As doulas in Central Arkansas and owners of Arkansas Family Doulas, Heather Barrios and Sondra Rodocker saw a need for a natural parenting store. So to bridge the gap, they decided to open a store filled with cloth diapers, chemical-free toys and holistic care products.

Arkansas Baby, their new natural parenting store in Little Rock, opened its doors on Monday. As doulas, Barrios and Rodocker have lots of experience with new mothers, babies, and everything in between. Doulas are trained professionals who provide physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth.

Arkansas Baby is the only natural baby store in Little Rock where you can touch and feel products from companies that you would typically buy online. Barrios and Rodocker bring products from companies that promise organic, chemical free and non-GMO products. But you won't only find big name brands — Arkansas Baby is home to local consigners who provide natural products made in The Natural State.

"A lot of our products come from other small businesses right here in Arkansas and the other products we carry are completely unique," Sondra Rodocker says. "We know a lot of families are wanting to buy more natural and organic things, but they don't have time to do a lot of research. We are here to help make that easy for them."

Some of the big-name brands in the store include Grovia, Smart Bottoms and Apple Cheeks. They also carry Under the Nile toys, which are all organic and contain no harsh dyes. In addition, you'll find: Birthsong botanical items made by a midwife in Northwest Arkansas, Plant Therapy Essential oils, Calm-A-Mama products, vegan all-natural soaps made by a local soapmaker, herbs & tinctures made by Eden's Herbs in Central Arkansas, custom hairbows, bow ties and bonnets made by a local work-at-home mother, baby carriers and much more.

When it came to deciding where to open their new store, it was a no-brainer for Rodocker and Barrios – they love Little Rock.

"What excites us the most about opening in Little Rock is being able to stay connected with the families who come into our store," Rodocker says. "We want to encourage families who want more all-natural choices for their families or who are curious about the benefits of the products we carry."

Where: 13401 Chenal Parkway
Hours: Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. & 
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
Contact: (501) 502-0822, Facebook