25 Adorable Black-Owned Brands for Babies and Kids
Systemic racism unfortunately still runs deep in this country, but there’s a lot Americans can do to help—including carefully choosing where they spend their money. If you’re on the hunt for new clothes, gear or toys for your little one, check out these Black-owned baby brands, which make innovative and chic products for young kids. From baby book subscriptions to curated gift boxes fit for any baby shower, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Looking for toys and books to help boost baby’s development? Check out the brands below, which will not only help baby grow, but also teach them about the importance of representation from an early age.
Linen keepsake dolls
Harperlman Dolls was founded by mother-daughter duo Cynthia Watkins and Kathryn Burnett in 2017. The brand specializes in handmade, linen keepsake dolls that are all unique, offering representation in both skin tone and hair texture. What’s more, each individual doll wears a sweet outfit that’s been thoughtfully created from a combination of new and vintage fabrics.
Diverse puzzles, art supplies and more
Created by husband-and-wife team Matthew and Marnel Goins, Puzzle Huddle allows kids of color to be represented in the puzzles they play with. Suitable for toddlers, preschoolers and big kids alike, each jigsaw comes in several size options to stimulate your little learner. Plus, the brand also offers art supplies, coloring books, pillows, throw blankets and more. Gifting for the little one in your life just got easier, thanks to Puzzle Huddle!
STEM-inspired toys
The Brown Toy Box aims to normalize Black excellence and promote possible future career pathways for Black children. To achieve this, the brand creates enriching play kits that champion STEAM education, cultural representation and educational play. Each of their gift boxes contains a book on a Black trailblazer, a hands-on activity, a toy and other fun content.
Diverse monthly book subscription
This bookshop, located in Decatur, Georgia, curates a unique selection of diverse, classic and artful stories for young readers. Here, you can avail of several monthly subscriptions that are curated for children based on their age. Even better, you can count on this book club from infancy all the way through your kiddo’s teenage years.
Multicultural dolls
The Fresh Dolls was created by Dr. Lisa, a mom and former professor, who strives to create dolls that inspire young African American girls to see the beauty in their own skin tones. The brand offers an array of fashionable, collectible and plush dolls that little ones are sure to love. The Fresh Dolls has even collaborated with Disney and Marvel, so your kiddo can play with their favorite characters from Black Panther and The Proud Family. By encouraging imaginative play based on equal representation, the brand aims to create a more diverse and equitable society.
Natural-hair dolls
Deedee Wright-Ward created Naturalistas, a line of contemporary natural-hair dolls, to uplift and celebrate kids with coily, curly and naturally textured hair. The mission? To encourage every kid to “be proud of their crown.” When browsing the brand’s offerings, you’ll find fashionable dolls, hairstyling heads and more, all designed to inspire joy and self-love during playtime.
It’s no secret that baby will go through plenty of clothing as they grow over the coming months. Dress them up in one of the many adorable options from the brands below, all of which effortlessly combine fashion, function, comfort and representation.
Representative apparel
Founded by Debra Raney, a mother and a grandmother, this marketplace is dedicated to representing the diversity and beauty in children. Little Muffin Cakes sells products that empower kids of color through representation in everyday baby essentials, like loveys, burp cloths, changing pad covers, quilts, gift sets and so much more.
Supportive baby shoes
Tippy Tot Shoes is proud to create footwear that builds a strong foundation for healthy feet. The designs feature hard bottoms to help provide extra support and protection against wobbly ankles and flat-footed steps. From vintage-inspired oxfords to classic walkers, the brand offers stylish options for every little walker.
Family-run kids’ clothing brand
Shantae Pelt initially started Coco’Pie Clothing to give her two girls shirts they could wear with pride and see themselves represented in. This family-run brand continues to celebrate what it means to be Black and beautiful with onesies, tees, sweatshirts and accessories.
Minimalist baby and toddler clothes
Shennel Fuller founded Miles and Milan after she became pregnant and was searching for on-trend, minimalist apparel for her little one. As a result, this baby brand provides parents with basics that are fuss-free, playful, timeless and gender-neutral. With options for infants, toddlers and big kids, you can count on Miles and Milan to be a staple in your kiddo’s closet for years to come.
Handmade, organic infant wear
All clothing and accessories by Yinibini Baby are handmade, so they’re a great option for parents who value local, thoughtfully crafted designs. The apparel also uses illustrations to tell a story and are made from domestically sourced organic cotton and cotton fabrics. On their site, you’ll find cute gift ideas, including diverse books, sweet room decor and cute playthings as well.
Artistic online boutique
This Black-owned brand is the brainchild of Doug, a visual artist, and Keewa, a performing artist. Kido Chicago’s online boutique offers everything from kids’ apparel and footwear to toys, books and activities, making it a one-stop shop for all things gifting.
Matching family outfits
KaAn’s Designs is a Black-owned baby brand that makes adorable apparel for millennial parents and their little ones. Some favorites on their site include their too-cute “newbae” onesies and matching T-shirt sets for the whole family. Plus, you’ll be able to find an array of other sweet apparel options for infants, toddlers, kids and even adults.
