Having seen an explosion in the national birth rate over the past few years, Paris is well-equipped when it comes to all things enfant.

In a city justifiably known for its exquisite children’s fashion, parents face a mind-boggling array of choice. At the top-end, Bonpoint and Tartine et Chocolat are two brands specialising in frills and flounce, creating adult-like styles (think baby boy shirts and beautifully tailored dresses in miniature) at very grown-up prices: a cashmere new-born can set you back €80. Designer babies will be taken care of at Le Bon Marché, where baby brands include offerings from Burberry and Dior. Petit Bateau, well-known internationally, offers a mid-range option and more casual styling with a huge range of good quality cotton onesies, singlets and mini T-shirts in a range of colours from €10. Those seeking a more urban look will find fewer options, thanks to the French fascination with classic kid’s fashion. Try Le Marchand d’Etoiles, a relative new brand selling modern and quirky designs from boutiques in the 7th and 9th arrondissements. Prices range from €15 to €30. Okaidi, with nine stores in Paris, also specialises in original and colourful clothing. Less expensive basics can also be found at Baby Gap and H&M. Six Pieds Trois Pouces and Pom d’Api, both with multiple locations in Paris, sell an eclectic range of beautiful footwear for newborns to teenagers up to 16 years.

When it comes to equipment, megastore Sauvel Natal in the 15th arrondissement offers an enormous range of goods, from cots and prams (including Maxi Cosi, Bugaboo and Peg Perego), to toys, bottles, sterilisers and anything else you may need for your new arrival. Due to its massive purchase power prices here are often less than smaller boutiques. One exception to this rule, however, is La Do Re, a small independent store selling the full range of clothing and equipment at great prices. Service here is personal and well-informed with staff happy to order in stock for a wide range of brands. Better-known company Aubert has multiple outlets around Paris offering coordinated furnishings, clothing and equipment. The store produces extensive catalogues, online purchase options, mail order and gift services. Those on short stays or not eager to accumulate baby goods can hire equipment, car seats and even breast pumps from Natal Services. The store promises same-day delivery within the Ile de France on all goods ordered before 15:00.

When it comes time for nourishment, supermarkets stock a large range of baby foods and formulas with smaller selections available in pharmacies. Blédina and Nestlé are the top brands, producing pureed baby food, soup and cereal mixes and fruit drinks, though they do contain sugar, salt and some additives. Hipp, a German brand available at Le Bon Marché, G20 and Champion supermarkets, provides an organic alternative as does Babybio, an organic line found in many health stores. Carrefour also stocks its own organic brand, Carrefour Bio.

Though baby showers aren’t common cultural practice, most baby boutiques offer registry services known as liste de naissance for baby’s baptism, birthday or welcome-to-the-world gift.