Whenever possible, I prefer to eschew Amazon in favor of local boutiques. Especially shops like Born (and their sister shop B'tween for tweens) that have carefully curated selections of appropriately adorable items for the adorable baby that I am wholly unprepared to take care of. It's a small space, but they've got it jam packed with fun baby books, tiny toys (educational and otherwise), cute animal hats, excellent blankets (taco/lime/avocado FTW), footie pajamas, blocks, Brooklyn-specific shirts, onesies, and more. Yes, everything's a bit expensive, but such is life on Smith Street in Brooklyn. And sure, I'm not into everything they stock. Personally, I'm not going to purchase a shirt for my baby that says "Little Feminist." Not because I'm not a feminist or because I don't think she'll be a feminist, but because it's a (pretty expensive) shirt that loudly proclaims my unaware baby to be a feminist, and that says something that I'm not trying to say. But I'm glad Born is here, and I like a lot of the merchandise. I'm also really glad my wife's aunt was so nice as to purchase the delightful set of socks that momentarily captivated my wife. Know what I'm not that glad about? That on the bottom of every single sock in the set, it reads, "Trumpette." This may be a hip and internationally known baby clothing brand name, but in 2018, it's really saying something that I'm not trying to say. read more

See all

Went in for a newborn outfit and their selection was great, but the owner had me wanting to get out asap. Super weird vibe that's both pushy and condescending. read more

Two stars becuase the inventory is excellent. One star for customer service. The owner acts like her shop is a museum. Loathes children being inside the store, acts like she doesn't want any shopper browsing or touching ANYTHING. She is contrarian and rude and micromanages the shopping experience to the point of hovering so closely that it made me uncomfortable. I have shopped here twice this summer and will not be back. It's a shame. read more

Was in the neighborhood and needed to get a last minute gift for a kids birthday party. I'm not sure if it was the owner or employee or whoever, but upon entering they already put you on edge by immediately rushing to shut the door behind you. The demeanor and actions immediately made me feel like they were putting on a face but in reality you're unwelcome. That feeling of someone observing you to see if you'll behave in alignment to a particular set of unspoken expectations. The whole helicoptering behavior is totally a turn off, especially when you're simply trying to browse. There needs to be some space and time for a customer to just take in what the store offers. When some additional customers came in with their kids, like a hawk the sales person immediately swooped in on them which finally provided the breathing room to look a little more freely. It gave us a moment of reprieve, but to witness the salesperson immediately try to prevent the other customer's child from looking at a display item (for fear of who knows what?) further soured my impression. What finally did it for me was the peculiar comment she made when I was looking at some kids umbrellas by the register. It was in regards to getting more "boys" or "girls" umbrellas in stock at a later time. That struck me as quite odd and out of place for this day and age to gender label an umbrella that was already fairly neutral. I couldn't browse any further without the salesperson's comments and actions getting on my nerves, so unfortunately for my partner I left them behind with the task to pick out a gift. The products are all great products, but it just felt too much like shopping in a rare antiquities shop. I normally like to support the little neighborhood businesses, but there's no motivating factor to do that here other than my poor planning and need for a last minute gift. read more

I love supporting stores in our neighborhood and have gotten multiple gifts for friend's babies as well as my son here. Every time there is this sense of ... my imposing on the salesperson/owner. For example if looking at the baby clothes, she is very quick to say "oh they're all the same there" like I am creating a mess for her. When I brought my (small) yorkie terrier dog into the store, she was very quick to say "you need to watch your dog, you know". Have never had an experience like this in a store - usually he's being offered treats and given a little too much attention! In any event, that was the last time I'll be visiting that store. read more

If I could give less than one star I would. The owner is so rude and has zero social context. She prides herself on being in retail for 22 years but I was shocked at her attitude. Definitely will not be shopping here again which is too bad because they have some really nice children's clothing. I am so flaberghasted that the owner of the store made our experience so poor. read more

I'm not surprised one bit by the ratings and reviews of this store. Over the weekend I went in with my friend to look for things for my daughter and the owner greeted us as we entered (no one else was in the store) and after greeting us she continued to ease drop on our conversation and yep, you've guessed it, chime in with her two cents. Also to add with her two cents, her comments were rude and just odd. It's so off putting when someone who owns a retail store, just clearly and simply doesn't know how to act. Why isn't it a huge sign that your store has horrible reviews not based on product selection, but the lack of KINDNESS. read more

The proprietor directed me to keep my grandson's stroller only in the center aisle meaning i could not shop except in the middle. When other customers tried to enter she told them she could not take any more customers (there were three of us and a stroller) and to wait outside. My daughter tried to buy a book for $8 and was told her purchase had to be $12 to use a charge card. We put down the book and backed away from this woman. Cute things but i can find a pleasanter place to spend money. read more

What a disappointment. Today I visited this beautiful children's store 9 months pregnant with my husband and 4 year old daughter. The salesperson was extremely unfriendly and treated us like villains for walking into a kids store with .... a kid. I understand children can be difficult and my kid is no saint but I have never felt so horrible in a children's store in my whole life. It's unfortunate because there were so many beautiful items I wanted to buy but left hastily empty handed after only a few moments. Thankfully this is NYC - there are many local stores juts like this right around the corner who would be happy to have my business. My advice... when a pregnant women (your target customer) walks into your store - be friendly, be nice, and SMILE! read more

