It's not my normal territory, you know, Mothercare. Because I'm not a mother, and I don't really…read morecare, which generally absolves me from ever needing or feeling the urge to go into this shop. This all changed the other day, when my brother and his wife had their first child, a beautiful little girl called Peggy. I started to care. I understood what this care thing is about, and I became a mother. As I said it all changed. No wait... I just cared, I didn't become a mother. So anyway,now ticking one of the boxes, I entered Mothercare alongside my brother, to buy a Moses basket and some other baby related items? I always assumed (not that admittedly I thought about it much) that Mothercare was just a big impersonal superstore, much like a massive Sports shop, where essentially you would be left to your own devices, and things would be scattered around everywhere just waiting for the recession to seal the last nail in it's coffin. But actually it was not. Inside, it was surprisingly tidy and well kept, and the store assistants were empathetic and friendly to new, anxious mothers and fathers, as well as enthusiastic and helpful. As well as baby clothes, Mothercare is a prime place to get all your practical motherly/fatherly hardware, such as prams (which are on display like cars in a showroom), mobiles, cots, and nursing bras. I wouldnt recommend this shop as a cool place to hang out (obviously), but I would to mothers and fathers who want a serious shop for their little ones, and a friendly face to help them do it.

This Mothercare is situated in the lower level of Churchill square, near ELC and a discount toy…read morestore. It always seems very jam packed with stock to me. Good displays of highchairs, pushchairs and cots etc so you can have a good look see before buying. Products also sold are toddler's clothes, shoes, toys and a small selection of books. This shop also provides a very valuable free service of a changing and feeding room at the back of store, free to use with running water, nappy disposal and discreet area to breast feed. There was until recently an Olan Mills photo studio in this store which closed in December 2008 due to financial difficulties.

Jo Jo Maman Bebe is a pretty typical baby-themed shop. Racks of baby clothing, ranging from onesies…read moreto fancy dress coats at fairly expensive prices. Basic outfits ran from 12 - 18 each. A tiny hat was 4, and some knit booties were 10. Also available are toys and books; including several bath toys and accessories. Jo Jo offers a maternity section at the back of the shop, including breastfeeding bras, pyjamas and casual attire. Along the ground was a comfy-looking body pillow. I remember when my younger sister was pregnant, she was always looking for one of those...Maybe next time. In summary, I wasn't overly impressed with this shop. There wasn't anything unique about it, and things were a tad pricey.

Jojo Maman Bébé makes me so homesick for France- the cute name, the window displays with french…read morecursive writing, all the lovely babies clothes in practical shapes and striped fabric! They have brilliant cashmere babies clothes and hats that I want in my size. And the maternity wear is so reasonably priced and good quality! This is the perfect place to stock up on good maternity basics- skirts, trousers, t-shirts in every length and colour that you could need to get you through nine months of bellydom. They have all sorts of practical baby things as well- blankets, mobiles, toys, diaper bags. I checked out their website after I went in to see the quality and was so impressed by the even larger range of goodies online, I happily ordered a gift for my friend to be sent to her door.

I've been really disappointed on my last couple of visits to Mamissima, not by the shop itself, but…read moreby the attitude of the staff. If you are going to run a high end boutique with high end prices, the service has got to match, but on both my visits I haven't even been acknowledged on entering. I could understand this if the shop was busy and other customers were being dealt with, but on both occasions I have been the only person here! The shop assistant (owner?) has either had her head in paperwork or been too pre-occupied with her mobile phone. Although I've had a browse, I've never been inspired to make a purchase as the atmosphere is so unwelcoming. The products themselves are lovely, although quite often overpriced, and would make a nice treat, but with this attitude it's just not going to happen. With Jojo Maman Bebe just around the corner, whose staff are always so welcoming and friendly, I know where I'll my spending my cash in the future.

Mamissima is a lovely one-stop-shop for baby and maternity wear. Both sections featured high…read morequality, though a little pricey, clothing in many styles and sizes. Baby sleepers were between £19 - £25, for example, and the tiny but cosy winter hats were around £18. Maternity clothes actually looked fashionable, which is a plus, and included a range of maternity jeans. The front of the shop contained baby toys and equipment : snuglies, mobiles, stuffed animals, etc...all looking to be of nice, long-lasting quality.

Great for ideas as to what to buy for a new Mum or baby. There is a fair sized maternity wear…read moresection discreetly positioned in the middle of the store but screened so that not everyone sees people looking at it. They have a nice selection of nursery furniture but it is horrendously expensive! I'm sure it's cheaper at Toys r us! The products they sell always seem seasonal, so in Autumn they sell all autumn colours (including autumn coloured buggies etc). Baby clothes are cute but not that large a selection. There is a decent sized car park behind the store but it is hard to park in as it is free so some people park there to go shopping elsewhere, not good. A really good place to start looking for baby stuff if you do not have the first idea where to begin.

I am so excited they are opening a new branch in may! I hear it's going to be a fantastic shop in…read moresuperb location easy to reach as it's just across from baker street tube station. I fully recommend the trip!

I am 8 months' pregnant and wandered in last week. There was a tv crew filming a maternity fashion…read morestory despite their need for quiet, the staff helped me find stuff and made me feel at home. I bought a cute dress that fits well and will last beyond the pregnancy. I recommend giving this store a try if you need some maternity gear.

This branch is fairly big and well stocked. They have a changing room for babies and a place to…read morefeed too. The cothes on offer are good quality and range from birth to 7 or 8. They have a maternity clothes area with a good selection of items in all sizes. Aswell as the normal pushchairs and cots, they have nappies and bottles and even books! A great store and the staff are lovely.