What is a baby stylist? And do you need one? You may have noticed that celebrity family photos always seem so . . . perfect. WAY beyond the typical holiday photo. We’re talking color-coordinated outfits, fashion-forward accessories, even statement onesies. Enter the new essential member of the household staff: the baby stylist. We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about this new trend in celebrity families, including the cost of a baby stylist, and the best ways to hire one, should the need arise.
What is a baby stylist? And do you need one?
Baby stylist. Two words you may not often consider in conjunction with one another, unless you’re thinking of the one joke from that episode of Friends. But a baby stylist is in fact a real profession, and not something invented for Christina Applegate’s guest starring role on the sitcom.
Here’s what you need to know about the celebrity baby stylist, including what they do, cost and where to hire one.
And though these niche roles may still be a mystery for the masses, they are becoming a more common part of the program for the rich and famous.
You have questions? We have answers.
1. Let’s start with the basics: what is a baby stylist?
Well, first of all, though the term “baby stylist” is often used as something of a catch-all, it can actually refer to a range of different services. And the word “baby” is something of a misnomer; the person being styled is often a small child, rather than an actual baby (though in some cases, it is a baby – think back to the two baby stylists Rihanna had on hand during her Superbowl half-time show, for the styling of her adorable baby son).
But beyond those pesky little details, a baby stylist is ultimately exactly what it sounds like: someone who is hired to curate the appearance of a baby or a child.
Everything you need to know about the world of the celebrity baby stylist.
2. What do baby stylists actually do?
It depends on the situation. When it comes to celebrity clients – like Rihanna, or Beyoncé, or Kim Kardashian – they might have a range of responsibilities, including the styling of the baby or child for public appearances and photoshoots.
Think about it. Celebrities have always lived in the public eye, and never more so than in the age of social media. These days, they are always curating their “brand” or image for a curious eye – and like it or not, for the super famous, their children are a part of that image. It’s not the celebrity’s fault; it’s the fault of the digital age.
By the way, this seems like a good time to mention that baby stylists are not always a separate profession. For your favorite megastars, the people styling are most often regular stylists who also happen to work with children – especially as baby stylists become more common practice, these professionals might have a range of clients of all ages.
Of course, when it comes to us regular folk, there are those who’ve made a name for themselves specifically for their spectacular work styling children.
Take well-known New York-based stylist Jill Rothstein. Though Rothstein does work with adults, her whimsical and wonderful children’s portraits are where her styling skills really shine. For Rothstein, children’s styling was a perfect marriage of her two greatest passions – fashion and children – and the results show in each expressive picture.
Yvadney Davis is another great example. Though she does work with adults, it’s her work with children that brought her to the attention of Bravo TV. The London-based stylist works with kids and teens, working to generate children’s portraits that are true art. Like Rothstein, Davis had a talent for working with children, and a talent for styling – and she decided to combine the two.
After all, celebrities are not the only ones who are interested in picture-perfect portraits of their kids. We all want to preserve the memories of our kids as they grow; and of course, we want to capture our kids at their best. Maybe even better than at their best. These stylists can help.
3. How else can baby stylists help a famous family?
The photos and public appearances are just the tip of the iceberg. Baby and children’s stylists are here to provide their assistance in a wide variety of ways, and it goes way beyond your Instagram page.
These stylists can act as personal shoppers, as wardrobe managers, and as concierges. They can figure out your kid’s back-to-school look, and maybe even curate the aesthetic for their first birthday. Basically, they’re the superheroes we didn’t know we needed.
And for those of us who don’t have to worry about red carpet appearances and Superbowl half-time shows, these might be the areas where we could really use the help of an expert.
4. Where do you go to hire a baby stylist?
Check out The Child’s Stylist. Founder Jessica Stafford created this London-based service in order to provide a luxurious shopping experience for children under the age of sixteen (and – perhaps more importantly – for their parents).
Consider the Luxury Styling Package. This monthly service is designed for those who are looking for regular styling assistance, and it includes consultation, sizing, styling, shopping, shipping, and tailoring. The results include two fully-accessorized outfits each month – perfect for any special occasions or getaways – as well as an inspirational mood board that will help everyone share a vision.
5. How much does it cost?
The Luxury Styling Package is $399 a month – and you’re able to add additional siblings for $300 each.
6. Why do it?
Even if you’re not living in the public eye, there are occasions where you’ll want your children to look their best. Beyond that, time is something we all struggle with these days – and nobody more so than parents of young children. It’s hard enough to shop for clothes for your rapidly-growing little ones, let alone keep up with the latest brands and trends.
These stylists, personal shoppers, and concierge services are here to manage some of the logistics parenthood – so that you have more time to spend together.
7. And it goes way beyond the outfits.
When you look at the services offered by the Miniature Stylist, you’ll see that they offer far more than the styling of individual outfits. There’s wardrobe management – kids grow out of clothes pretty fast! – as well as gift services, and even party planning.
8. This sounds great. Where do I start?
As well as the people we’ve already mentioned, we have two more names to bring to your attention.
Mini Me and Luxury are based in the United Kingdom, and their concierge services begin before the baby is even born. They offer personal shopping, party planning, photography arrangement, and even travel services – traveling with children can be headache, and they are to ease the burden. Reach out for pricing.
If you’re new parents in New York or Chicago, you may want to look into Monica and Andy. They are baby concierges, offering personal shoppers to help you pick out baby’s first wardrobe. They’re also here to provide general assistance – for instance, helping you sign up for CPR and Newborn 101. If you’re a first-time parent, you may be feeling scared and overwhelmed; baby concierges are here to help take care of some details (as well as making sure your baby will always look adorable).
the rise of the celebrity baby stylist, and what it might mean for you
Parenting is already a full-time job. Why make it harder than it has to be? If you have the means to outsource some of these fine details, then a baby stylist may be exactly what you need.