Never before have I had the inclination to say to someone "What's your damage, Heather?" I came here with my mother over the weekend to shop for some one-of-kind, not your basic kids clothes and toys for my nephew's 1st birthday. The selection here isn't extensive but it's beyond cute and definitely not your run of the mill options. The owner clearly has an eye for style! However, the young lady working the shop didn't greet us when we entered, provided one word responses to our questions, and didn't say thank you when we purchased. Just was really an uncomfortable atmosphere to shop in. She was completely indifferent to our presence. I truly love supporting small businesses, especially when they have such great taste - but the customer service needs to be top notch when you charge $44 for 1-year's tee-shirt. I'll absolutely shop here again and hope to update my review! read more

I wanted to get a pair of pants for my son so I decided to check this place out since I was in the neighborhood. Upon entering, the lady at the register was assisting/chatting with somebody else. She did not greet me and it wasn't until I opened the door to leave did she ask me if I needed help. Their stuff is pretty expensive too. read more

I love supporting small businesses, but the customer service in this place is consistently so disappointing. have struggled into this store so many times with my stroller and the salespeople never open the door or even offer to help with the door even after I have purchased something. Every. Single. Time. It's a baby store and it's damn near impossible to get in with a baby. It is so awkward to struggle with a door and a stroller and have another customer help more quickly than an employee. Also, it's comical that the owner is commenting saying she is sorry that LEGITIMATELY every reviewer had a bad experience, because she has always been unhelpful and unkind as well. If you want people to support your small business and tolerate your inflexible return policy and absurd credit card minimum, you have to at the very, very least show kindness and consideration. This is not a groundbreaking business philosophy. read more

I came here today and with my husband and 3 year old, and the salesperson (owner?) was so incredibly rude, it took my breath away. Ironic that they have a sign on the door that says 'Thank you to our essential workers'. She certainly treated my husband and I, two NYC physicians, pretty badly. read more

Listen to the other reviews there's a reason they have such low ratings on google and on here. Owner or salesperson is beyond rude and unfriendly. Was browsing around with a few other people looking to spend $$$. Was essentially told to hurry up and leave by the lady. Maybe bitter old age.. who knows. But rude and nasty don't spend your hard earned money here. Disgusting read more

This store has the coolest clothes for children! The owner has an impeccable selection of choosing stylish children wear. Cannot recommend this place enough. read more

The clothes are incredibly cute and quite expensive, though not in the zillionaire price range. The proprietor was kind of snooty and not very helpful. If you want to spend a lot of money and know what you want, this isn't a bad place to go. The store website is somewhat helpful. read more

I am a very happy repeat customer! The merchandise is incredibly well selected, offering cool, and adorable clothing for every occasion; stimulating and unique toys; and great inspirational books, highlighting diverse role models, for instance....although CV-19 meant I stayed in the doorway, the shopkeeper listened to my needs and filled them expertly. When she thought an item at her other store BTween,(located across the street) would be perfect, we went there! (And it was just what I had in mind.) support our local businesses, now more than ever! read more

The reviews speak for themselves but just like the sister store B'tween the owner is in the very wrong business. Less than a year ago my nanny took my daughter who is autistic to B'tween and was appalled by their treatment. My nanny unknowingly visited this store and surprise same owner, same disgusting behavior. She told my daughter that the toys weren't for her.... who are you to decide whether or not a toy my daughter has an interest in is appropriate. Do you know how insensitive that is? My question is why is this store still in business? Is this the only answer to not shopping at Amazon patronizing a business that is so incredibly problematic? read more

Great clothing but the women that works there was so rude. She acted annoyed that I brought my child into a children's store. She talked down to me several times and then threw my stuff into a bag. I don't care how cute the clothes are I will never go back again. read more

I went in here to buy a sweet gift for my baby (I'm around 7 months pregnant). There was Some cute merchandise but I agree with the other reviewers - the service was unfriendly and I was made to feel like I was unwelcome. From being asked to leave my nearly empty coffee cup by the counter, to being followed around the store for no apparent reason. It wasn't a pleasant atmosphere and I quickly left! read more

Similar to the other store, B'tween, owned by the same owners, I strongly recommend you avoid this store at all costs. My husband and I have given this store multiple opportunities, despite the owners' behaviors and attitudes on the first occasion (in which they consistently delivered on subsequent visits). Aside from the complete lack of goods, the owners are cold, ignorant, offensive and obnoxious. Do not go here. There are other stores in the area with better options and better service, like Picnic. read more

Very cute clothes, but also expensive. Went here for gifts many times. Unfortunately, my last gift was the wrong size and I was unable to retrieve gift and get it back to store (no gift receipts) before their two week requirement. Even after offering to exchange an item from the same season of equal or LESSER value, I walked out empty handed. If they need to be so thrifty, they might as well resell the dress. I'll find another small store to support. read more

I love supporting small local businesses, and I do so whenever possible, so I was looking forward to being a regular to this store as a new mom. The selection of things is great (a little on the pricey side, but if you're looking for something special, you'll probably find it), but the customer service leaves something to be desired. The salesperson greeted us, but she also aggressively kept asking me what size I was looking for whenever I picked up an item of clothing--every single time. These clothes are for babies, so I'm going to pick up an item of clothing to see what it feels like before I even think about buying it--that's one of the advantages of shopping at a brick-and-mortar store. I wouldn't have necessarily thought anything of the aggression if it hadn't been contrasted by the completely different tone she used with every other customer who came in--a cheerful, friendly, welcoming tone. In the end, my sister and I ended up buying a few items for my daughter, but we left feeling like we wished we hadn't, because the customer service was that crummy. Bummer! read more

This place is cute and I like the sparse curation. That said, I went in for the first time today and found a book I wanted to buy but couldn't because the cashier told me they have a credit card minimum. I'm sorry but that is unacceptable in this day and age. The local coffee places take cards for $5 lattes. I was disappointed and probably won't return since I thought it was pretty lame to turn a customer away because of a credit card minimum. #byefelicia read more