Ec Baby & Kids Multiples Group
Eco Baby & Kids is a bright, warm oasis in The Collection at Vanderbilt. Drop by in the morning when children and mothers are gathering for a “moms of multiples” gathering and you’ll find babies and toddlers playing in the comfortable lounge area while moms discuss all things baby. Experience is the best teacher and these moms are happy to share how they deal with everything from morning sickness to their favorite local pediatrician. The bond between the women is immediate–even before first names are traded, moms are chatting about the highs and lows of motherhood.
This is what makes Eco Baby & Kids such a rewarding experience for owner Kim Meador. The business opened in 2011 as a diaper service and quickly grew as Meador realized how much more she could offer the community. The store is now not just a retail resource for “all things natural and eco-friendly” but also has become a community where moms and dads can find support, make friends and find the resources they need to be better parents.
Filling A Need
Kim brought her background in the hospitality industry to Eco Baby. During her many years working in hotels, with a cruise line, and as a membership director for private clubs, Kim always knew she wanted to own a business. Eco Baby grew out of Kim’s experience with cloth diapers when her twins were infants. Dealing with constant diaper rash problems, she turned to cloth diapers and quickly became a convert. At that time there was no diaper service in the area. Eventually, Kim and her husband Michael filled that need and started the diaper service that paved the way for the retail store/community center that now exists.
Kim’s four employees are allowed to bring their children to work and it’s not uncommon to have your purchase rung up by a mom wearing her infant in a sling. Kim knew that hiring her own customers was a wise business move–these are mothers who have used the products and can speak from experience about everything from breastfeeding to cloth diapering.
Free Events & Support Groups
Many of the store’s events and meetings are free, including a weekly story time, parents of multiples meetings and special events like the birthing options seminar (see side bar).
Eco Baby & Kids carries a variety of wraps and baby carriers, and you can be fitted by one of the store’s certified babywearing instructors). A certified lactation consultant is on staff to help prepare pregnant moms well as help new mothers deal with any issues. On the retail end, the store offers educational toys, cloth diapers and accessories, breastfeeding supplies, nursing bras, essential oils, and more.
For More Information:
Eco Baby & Kids 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 150, Naples (239) 596-2661
wwww.ecobabyandhome.com