The Largest Parents and Kids Fair in Montreal
Yes, it’s that time again moms and moms-to-be! To brave the masses and make our way between the many strollers to check out the products and services from some of Montreal’s big and small businesses catering to families. It’s the largest Fair of its kind in Montreal, and if you are looking for the latest gadget, an organic baby cream, or a photographer for your little one (go and say hi to my friend Cait Lemieux Photography), this 26th edition of the Montreal Parents and Kids Fair doesn’t disappoint!
Bigger Brands
As with every edition, there are a few larger stores that dominate the scene, such as Clément, which has lots of great items from clothes, to lovies, to fashionable diaper bags. The clothing store Aubainerie also has centre stage, as does Medela, a renowned company specializing in great quality breast pumps – two brands I really like. Homeopathy is also largely featured with Boiron and Homéocan – check out their various products to help your babies with teething, colic and much more. A must!
My Top 10
Here are the brands that caught my eye today. How did I pick them? For their originality, quality and ability to draw me in to see what they were all about.
This year, the Montreal Kids Fair is all about washable diapers. There are so many to choose from it’s crazy! But I really fell for the ones made by new mom, Émilie, and her team. They make THE cutest washable diapers ever! You won’t want to cover them up. I love that their products and manufacturing are eco-friendly, and made here, in Quebec. From watermelons to sea horses, I bet you’ll have a hard time deciding which ones to buy as you’ll want them all!
Are your kids afraid of the dark? Well they don’t have to be with these whimsical glass night lights! Created by artist and mom of 3, Karine, you have many little friends to choose from, including animals, fruits, veggies and unicorns! They also have some funky bed linens and kids’ clothes.
I admit, in naming my daughters Coraline and Gaëlle, I should have known I’d never find any souvenirs or sippy cups with their names painted on them. At Turlututu, though, I can have their names embroidered on a myriad of items, from duvets to pillows to wall decorations – my fave being the Birth Announcement Pillow – so pretty!
I’m a sucker for non-toxic, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products, so when I saw this line of skin care products for moms and babies, I was over the moon. Their line includes a cream formulated to treat babies with eczema, a gentle treatment for baby’s cradle-cap, as well as a lanolin-free serum to help heal cracked and bleeding nipples that’s safe for breastfeeding. Yes!
Little Yogi’s unisex Harem Swaggers are the epitome of comfiness and cuteness! I could totally see myself lounging around in these – too bad they only make size 0-5! Another bonus is that they grow with your kids – just roll down the bottoms as your child grows.
I remember trying a whole bunch of pillows when I was nursing and was always frustrated. The pillow was never high enough or baby wasn’t well-placed and would fall in between me and the pillow. Well, the hypo-allergenic pillows at Nneka are filled with buckwheat hulls and will move with your body! You can also use them during pregnancy as a body pillow for a better night’s sleep (if that’s possible!).
Known for their sexy and comfy sports underwear, for women and men, Dreamz has just launched a new line for babies. The onesies and matching pants are super stylish and come in various colours. Since this is a new line, they need baby models and were giving a great discount in exchange for pics of your baby in a Dreamz onesie!
Tirigolo specializes in the most adorable hats and bonnets for your kids! It’s hard finding nice summer hats that provide great protection from the sun, but they have so many to choose from. They are made in Quebec, which is always a plus. And you can shop on-line, as they ship throughout the province.
I started using The Green Beaver’s organic sunscreen many years ago when I learned about the toxic ingredients in many of the sunscreens sold in pharmacies, and began searching for a better option for my babies. This Canadian company has been expanding its product line since and makes organic skin creams, toothpastes, deodorants, soaps and more!
This shop specializes in head gear, but this time we’re talking fashionable caps for both girls and boys. They also carry sun hats, beanies, scarves and some very cool t-shirts, hoodies and pants. If you like urban and trendy and want to avoid pink, you’ll love L&P!
Two more skin care lines I really love:
I bought some of their goat-milk butters from the lovely young owner two years ago and adored them! Especially the almond scented Karite butter. Definitely want to rub that over your pregnant belly!
When you can actually eat your skin products, you know they’re safe! Made with various natural oils, such as olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, as well as pure essential oils, your baby’s skin will be very well taken care of. And they definitely win top marks for branding!
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There you have it. My Top 10 (well, 12) brands that I loved this year. I am always amazed by the creativity of Quebec’s entrepreneurs. Bravo! I wish everyone of you an amazing and prosperous Montreal Parents and Kids Fair!
And to all the parents taking the time to go out support them, happy shopping! And I’d love to know what were your favourite products and brands. Let me know in the comments below.
Sylvia
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