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Our Story

Our Story: A Dream Built on Heart & Inclusion

Crosby Babies began with a simple but powerful belief: that play should be free, safe, and joyful—without barriers, without judgment, and without the overwhelm.

For our founder and CEO, Nina Jones, this vision is personal. With a background as a teacher and her own lived experience as a woman with ADHD, Nina understands firsthand how the environment affects our well-being. She knew that for a space to be truly nurturing, it had to be designed with "every brain" in mind—creating a calm, regulated atmosphere where imagination can thrive without the chaos.

Play Has No Age

At Crosby Babies, we’ve done away with rigid restrictions because we believe play has no age. Whether a child is exploring their very first sensory bin or an older sibling is getting lost in a world of make-believe, our doors are open. Play is a journey, not a milestone, and everyone is invited to join in.

A Sanctuary for Grown-Ups, Too

Nina’s mission wasn’t just to build a playground for children, but a sanctuary for the adults who care for them. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, childminder, or carer, we know you need a space to exhale.

  • Find Your Village: Connect with a welcoming community of like-minded people.

  • Enjoy Your Bubble: Or simply sit back in our calm, boutique environment and enjoy a moment of peace while your little one leads the way.

From a Dream to a Community

What started as a dream of a more compassionate way to play has grown into the Crosby Babies Stay & Play Café. Now settled in our own community building in the heart of Sefton, we’ve created a space that is "designed for all and loved by many."

By limiting our seating and keeping our baby and toddler-led areas at the front, we ensure the café stays relaxed and never feels overcrowded. We rotate our toys and themes regularly, so there is always a fresh spark of imagination waiting for you.

Anything is Possible

We are proof that when you build with heart and a commitment to inclusivity, anything is possible. We invite you to come as you are, stay as long as you like, and rediscover the joy of a space made truly for everyone.

 

A Message from Nina

I’ve had this dream ever since I had my eldest. For a long time, I’ll be honest—I didn’t believe in myself. I never felt like I truly "fit" in the jobs I had or the places I worked. I was always looking for a space that didn't exist yet.

As a woman with ADHD and a former teacher, I knew how it felt to be overwhelmed by the world. I knew what it was like to crave a space where my own sensory needs were embraced, rather than ignored. I wanted a place where imagination had room to breathe, and where every child—regardless of their "wiring"—could just be themselves.

But most of all, I wanted a place where parents and caregivers could finally exhale. I felt unsupported and misunderstood for such a long time, and I realized I had to make this dream a reality—not just for me, but for all of you who might feel the same. I wanted to create a place where you can walk through the door and finally feel safe.

From that vision, Crosby Babies was born.

Located in the heart of our Sefton community, this is so much more than just a stay-and-play. It’s a space designed with compassion and lived understanding. Because I’ve been there, every choice I make—from the soft lighting and the open layout to our "play has no age" philosophy—is intentional. I’ve kept our seating limited so it never feels overcrowded, giving you the space to either connect with others or stay in your own little bubble.

My promises to you are simple:

  • To celebrate our different brains and celebrate neurodiversity.

  • To support you and your family, exactly as you are.

  • To keep creating a joyful, imaginative space where every child can thrive.

We started with nothing but a dream, and I am proof that anything is possible. We’ve grown from a small idea into this beautiful community building and stay-and-play café. It is a space made for all, and I am so proud to say it is loved by many.

Crosby Babies isn’t just a business to me—it’s my heart, it's a commitment, and it is my invitation to you: Come as you are. You belong here.

With love,

Nina Founder & CEO, Crosby Babies Ltd

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