Shannon Smith took inspiration from her two youngest daughters' nicknames in choosing a moniker for her new children's store, Bear & Moosh. The business — featuring clothing, toys and accessories for babies and children up to age 6 — recently opened in South Burlington, next door to Talbots. It's the next chapter for Smith, a mom of three who formerly co-owned eco-friendly Burlington boutique The Green Life, which closed earlier this year. At that store, Smith explained, the natural mattresses and baby items were bestsellers. When they went their separate ways, her former business partner opened The Natural Mattress Store in Shelburne, and Smith decided to create what she describes as a "fun and whimsical baby and children's boutique." The shop has a bright and modern feel, said Smith, and will stock unique items including clothes from Zutano, Milkbarn and Masala Kids; GroVia cloth diapers; Moba baby baskets and Comotomo bottles. Parking is plentiful — an important consideration when lugging around young children — and a small play area will provide a place for tots to keep busy while their parents shop.

Bear & Moosh is located at 41 IDX Drive in South Burlington. Hours are Monday, noon-7 p.m. and Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. facebook.com/bearandmoosh