What To Do On A Day Out In Edinburgh With A Baby

A little bit of retail therapy is a perfect activity for a day out. Visiting some of Edinburgh’s chic independent baby boutiques is a great way to get some new clothes for your ever-growing tot, find unique gifts for other parents and treat yourself to some lovely homeware for an Instagram-worthy baby room.

One of our favourite baby shops in Edinburgh is Jo Jo Maman Bebe in Morningside (just a stone’s throw from the studio), offering a fab range of baby products. Also close by is The Edinburgh Baby Co in Marchmont, stocking organic clothes, reusable nappies and gorgeous wooden toys. We’re also big fans of Treehouse Childrenswear (over in Stockbridge) as it sells cute and understated baby clothes as well as haircuts for kids.

Taking your little one to classes designed to stimulate their senses and strengthen the bond you share is always a win. From baby art classes to baby swimming, Edinburgh has a class for everyone.

Swim classes are offered by the likes of Water Babies and Turtle Tots, both of which have multiple locations around Edinburgh. Baby swimming is a fun family activity that teaches tots to feel safe and confident in the water. It could even improve cognitive functioning, coordination and balance. 

Joy Tots in Leith offers baby classes ranging from sensory disco to baby massage as well as hosting free storytime and sing sessions weekly. They also have a cute cafe perfect for socialising with other parents and a fenced-in play area for the wee ones. Meanwhile, Knot Stressed Therapies in Abbeyhill offers baby yoga classes designed to relax mums and babies. They also have a number of therapy services that support your postnatal recovery.

Even if you’ve lived in Edinburgh your whole life, chances are you’re not overly familiar with many of the best attractions our beautiful city has to offer. That’s why your parental leave is a great chance to take in some of Edinburgh’s attractions during the workday when they’re not as busy. 

The Botanic Gardens are a great destination for a leisurely stroll on sunny days. Despite what you might think, even Edinburgh Castle is very doable with a buggy, with much of the castle offering wheelchair access. 

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is generally quieter than the one on The Mound, which makes it a good destination for a day out with baby. It has a bright and airy cafe, quirky exhibitions and a main hall lined with benches and beautiful murals perfect for quiet contemplation or mealtime for the wee one. Because entry is free, it’s a great place to nip into if you’re walking past and your baby is napping. 

Being a new parent can get lonely, which is why it’s important that you take care of yourself and get out of the house to meet other parents. Something like a baby boot camp class is a great way to get in shape, get some fresh air and meet other people with babies. Many local parks in Edinburgh host classes – you can find one near you with a simple Google search.

There are also plenty of cute little cafes in Edinburgh perfect for a mummy date. Some of our favourites include Butterflies in Marchmont (some pretty good scones!), Toots Play Cafe in Cameron Toll and the Summerhall Cafe on the edge of the Meadows. All of these cafes have a good selection of toys and lots of space for prams. You can use apps like Bumble BFF, Mush and Meetup.com to find likeminded parents to meet up with to talk about the wins and challenges of parenthood.

What better way to spend a day out in Edinburgh than creating beautiful memories with your little one and getting some pictures taken? You’ll be surprised at how quickly your baby grows into a confident little toddler, so capturing their baby’s first year with some professional help is a great way to preserve your precious memories forever.

Blue Sky Photography offers a warm and inviting studio in Edinburgh’s leafy Morningside. We’re experienced in capturing timeless, tranquil shots with no gimmicks that allow your little one’s unique personality to shine through. As mums, we know how important it is to create a safe and inviting atmosphere which is why we take great care to get babies and parents relaxed. 

A professional baby photoshoot is also a great chance to get some beautiful prints for your home or for family and friends, easily taking care of Christmas and birthday gifts. A photography experience or a membership to our Blue Sky Babies Club would also make a great gift for new parents. 

If you’d like to find out whether Blue Sky Photography is the right option for you, read our guide to selecting your perfect baby photographer in Edinburgh. You can also check out some more of our baby photography online and if you’d like to book a consultation with us, simply drop us a line.