take up most of your time.

SquirmOfEels · 10/02/2023 14:49

Just in case you hadn't realised, Peter Jones is the John Lewis on Sloane Square, and it has a huge baby and infant department.

Tropicaliyes · 11/02/2023 00:43

My partner and I went to Westfields in Stratford last week to look for baby items, but unlike you we were on the hunt for baby furniture places not clothes as im only 19 weeks and didnt want clothes (or furniture) just yet, maybe in a couple of weeks/ months but I found it was really difficult to find anywhere that done decent furniture however clothes we could find all over.

we were recommend John Lewis so headed there first (top floor) and was really disappointed by the furniture however we did end up buying 3 multipack bags of babygrows which totalled to 9 grows for a little over £30.

we headed to mamas & Papas and found a lovely nursery set we might purchase but most likely after the baby is born as i am set on a side crib which is okay until 6 months. They also had clothes there too..

there is also cheaper places like Primark (lowest floor) is a dedicated baby clothes section but i didnt bother look there. M&S and Next also have the same.. Honestly since I wasnt after clothes i skipped them all and only went to places that i knew might do furniture which was hardly anywhere!

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