Berlin’s department stores are all well stocked for kids’ clothes from desirable international brands (there’s even Armani Junior in KaDeWe), but the best finds are undoubtedly in the specialist boutiques off the tourist path. One of the most quirky is Dollyrocker in hip Friedrichshain, where Gabi Hartkopp and Ina Langebruch use recycled fabrics to make their psychedelic garments; each funky, colourful piece for kids aged 0 to 7 is a one-off. More urban clothes are available at C 37, which stocks Paul Frank among its range of streetwear fashion and accessories. At the exclusive end of the scale, Petite Boutique’s tiny corduroy trousers and tweed skirts will make instant sophisticates of your offspring.

Doudou mixes traditional – lederhosen from Bavaria – with modern labels, such as Pèpè and Doré Doré.

Kleine Schritte makes shoe shopping for kids fun (it can test out its footwear by trampling over stones, nutshells or grass), while Der Kinderschuh (030 2123 9885) has a vast range that includes galoshes and slippers.

Kids’ clothes in Berlin don’t come cheap so if you’re on a budget, scope out the plentiful second-hand stores that include, or specialise in, children’s wear. Bullerbü is one of the best and has three shops across the city, with a full range of used clothes, toys and equipment for children of varying ages.