A few Canadian “momtrepreneurs” have stepped up in the baby products world with creative solutions to fulfill the many gaps in the market that only real-life parents are aware of. Bringing their unique perspectives as mothers, they have started companies that champion sustainability, affordability, and baby-safe materials in an industry that is often criticized for being full of high-waste and overpriced products. As Mother’s Day approaches, check out these five mom-run, Canadian baby brands for those looking to buy something for the new moms in their lives.
North Kinder – Sheena Steinbrenner
Using organic and sustainable bamboo fabrics, North Kinder is a clothing brand by designer Sheena Steinbrenner. Designed in Edmonton, Alberta, but ethically manufactured in Vancouver, BC, the Canadian company also prides itself on giving back to the community. Ten per cent of proceeds from the #nklovespeople line is donated to charity. Beyond the comfy and minimalist baby clothes, North Kinder also makes matching versions of their threads for parents.
Beluga Baby – Haley Campbell
Shortly after the birth of her daughter, Haley Campbell launched Beluga Baby, selling functional baby wraps with the perfect amount of stretch and hold. The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certified fabric is a mix of bamboo, cotton, and spandex to ensure a clean manufacturing process. The wraps and swaddling cloths themselves are ethically handmade in British Colombia. Inspired by her role as a parent, Haley continues to look for way to add sustainability to Beluga Baby products and the next step is organic cotton. Beyond running the company, Haley also contributes to the Motherly blog.
LouLou LOLLIPOP – Eleanor Lee and Angel Kho
Twin sisters Eleanor Lee and Angel Kho started LouLou LOLLIPOP with a few teething products in the shape of sprinkles-covered donuts and ice cream cones. Since then, they have expanded their line of fun, candy-coloured teethers in food-safe silicone with more cute and high-quality products, including clothing, bibs, and bedding in soft fabrics like environmentally friendly Tencel and organic cotton. Coincidentally, the rest of the Richmond, BC-founded company is made up of mothers as well!
Beeja May – Christine Trinh and Simon Tan
Started in 2019 by husband-and-wife team Simon Tan and Christine Trinh, Beeja May was a side project for the new parents before it blossomed into a full-time endeavour. Countering the fast-fashion tendency in kids’ clothes, Beeja May is an online shop for buying and selling second-hand clothes and more. The sustainable Toronto-based company diverts gently used items from ending up in landfills and saves parents from having to shell out for clothes that their offspring are quick to grow out of.
YoungLUX – Lily Perry
Scandinavian-inspired design and eco-friendly materials are the two pillars of YoungLUX, a tableware company for kids. The minimalist, non-toxic, and popular brand was started by Lily Perry five years ago. The Montreal-founded brand is now sold all over North America and offers attractive, durable, and easy-to-clean dining sets made of bamboo fibre as well as silicone bibs and reusable straws.
Rose Ho | Staff Writer
