Spit and drool may be unusual motivating factors, but they did the trick for designer Alyssa Kerbel when baby Emerson was born.

Dressing her little girl in funky outfits was fun, but covering them up in tacky bibs wasn’t. So in 2007, Alyssa took her eight years of fashion experience and parlayed them into a new venture called Mini Mioche (mioche means ‘little one’ in French).

Alyssa’s goal is to capture the hearts of parents who relish baby basics with a little personal panache, desire clothes made in Canada, and want fabrics that are friendly to the environment. She does just that with her very popular organic cotton onesies, t-shirts and other tasteful clothing for babies and young children.

Shopping is a breeze when parents step into Mini Mioche’s flagship store on Queen St. West. All items are displayed on easy-to-see bars, cubbies and tables and priced around the $30-40 mark. Little ones are sure to make a beeline to the back of the store where they can scribble on the chalkboard, play with puzzles or watch a movie while mom and dad mull over choices.

Before you leave, remember to pick up some basic bibs to sop up that spit and drool. They’re super soft, adjustable and best of all, there are no tacky patterns to clash with baby’s perfect outfit. 

You’ll be drooling too.