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For many parents of young children especially newborns), finding a place where they can meet other parents can be extremely comforting. In Montreal, there are several places that not only serve up food and coffee but also have play areas, sell baby products and even offer help from lactation consultants.
Writer Jenn Hardy with her baby and partner at La Tasse Gamine.
Photo by Jessica Mees
My daughter Amélee was born in the chilly month of February so I didn’t venture far from home in the first couple of months after her birth. But by the time April rolled around, I was ready for a change of scenery, and began planning more excursions with my daughter bundled up with an adorable knitted hat. We went in search of a parent-and-baby cafés, places where families with small tots are welcome to hang out and enjoy some food in an atmosphere where breastfeeding is welcome and little ones feel free to crawl or run around. Here’s what I found.
Belles Mamans
173C Cartier Ave., Pointe Claire
(514) 783-3200.
www.bellesmamans.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sat. and Sun.
At this cheerful centre, parents of newborns and toddlers will find an array of courses and services, along with a delightful café and play area. You don’t need to enrol in a class to visit the café, where you can order coffee, tea, smoothies or juices and snack on light fare like sandwiches and salads. Toddlers can roam about the small play area, set up in the back of the café, where they can try out various toys (including a train set) while parents relax. Belles Mamans offers many different courses and workshops, ranging from prenatal fitness to coping with your baby in the early months. On-site childcare is available for a cost, but must be reserved in advance. For a complete listing of courses, visit www.bellesmamans.ca.
La Tasse Gamine
5658A Parc Ave., Montreal
(514) 439-9950
www.latassegamine.com
Hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Located in Montreal’s Mile End district, La Tasse Gamine is bright, colourful and pretty noisy! The large play area and roomy, open space makes the café perfect for little ones who are becoming experts at walking and running around. In fact, on one visit, I saw little boys speed past my table on small roller bikes, crashing into anything that got in their way. While a large number of parents bring their toddlers to play in the fabric castle and with the miniature basketball hoop, there were also many mothers with their newborns in tow.
There are comfy couches at the back near the bathroom and changing area, which is a great spot to meet and mingle with friends. It was also an ideal location for me to sit and enjoy a cup of tea with my partner while we got a glimpse of what it’s going to be like to parent an active toddler. The café offers a selection of vegetarian fare as well as various teas and coffee. Parents can also purchase products in the small eco-boutique, where they can find cloth diapers, baby carriers and even gently-used clothing. La Tasse Gamine has a fun, friendly and lively atmosphere — but perhaps a little too lively for my 3-month-old, who loves her daytime naps.
Melons et Clémentines
5659 Sherbrooke St., W., N.D.G.
(514) 482-5248
www.melonsetclementines.com
Hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sunday.
This café was founded by two moms who worked with the Nourri-Source breastfeeding support program, so it’s no surprise that you can find not only food and drink but also all kinds of breastfeeding gear at this charming N.D.G. location. The walls are painted a fresh, spring green and the place feels clean, tidy and sleek. The café features vegetarian fare such a wraps and salads along with tea and coffee. There is a play area for toddlers, and the café’s comfy chairs make it a perfect spot to hang out with your baby and a good book. Melons et Clémentines has a large retail area where you can find just about anything a breastfeeding mom might need — nursing bras, pump accessories, clothing, carriers, etc. You can also book an appointment with a certified lactation consultant if you have questions or are having difficulties breastfeeding.
Other baby-friendly cafés
When it comes to grabbing a latté with baby in tow, the mantra “location, location, location” often applies. I’m not as likely to visit a café, no matter how baby friendly, if it means a long trek by metro or car. So here are two other local cafés that welcome parents and tots and may be close to where you live:
Enfant et Compagnie
4687 Lavoisier Blvd., St. Leonard • (514) 327-8484
www.enfantetcompagnie.com
Recreation Funtime
5815, Léger Blvd., Montreal North • (514) 323-4455
www.recreationfuntime.com
