Okay my yummy mummies, here is one of my golden tips for you. I started to have a mild panic attack mid-pregnancy about all the things I would need to buy for little AG. I didn’t know who to turn to for the best advice on what exactly I needed, and what the best products were. Was the best baby swing essential? What kind of crib do I need? What material does my changing mat need to be? It was all a bit overwhelming! The thought of going back and forth to Peter Jones a million times completely overwhelmed me. On top of this, I was lucky enough to be having a baby shower in the states and I needed to set up a gift list here in the UK (if you haven’t already found this out baby showers are not a popular thing over here.)
SO, I did some research. I called my husband and said “There’s this great service, we have to try it, it’s called the Baby Concierge.” The first thing out of his mouth was “That sounds expensive.” Well, we booked an appointment, and sat down with a lovely gal in their showroom, and she went through every single product (from prams to bottle warmers) and together we all chose the product that would suit us best, and was highly recommended by other mums. We literally did all of our baby shopping while sitting and having tea and biscuits (perfect for when you are preggers.)
I also was able to set up a gift list and all my friends and family back home were able to order from the list. What I didn’t get as gifts, we purchased on our own. Here’s one of my favorite parts- everything was delivered at the SAME TIME on the day I chose! I know that each year new products come out and more things are discovered that are better for babies, luckily I can check out these annual baby gear reviews online and then make my choices from there. I seriously need the extra help as you can tell!
I joke that my hubby is now the Baby Concierge spokesman, and will tell you how fantastic the service is to any one who will listen. AND, as far as prices go, the fee to sit down with a consultant is £120, and you get 50% of that back if you spend more than £500 (which you will if you do all your shopping through them.) Plus, the prices are not any more expensive than what you would get at John Lewis. Another plus: they can source pretty much anything you want. (I had to have the Chocolate Cake Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag, and they got it for me!)
Their helpfulness has continued- I have called them several times to say “Help! I need a travel cot!” or “Can you recommend a cute sling to go with a cocktail dress!?” and they have sent things over within the week!
Finally, don’t be put off by the website, its not as high-tech as big department store, but it does not affect the services in anyway.
Ok, thats it! Call them! Caroline, Lisa, Jaimee are there waiting for your call!
Anonymous says
Best money I ever spent was doing that appointment. Hard to complain about baby shopping when I did all my baby shopping in an hour and a half while sitting down and sipping a cup of tea. Brilliant!
Anonymous says
I have to echo everything which has been said so far- baby expected in a few weeks and Baby Concierge was my saviour. A further tip for City AGs – I was able to get a corporate discount which meant that my consultation, after purchase, cost me a mere £20 !! When you consider I had nearly 3 hours of undivided attention with a woman who not only makes knowing baby kit her profession but also is a Mom herself, its a pretty amazing service.
An American Girl in Chelsea says
Hi Anonymous! Glad you were able to get everything you need through the BC. Good luck on your delivery! Is this your first Mini? Cheers! xx
Anonymous says
Another Fabulous Company is called Baby List I went with them and Anita the owner is just great! Could not have dont it with out them. x
Anonymous says
Hi, I'm also an American from NYC in London. I initially tried to do my whole list through John Lewis but found it hard to book appointments and get quick follow-up questions answered. Was so happy to find Baybiz – http://www.baybiz.co.uk/ Hayley was fantastic – emailed her on a weekend with inquries and within 1 hour she'd responded and we had an appointment set up. And her advice was really value-added – for example, we were ready to go with an expensive travel system pram but after listening in detail to our lifestyle (buses, buses and mores buses) she encouraged us to go with a less expensive but more convenient pram. Great service – such a relief!
Good luck to all soon-to-be moms. I'm just about 37 weeks and so nervous/excited!
Shara says
I’ve just moved to the UK from NYC and am 18 weeks pregnant. My shower is in the US in May and I was so excited to read about Baby Concierge! But their website is down…it looks like they may have closed their business. Do you know if that’s true? Otherwise have any of your friends used Babylist or Baybiz?
Thanks!
Christy Osborne says
Hi Shara. Yes, unfortunately Baby Concierge closed, but there is now Crux Baby which a friend of mine started. http://www.cruxbaby.co.uk
Also you should check out Mermaid Matenrity when you get here. It’s amazing! http://www.americangirlinchelsea.com/mummy-me-this-is-why-you-should-book-in-at-mermaid-maternity/