The protests and activism against the murder of George Floyd and others have prompted various conversations about how families can foster antiracism and representation at home. One way is by supporting Black businesses that do just that.
Along with consistently reading your children books that promote representation and equality and having open and honest conversations about race, parents can also support Black-owned baby and kids businesses.
From adorable baby clothes that you'll want to add to your registry ASAP to businesses that are determined to give little ones more representative toys, there are many Black-owned baby and children's brands to consider. Read ahead to see a list of some of the brands we love.
After reading a study on how Black girls think that white dolls are prettier, Dr. Lisa, the founder of The Fresh Dolls, launched her own inclusive line.
"I knew then and there, that I had to change my life's focus. What I once thought was success, no longer motivated me," says The Fresh Dolls website. "There was no way I could sit comfortably behind my desk as our young girls believed the lie that their skin tone was not beautiful."
Geared towards kids 3 and up, The Fresh Dolls Curly Hair Fashion Doll MIA Shimmer Dress ($18) is certainly ready for the runway.
With a soft body, the Positively Perfect Curly Afro Puffs Baby Doll ($26) is the perfect companion for bedtime.
Coco'Pie founder and CEO Shantae Pelt started her company with the goal of representation in mind in 2011. Dedicated to giving her daughter more options of clothing with Black girls on it, her brand was born.
"Our goal at Coco'Pie Clothing is to show black girls how beautiful they are by placing their awesomeness front and center on our shirts!" says its website. "As a family run apparel company, we understand how much representation matters and want it to be normal for black girls to see images of themselves in a positive way, every day."
Your little bundle of joy will love snoozing in this comfy — and incredibly adorable! — Coco Baby Mikayla Long Sleeve Onesie ($23). FYI: there are other color options on the site!
We're obsessed with this graphic Power Puffs Pink Lips Tee ($24).
Truly works of art, each creation from HarperIman Dolls is entirely handmade and geared toward little ones ages 3 and up. Parents can choose from gorgeous clothing patterns, skin tone, and various hair textures, making your doll truly one of a kind.
Standing between 18 and 20 inches tall, the Jess Handmade Tea Party Doll ($110-$128) has legs that bend and comes with a colorful bodysuit. Be sure to allow some lead time before you place your order, as most dolls take about a month to make!
The Lexi Handmade Keepsake Doll ($98-$148) comes with a colorful outfit and headband.
Designed by a father with his two sons in mind, KaAn's Designs is known for its family fashion and sweet kids' clothing.
The entire family can get in on the fun with this Bae Matching Collection ($28).
Your little one can tell it how it really is without being able to speak thanks to this Short, Dark & Handsome T-Shit For Babies ($8).
Located in Oakhurst, GA, Brave + Kind Bookshop founder Bunnie Hilliard offers kids a variety of diverse reading options. Thankfully, parents can also shop online even if they don't live in the area!
Parents can buy the beautifully illustrated Bedtime Bonnet by Nancy Redd ($18) and have it shipped to their home.
Kids can help Ada, a budding scientist, answer questions like, "How high can a balloon float?" and "Is it possible for Uncle Ned to float into outer space?" with an Ada Twist Gift Set ($30).
Keewa and her husband Doug launched Kido Chicago together to celebrate their beautiful blended family.
We're obsessed with the pattern on this Red Grid Romper ($50) that's perfect for the warmer months!
Get the message across with a little help from your baby with this Vote Onesie ($23).
Typical Black Tees, a Black-owned family business, creates pro-Black and antiracist clothing for both kids and adults.
Available in a slew of sizes, the Abolish White Supremacy Kids Shirt ($24) is a must buy.
This playful Black/Brown Girls Can Do Anything Kids Fringe Dress ($23) definitely gets the positive message across.
Dr. T. Nichole Phillips, founded HBCU Pride & Joy with her sister, LaShanta, in 2012. HBCU stands for "historically black colleges and universities," and Nichole and LaShanta were inspired to make their own line after they realized that "there was nothing out there that reflected our desire for cuteness and quality."
This Future HBCU Graduate T-Shirt ($15) is available in tons of color combos!
Available in a wide range of sizes, parents can score an "HBCU Kids Rock" Pride Tee ($10) for their future college graduates.