London's best kids' clothes shops

Alongside the cute crocheted toys and retro-inspired accessories the cool, colourful clothing manages to steer the right side of enchanting; who could fail to say, ‘Ahh,’ at the sight of a chubby babe with ‘You are my sunshine’ written on their tummy? The toddler tees include the best-selling stripy design emblazoned with numbers in various bold colourways. B&B does a roaring trade despite only being open 11am-4pm on Saturdays and 9am-3pm to coincide with the Sunday market.

Now more than a decade old with four shops in London and a few scattered around the world from New York to Tokyo, Caramel is a great place to head to for tasteful togs for children, from babies to 12-year-olds. The look is relaxed, but the clothes are well finished in modern, muted colour schemes. While the styles have clearly been inspired by the sturdy clothes of the past, they never submit to full-blown nostalgia. Their Brompton Road store is temporarily closed, but you can find them in Notting Hill and in Selfridges and Harrods. 

Gently Elephant specialises in 'shoes and stuff' with a back wall dedicated to footwear featuring popular brands like Geox, Crocs and Bobux, as well as super cute Froddo Chelsea boots and Hummel slides galore. The small but strong range of clothing includes raincoats, babygros and select pieces by Bob And Blossom.

Always a pleasure to trot around, this children’s shop of many parts has clothes, toys, accessories, toiletries, shoes, books and a hairdressing station (from £19.20). The clothes – think traditional rather than trend-led – are adorable, with print dresses from Chelsea Clothing Company, a wide range of just about everything made in Liberty fabric, and college-style jumpers, trousers and shirts by Thomas Brown. The shoes at the back are Start-rite and the hairdressing station has a large tank of fish to distract the small clients – first-time customers receive a certificate of bravery.

That’s Not Fair aims to put fashion choices in the hands of kids, encouraging them to find their own style and tastes within its incredibly on-point collection. Its well-made pieces are made from genuinely high-quality fabrics with a timeless feel that matches its commitment to sustainability and bucking the trend for disposal fashion. These are ‘fits that your little humans will want to wear for as long as possible – you’ll only be left wishing they came in adult sizes, too.

Tired of dropping cash on clothes that the kids outgrow in the blink of an eye? Head to Farm Kids, the childrenswear charity shop that makes keeping up with growth spurts a lot easier on your bank account. Each item here looks about as good as new, with trusted labels like John Lewis, Marks and Spencer, and Mini Boden spoiling thrifty mums for choice. From baby to eight years, there's plenty for both boys and girls as well as lots of toys, books, prams and a few decent cots. The small shop has a very friendly feel, and is popular with the local yummy mummys with an eye for a bargain. While the Pimlico store is our favourite, there are another ten Fara Kids stores across London.

The stock at So Tiny is playful and fun, and will make your little one elicit even more squeals than they currently do. This is the shop to come for cute and unique hats – we’re talking ones designed like strawberries, stalks and all, and crowns – rock-themed t-shirts showing their already-exquisite taste in riffs, and a whole host of London-centric designs for some hometown repping.

Josiah Amari began life as designer and tailor Maria Castillo’s way of spending more time with her son, but soon expanded into a full-on shop serving the needs of other parents and kids. Castillo aims to offer simple and effortless fashion on an affordable budget that allows children’s individuality to shine without breaking the bank. She does a great line in actually funny t-shirts for youngsters, plus the cutest bags and accessories that you’ll be eyeing up for yourself. Need something sparkly for a special occasion? You’ll also find some very snazzy tutus in stock here to add some pizazz to any party.

All of the items on sale at Leaping Lizards and made in house, so you know they’re made full of the love and care your kids deserve. In the Archway store, you’ll find everything from adorable dungarees and stylish trousers to pyjamas ready to cuddle up in. All of the fabric is natural and sourced from countries around the world, including India, Turkey and Ghana, making their stock limited and very special. They also create a line of adult’s clothes, too, so you can freshen up your wardrobe while you shop for the kids.

Stop by one of Petit Bateau’s London stores and you’ll find yourself in a world of chic childrenswear. Want to dress your tiny human in effortlessly cool Breton stripes? They’ve got you covered. Looking for beautiful floral prints? You’ll find them here. In the market for colourful beach (and sea) ready clothes? Look no further. There’s a whole range of other items ready to be snapped up, too, for every child from newborns to teens.