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It came as no surprise that my 14-month-old daughter, Cleo, treated the lobby of Toronto's trendy Le Germain hotel like her own personal playground. But as it turned out, I was more concerned about her climbing all over the designer furniture than were the passing staff, who seemed genuinely delighted to see a baby at check-in.

The concierge then gave us an extensive list of age-appropriate activities in town, but after carting what felt like a tonne of baby paraphernalia, we had little energy to tackle them. I headed upstairs for a nap, while father and daughter checked out the nearby hotel library. A few books from the children's section, and a seat on the giant squishy sofa, kept Cleo occupied while dad sipped an apple mojito with friends his own age.

The celebrity baby boom is in full swing: Apparently, babies are the new black. The explosion of designer goods for trendy parents to kit out equally trendy kids has been well documented, but who's got the travel market covered? For moms and dads who refuse to stay in hotels with wipe-down walls and purple-dinosaur-festooned towels — but are worried about staining Egyptian-cotton sheets or chipping designer furniture — there's good news: Boutique hotels are becoming more family-friendly.

Our room at Le Germain, for example, was lovely and spacious, with a king-sized bed, desk and two large chairs. A crib with baby blanket, sheets and pillow had been set up next to our bed. We debated dragging it into the bathroom so we wouldn't be sworn to silence after Cleo went to sleep, but decided against it. Protective plugs had been provided for the electrical sockets, a high chair had been placed at the desk, and a baby bath, diaper disposal unit, baby soap and potty (wishful thinking) were set up in the bathroom.

A baby monitor had also been provided (unnecessary, considering Cleo's cries can be heard over the sound of a jumbo jet). And I was most impressed with Le Germain's attention to detail: Staff had left baby hangers in the closet, whole milk for Cleo's bottle in the restaurant kitchen, and baby plates, bowls and cutlery in our bedroom.

Feeling more comfortable in our swank surroundings, we decided to book a babysitter through the concierge ($15.50 an hour, four-hour minimum) for a night on the town.

Before we could head out, however, someone else needed to be fed. The room-service dinner menu was too sophisticated for the baby — foie gras and veal shank, for example — but the chef said he would be happy to prepare something simple for Cleo to eat: A toasted chicken and cheese sandwich with a large bowl of fruit salad. It looked delicious, but the bread was too crispy for someone with just six teeth. So I scoffed it down and fed Cleo the fruit and a packed lunch I brought as backup.

We fared much better at breakfast, where a variety of healthy foods for kids were available in a relaxed, informal dining room. Cleo was doted on by the cheerful staff, who brought apple-cinnamon crepes, blueberry yogurt and fresh fruit juice.

Over all, inconveniences were few, although having to take the elevator down to the mezzanine level to heat up a bottle at 6 a.m. wasn't much fun. An in-room bottle warmer would have been ideal. And upon our late-night return, sneaking into the bathroom through stylish (but noisy) sliding doors required ninja-like reflexes.

There are now several boutique hotels in North America that are well equipped to deal with families, but it seems the hotel market abroad is one step ahead. A spate of full-service children's hotels takes the term "baby-friendly" to new levels: The Kinderinsel, in Berlin, is a kids-only property where parents can drop off their children for as little as three hours to as long as three weeks for themed stays that focus on fun, creativity and development.

Arrangements for children to be picked up in limos with bodyguards are common. The Baby Hotel in Johannesburg looks after children up to three years old, and functions as a daycare with overnight accommodation and on-site medical staff.

With the designer diaper brigade now firmly in the sights of most boutique hotels' marketing plans, parents can plan for a variety of vacations, whether it's a party weekend in Miami or hitting the Prada sales in Florence, without sacrificing style. One major downside to boutique hotel stays with children: managing expectations. On our return home, my daughter took one look at her non-Egyptian-cotton sheets and screamed bloody murder.

Here, then, are some of the world's most baby-friendly boutique hotels:

Pantages Hotel, Toronto

Slick and sexy, the Pantages Hotel in Toronto has a 9,000-square-foot wellness centre, complimentary yoga mats and a meditation channel on TV for stressed-out parents needing to chill out in luxury. The hotel also offers en-suite microwaves for bottle warming, laundry facilities, and full-sized fridges. Babysitting services (from $15 to $25 an hour depending on the number of children) and cribs (free) are both available. The hotel is stroller accessible, but baby monitors don't come standard (they can be ordered with advance notice). The restaurant has children's items on the menu and high chairs. Rooms with kitchen and washer/dryer start at $219 a night.

For more information, call 416-945-5444 or visit www.pantageshotel.com.

