The best shops in Singapore for kids

Best known for its adorable cheongsam and Mandarin-collared shirts, Elly is a local brand that offers its own designs as well as those from a wide range of international brands for ages up to 12 years old. The sheer variety at Elly ensures that there’s something for every child, from cheongsam with red firecracker dog prints ($65) to long-sleeved pyjamas emblazoned with bunnies, cars or sunflowers ($66.50). Aside from clothes, the store also has an assortment of plushies, books and toys that provide for your kid’s entertainment needs, too.

Named after the tall Sea Apple trees you see all over the island, this homegrown clothing brand makes fun and simple pieces for young ones up to the age of six. Each collection features original prints on durable organic cotton that suit both boys and girls. You’ll find colourful playsuits ($39), sunsuits ($42), jumpsuits (from $49) and even samfus ($69.90) ideal for everyday wear. The collections are cutely named, like ‘Flower Power' and ‘Puppy White', while the new Disney collaboration has cool graphic Mickeys and Minnies emblazoned across dresses, t-shirts and short-sleeved tops. 

http://seaappleshop.com

With three outlets in Singapore and more around the globe, Seed Heritage is your go-to stop for childrenswear. This accessible Australian brand caters to kids from their infancy to teenage years, with collections tailor-made for babies below two, children between one to ten, and teenagers up to 16. There are whimsical pieces like novelty animal jumpers ($42), and gingham dresses ($40) alongside high-quality basics more appropriate for the playground. Mums aren’t neglected, either. Seed Heritage offers a wide range of chic yet comfy outfits, shoes and accessories that’ll easily take you from the office or home to a romantic date night – sans the kids. 

Whether you’re looking for a sequin birthday frock or a trendy t-shirt for your not quite teenage son, Cotton On Kids has a range of designs and sizes to cater. Sizes stocked start from as young as newborns (onesies, bodysuits; 2 for $30) to the more tween appropriate size of 9-14 in cool, graphic prints or cartoon motifs. There’s a dedicated Costume and Dress Up section – think cute animal cover-ups, tulle dresses and fairy wands – and a Stationary and Toy section to stock up on everything from pencil cases, play tents and plush stuffed toys.
Various outlets islandwide.

Founded by Singapore-based Aussie mama Emma Laue, her eponymous children’s fashion label is stocked with bright, floral pieces guaranteed to put a smile on your – and your kid’s – face. Influenced by the rich colours and patterns of the region, each piece is lightweight and breathable, making them perfect for our tropical climate. We love the vivid designs found on the Lily dress ($65) and the Piper romper ($41), both of which artfully blend pigments and stains. They’re also limited editions, so grab ’em before they’re all gone.

http://emmalaue.com

It’s all pretty pastels and quirky knick knacks over at Cuckoo Little Lifestyle, a children’s boutique in Jelita Shopping Centre. But besides a tasteful lineup of decor and toys, they do also have a lineup of furniture – practical items like wardrobes and one-of-a-kind finds like a stylish wooden cot with a canopy over. There’s a party range too, which will prove useful for Easter or Halloween costumes, since they carry props like a pointy witch’s hat ($62.95) or fairy wings ($69.95). 

At first glance, House of AnLi doesn’t seem like a kid-centric store – they’ve got a curated collection of rather chichi homeware and decor pieces. Yet, their range of children's furniture has us impressed. It’s the made-to-order Tent Bed ($2,995) that we’re eyeing, for its nifty flap and pull-out drawer below. Plus, you just know it’s something that’ll be a part of your kid’s favourite childhood memories. 

Products from Aden+Anais, Fisher-Price, Little Tikes and Cheeky Bon Bon line the shelves of this boutique for new parents. You’ll find drool pads ($22.90), diaper-changing mats (from $16.90), wet bags (from $30), and even appliances for the bedroom, such as a BioCair Bioactive Anti HFMD Bundle ($262.80), which promises improved air quality in the bedroom. Better yet, though, is the LOLBaby Convertible Bed (from $539; cotton bed insert sold separately), which, as its name suggests, can be turned into a playard, play mat or playhouse – perfect for when you’re looking for a hands-free afternoon. 

Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll probably find it among the 5,000 items that this online retailer carries. Bringing the children on holiday is made easy with the Mummy’s Helper Cushie Traveller ($16.14), a foldable padded potty that can be stashed in your diaper bag for messy emergencies. And if you’re on a longer trip, choose from one of the brand’s bottle carriers or cooler bags: the Unimom Cooler Bag ($34.30) comes with and holds up to five bottles. For everyday practicality, though, the ready-to-wear Baby K’tan Original Baby Carrier ($71.90) is perfect for both mums and dads – and for the little one strapped safe and snug.

agapebabies.com

With a name that means ‘baby doll’ in Russian, you’ll find no shortage of infant products on this online store, which stocks brands such as Capella Strollers, Milkmakers, Baby Bjorn and Ju-Ju-Be. Pupsik is best for practical options for parents, such as the Pupsik Pouch Sling (from $36.72), Skip Hop Pronto Changing Station (from $36.60), and the Ergobaby Organic Baby Carrier ($183.20), which is made entirely from organic cotton. Make sure your young ’un avoids (literal) hard knocks, too, with safety gates and corner guards to babyproof your home, and car booster seats like a Recaro Young Sport HERO ($499).

pupsikstudio.com

Eco-friendly and all-natural baby products for the outdoors: that’s what Sunkiss Babies deals in. And it delivers, starting with the Bacoff nursery sanitising deodoriser ($12.90) – use it on strollers, high chairs and play areas – plus more from brands like Earth Mama Angel Baby, Skip Hop and Ergobaby. Keep junior’s toys in tow with the Ma Poupée Toy Strap ($9.90), which can be attached to a stroller or shopping cart, so there’s no need to worry about toys falling to the ground. The Lin and Leo leather diaper bag ($399) makes for an equally practical choice, and its looks belie its function. The bag’s designed to suit all manner of diaper-changing and baby-feeding needs, and comes with deep pockets for nappies, wipes, creams and bibs. 

sunkissbabies.com