Whether you’re looking for diapers, diaper bags, maternity skincare, postpartum recovery essentials, teethers or something else, these Black-owned brands have you covered.
Luxury baby essentials
Started in 2011 by Shaye Damus, the brand offers a sweet selection of kids’ clothing, accessories and gifts with fine details such as hand-smocked embroidery, appliques and more. In recent years, the brand has presented its collections at both New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week. If you’re looking to create a luxe nursery for your little one, you’ll also be able to find chic cribs, timeless dressers and other furniture options here.
Organic baby diapers
Founded by Nadiyah Spencer, this Black- and woman-owned diaper brand uses bold prints and inclusive art that showcases Black, Brown and Asian American and Pacific Islander babies. With its powerful prints, TinkyPoo teaches that diversity and inclusion should be the standard from a very young age. Along with its powerful message, the diapers are also made from plant-based and sustainable materials, are breathable and include a wetness indicator.
High-quality family essentials
Darlyng & Co. creates aesthetically charming and toxic-free baby products with functional design and high-quality materials. In particular, the brand specializes in baby and kids’ hair and skin care products, such as nourishing hair oils, moisturizing shea butters and soothing eczema creams.
Curated baby gifts
Stina & Mae was founded by Mishell, a mother herself, who aims to create a positive impact on the world in part by creating safe, comfortable infant gear. This baby brand offers organic cotton nursing pads, washable wipes, colorful bibs and blankets and curated gift boxes perfect for a virtual baby shower. Plus, Stina & Mae focuses on creating partnerships with organizations that help aid families in need.
Natural care for the whole family
Founded in 2003 by Olowo-n'djo Tchala, Alaffia endeavors to redefine the industry of natural care products by championing beauty, equality and empowerment. On their site, you’ll find an array of cleansers and lotions for the whole family, ranging from kids’ bubble baths, shea butters, curl-enhancing leave-in conditioners, Authentic African Black Soap bars and so much more.
Ghanaian-inspired baby items
The Rooted Baby Co. was founded by Alfreda Abena after becoming a mother. Her purpose? To share her roots and love for Ghana with her son. The brand offers bibs, swaddles, teethers, mealtime essentials and more—all handcrafted with authentic African print fabric—to spread and celebrate her country’s rich heritage. If that’s not all, curated gift boxes are also available so you can easily share the brand’s beautiful offerings with your loved ones.
Inclusive skincare brand
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade launched Proudly in 2022. It provides clean and functional baby care products specifically formulated to nourish all shades of melanated skin. The goal? To uplift, inspire and empower communities of color, as well as give back to underserved communities. Wipes, baby lotion, diaper cream and all-over balm are just a few of the products this brand offers.
Supportive postpartum must-haves
Co-founders Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia A. Cole created Fourth Phase when they realized there was a lack of attention being paid to the emotional and physical recovery of new moms after childbirth. Created by moms, for moms, Fourth Phase specializes in afterbirth care gift boxes for women in their fourth trimester. Each box includes products to support new moms’ emotional and physical recovery that are non-toxic and sustainably sourced.
Tasty lactation supplements
Registered nurse, lactation consultant and mom Krystal Nicole Duhaney struggled with her milk supply after returning to work. Looking for more resources for breastfeeding parents in the same situation, she founded Milky Mama as a solution. She developed her now highly popular—and effective—lactation cookie recipe by using her knowledge as a registered nurse and a baker. Since its launch, Milky Mama has expanded to also offer lactation brownies, teas, smoothies and more, all to make breastfeeding a bit easier on new moms.
Maternal self-care products
Created by Raquel Roxanne Nowak, Matrescence is a brand that focuses on “mothering the mother” with self-care products designed to support maternal and postpartum wellness. The brand offers everything from facial cleansers to serums to body care during pregnancy.
Luxe party supplies
Cȏtier was founded by Marx & Amber Succés to celebrate life’s biggest moments. The brand offers unique and memorable party and gift products, such as a mimosa bar kit and on-theme games. Whether you’re planning a baby shower, a bridal shower, a wedding, a birthday or any holiday in between, Cȏtier has got you covered.
Atlanta-based baby gear boutique
Happy Mango was created in 2009 by founder Phnewfula Frederiksen. The shop specializes in sustainable products to support expectant parents throughout pregnancy and beyond. This eco-friendly store is based out of Atlanta, but you can also find their offerings on their online boutique. Here, you’ll find strollers, car seats, cribs, swaddles, diaper bags, personalized gifts and so much more, from top brands like UPPABaby, Babyletto and Doona.
About the writer:
Nehal Aggarwal is an editor at The Bump, where she writes about all things pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. In her role, she’s written and edited robust articles on all those wacky pregnancy symptoms, how to encourage baby’s development and the best baby brands to support. Spanning a seven-year career in digital content and media—five of which have been at The Bump—she’s passionate about providing readers with thorough and trustworthy content that makes daily life easier to navigate and helps them embrace their journeys with confidence.
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