70 Park Avenue, New York

70 Park Avenue is a contemporary urban hideaway in midtown New York City. Couples looking to rekindle their love life can consult the "romance concierge," who will arrange for rose petals on the bed and candlelit dinners. The hotel is eco-conscious, pet-friendly and pleased to have children. The Kids Rule package offers a mix of adult and child-friendly activities in the city, including an in-room pyjama party with pizza, ice cream and babysitter, welcome gifts of comic books, puzzles and crayons and a two-hour chauffeur-driven limo for parents to go shopping. For younger babies, cribs can be rented for $50 and the hotel is stroller savvy. Kids Rule package for four starts from $375.

For more information, call 1-877-707 2752 or visit www.70parkave.com.

Hôtel Godin, Montreal

In the centre of Montreal nightlife, the Godin mixes cutting-edge cool with a relaxed, informal atmosphere for its trendy, jet-setting clientele. Relax in your room while filling out the check-in registration form — great if the children are getting antsy after a long journey. On weekends, the majority of guests are families. From high chairs to baby monitors, suites with microwaves to cribs and babysitting services, the hotel prides itself on keeping the hip-with-child happy. The entire hotel is stroller-accessible. Rooms from $159 (with showers), suites with bathtubs $499.

For more information, call 514-843-6000 or visit www.hotelgodin.com.

Pacific Palisades Hotel, Vancouver

With yo-yos in the mini-bar, easy stroller access throughout and microwaves for bottle warming in every room, Vancouver's colourful Pacific Palisades is a fully kid-prepped option for travellers to the West Coast. No doubt influenced by the numerous film-industry types gallivanting through the lobby with their style-conscious offspring, the hotel has several beauty treatments available for children: The Little Princess Pedi includes a tiara, strawberry foot soak and hydrating massage. Seriously. Cribs, babysitting, child-conscious menus and family movies are all available. Avoid the noisier rooms facing Robson Street. A family package in a South Beach Suite including breakfast for four costs $329 until October.

For more information, call 604-688-0461 or visit www.pacificpalisadeshotel.com.

J.K. Place, Florence

Run by the charismatic and charming Ori Kafri, J.K. Place in Florence takes boutique hotels to a new level. Small and seductive, this renovated palazzo whispers privacy, luxury and sophistication without a single whiff of snootiness.

Children are doted on by the staff. Breakfast is enjoyed at one big table, and the chef is happy to create a kid-friendly feast. Although there are no specific children's programs, the hotel's philosophy of catering to every possible need (20 staff members for 20 rooms), allows parents to get their luxury fix at nearby Gucci, Armani and Prada while their children enjoy the à la carte menu and get acquainted with the babysitter for hire. A favourite of fashion designer Stella McCartney. From $428 a night.

For more information, call 39 (55) 264 5181 or visit www.jkplace.com.

One Aldwych, London

The sleek and stylish One Aldwych prides itself on pampering children as much as the older guests. Every child receives a specially chosen, age-appropriate book at bedtime, child-sized bathrobes and slippers and free milk and cookies. There's also an impressive menu of healthy versions of kids' favourite foods. The hotel regularly updates their children's amenities so guests can expect something new on their return. Parents can also enjoy the 400-plus private contemporary art collection, 56-foot lap pool with underwater music, suites with private gyms and Covent Garden proximity to the best of London nightlife. Summer weekend rates from $370 a night.

For more information, call 44 (20) 7300 1000 or visit www.onealdwych.com.

Delano Hotel, Miami

Miami's Delano Hotel is in the heart of South Beach, directly on the ocean, and as fab-u-lahs as they come. With guest rooms a vision in white — from floors to chairs to linens, the hotel's decision to be pro-children must result in one serious dry-cleaning bill. Babysitting, highchairs and children's menus, microwave access, free cots, cribs and monitors make this one of the best choices for rock-star parents seeking a glamour-filled, self-indulgent stay among the beautiful people. There's even a playpen by the Beach Bar. In April, they introduced the "D is for Delano" children's program for kids 4 and up: creative outdoor and indoor activities including treasure hunts, yoga, cookie decorating, kite flying and special animal "visitors." Deluxe oceanview rooms from $498 a night.

For more information, call 305-672-2000 or visit www.morganshotelgroup.com.

Soho House, New York

The members-only Soho House opens its doors to "regular" people via their fantastic hotel. In the centre of the meat-packing district, the rooftop pool is the place to be seen, make deals and to take in the amazing views of Manhattan. Children are welcome to stretch out in the giant four-poster beds, though cribs and cots are free. Nearly a quarter of guests at the hotel are families enjoying the babysitting, swimming lessons and movies in the private cinema. There is a children's club on weekends and high chairs in the dining room. From $445.

For more information, call 212-627-9800 or visit www.sohohouseny.com.

Special to The Globe and Mail