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Photo courtesy of Coreander's Children's Bookshoppe
Becoming a new parent is an exciting, yet sometimes overwhelming journey. People say it takes a village, and fortunately, Metro Detroit is home to several wonderful businesses and shops that offer support, education, and resources to help make this transition smoother. From baby essentials to wellness spaces, here are some of the top spots where new parents can find the products, services, and community they need…
FOURTH TRI SANCTUARY
23520 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale
Fourth Tri Sanctuary is a haven for parents, named after the challenging fourth trimester, which is the period after a baby is born when parents are adjusting to new routines and recovering from childbirth. Co-founder Melissa Scodellaro shares, “Fourth Tri was created to transform the postpartum journey, offering a sanctuary where mothers and babies thrive together. From prenatal to postnatal and beyond, we provide a holistic experience—movement, mental health support, rest, nourishment, spa, and community—all under one roof. With our unique postpartum experience, we’re pioneering a new model of care and envision expanding this vital support nationwide.” This nurturing space offers a variety of classes, workshops, and support groups focused on mental and physical health for both mothers and babies. Their services include yoga, breastfeeding support, and more, all designed to provide comfort and guidance during the early stages of parenthood. With an emphasis on community, Fourth Tri Sanctuary is helping parents build connections with others who understand the challenges of this transformative time.
MY URBAN TODDLER
2631 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor
My Urban Toddler is a one-stop shop for parents in Ann Arbor, offering a thoughtfully curated retail space. Despite the name, you can find items for newborns through 12-year-olds. Here, you can shop for everything from stylish baby clothing and toys to essentials like feeding supplies and nursery décor, or set up a registry for everything you’ll need upon your little one’s arrival. Parents aren’t forgotten either, with self-care items ranging from luxurious robes to bath products to help you unwind. With over 18 years of experience, My Urban Toddler is an excellent spot to check out, whether you’re expecting, attending a baby shower, or shopping for your kids.
MODERN NATURAL BABY
200 West Nine Mile Road, Ferndale
Modern Natural Baby has been a trusted resource for new parents in Metro Detroit for over 15 years. Owners John and Emily Murray share about their family-owned and operated business: “Over the years, our store has become the premier destination for baby essentials in Metro Detroit and is now the largest baby store in Michigan! We offer everything from cribs and strollers to car seats, clothing, toys, and feeding supplies. Our success is rooted in the loyalty of our customers, who trust us for our high-quality products and the expertise of our dedicated staff. In an era when finding a child passenger safety technician can be challenging, we’re proud to have four CPST-certified staff members at Modern Natural Baby. When you purchase a car seat from us, our experts are here to ensure it’s installed correctly.” For new parents, this added peace of mind is a must. You can find personalized items here too, ranging from bedding and blankets to bows and nursery decor. Modern Natural Baby is a place where parents can find guidance, support, and everything they need to care for their growing family.
COREANDER’S CHILDREN’S BOOKSHOPPE
15118 Kercheval Avenue, Grosse Pointe Park
It’s never too early to instill a love of reading and storytimes. Coreander’s Children’s Bookshoppe in Grosse Pointe Park is a “magical, independent bookstore for children through adults,” says Manager Jennifer Kendall. Catering to all ages, parents can find board and picture books for their littles, and chapter books for older children and themselves. Kendall shares, “Our theater is home to story time and author book readings and signings. The fairy garden welcomes you to a brick paver walk through unique plantings, outdoor seating, and garden sculptures.” While you visit, stop in the cafe for ice cream or find a cozy seat inside the two-story bookshop. It’s a wonderful space for families to lead the way in reading from an early age.
HONEY FOR MOMS
3138 Hilton Road, Ferndale
Honey for Moms focuses on empowering mothers through wellness, community, and self-care. This wellness center offers services such as postpartum care, feeding support, therapy, and even prenatal and postnatal yoga sessions designed specifically for moms. Whether you’re looking for a moment of relaxation or seeking practical advice on balancing motherhood and self-care, Honey for Moms provides a nurturing environment where moms can recharge. There is a collection of groups and classes available, ranging from those with newborns to circles by dads for dads, Red Cross training, and more to offer parents support and community. The curated selection of wellness and parenting support makes it a great place for parents to discover self-care tools and resources.
BORN YOGA
2121 Cole Street, Birmingham
For parents looking to introduce mindfulness and movement into their family’s routine, Born Yoga offers a unique experience. This studio specializes in yoga classes for children, families, and even babies, creating an inclusive environment for all ages, oftentimes for free. Mommy & Buddha Baby Yoga classes are great for those with babies ranging from 2 to 9 months old. These sessions are excellent for strengthening your body and bonding with your baby, all while connecting with other moms, learning about promoting better sleep, and more. When your baby is around 6 months old, moms can participate in Mama & Baby Strength classes, where they’ll spend 45 minutes going through a full body strength and resistance class with baby, focusing on form, breath work, and engaging with your littles. Beyond those, there are classes for parents and caregivers to join with toddlers and children to continue on the yoga journey. Born Yoga is not only a place for kids to learn and grow but also a space for parents to bond with their little ones through physical activity and relaxation.
NATURE’S PLAYHOUSE
777 Livernois Street, Ferndale
Nature’s Playhouse is an all-encompassing spot for families to receive a wealth of support and guidance. The Leadership Team shares, “For 13 years, Nature’s Playhouse has been a cornerstone in the Metro Detroit community, offering a warm and inclusive space for caregivers and their families. We take pride in being a wellness hub that goes beyond traditional support by embracing diversity in all its forms. From counseling to fitness, bodywork, and family enrichment, our services are tailored to meet the unique needs of every family. At Nature’s Playhouse, we are dedicated to uplifting and supporting the experiences of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, People of Color, and LGBTQIA+ as well as those who are neurodivergent. Our space is a safe haven for families from all community intersections and religious backgrounds, no matter what stage of parenting you are in.” From infant movement classes and massages to safety workshops and support groups, Nature’s Playground is great for families. “What sets us apart is our wide range of services, our unwavering commitment to being a trusted safe space for all families, and our strong connections with community partners throughout Metro Detroit. Among our most popular offerings are perinatal mental health counseling, pelvic floor physical therapy, and fitness classes – each designed to empower and support families in their wellness journey.” New parents will find a compassionate and supportive environment where they can focus on their wellness journey while receiving the care and resources they may need.
