Best baby gear stores across Canada

Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, these shops have what you need to deck out your baby, the nursery and even to spoil yourself.

A version of this article appeared in our August 2013 issue with the headline, "All the best: Baby gear stores," pp.92-6.

Owned for almost 30 years by a mother/daughter duo, this Commercial Drive shop is packed floor-to- ceiling with practical baby gear, including as many made-in-Canada products as possible – top-sellers include Au Fait Mama maternity/nursing wear, Wee Urban bamboo sleep sacks, Bummi’s diapers, Dimpleskins Naturals Bum Bum Balm and the organic Cuddly Wrap by Peapod Creations. It’s also the only place in Vancouver where you’ll find not only all the replacement parts for most breast pumps, but also friendly staff who will troubleshoot problems you may be experiencing with the product. There’s also an unbeatable selection of nursing bras, all the way up to cup size “M.”

1409 Commercial Dr., Vancouver. 604-255-0508

Get more information at roomfor2.ca

Don’t let the name fool you: This mom-and-pop shop isn’t just for mama, it takes care of baby, too, all the way to toddler. The husband-and-wife owners curate it carefully, with all of the little things that make parenting simpler, including Aden + Anais dribble bibs, ChewBeads, Dr. Brown baby bottles and Beco baby carriers. There’s also a practical selection of well-designed Canadian finds, like the Kangapouch sleep sacks, Babywrapper bath towels and the Baby Buddha stretchy carrier.

110-3911 Moncton St., Richmond. 778-297-7379

Get more information at stevestonvillagematernity.com

There’s something at every price at this cross-province chain, from newborn essentials by Kushies and Safety 1st, to products like higher-end strollers from UPPAbaby, as well as car seats for every budget. If you’re looking for something baby-related, you’re bound to find it here. Top-sellers include Medela breast pumps, Stork Craft cribs, Kidco safety gates, beu0301beu0301-jou bath tubs and Canadian brand Guzzie + Guss strollers.

Five locations.

Get more information at tjskids.com

With a 13-year history of being a meeting point for the natural parenting community, it’s a given that you’ll find a well-considered selection of breastfeeding supplies, cloth diapers and carriers here. Staff are trained to teach cloth diapering basics and baby wearing, fitting ring slings, Mei Teis and structured carriers. It’s no surprise that the products customers register for most include Ergo carriers, bumGenius diapers and GlamourMom nursing tanks.

12413 Stony Plain Rd., Edmonton. 780-448-1384

Get more information at bosom-babies.com

Expectant parents from across the province come to Hello Baby for the personalized service and a wide selection of strollers, baby carriers, diaper bags and furniture. Owned by a husband-and-wife team, a lot of the product has been tested with their own two kids. Customer favourites include Aden + Anais Cozy Sleeping Bags, Baby Jogger City Mini GT strollers and Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balms.

2555 Quance St. E, Regina. 306-757-2229

Get more information at hellobaby.ca

Parents in the Greater Toronto Area who want the very latest products on the market register here. With an extensive selection of everything from pacifiers to play yards, and car seats and strollers, the in-store experience is unbeatable for comparison shopping. Popular registry picks include the Kiinde Kozii Breastmilk and Bottle Warmer, the BabyBjou0308rn Balance Babysitter and the Air-O-Swiss Digital Warm and Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier.

72 Doncaster Ave., Thornhill. 905-881-3334

Get more information at dearbornbaby.com

This well-stocked superstore has everything you’ll need for sleeping, feeding, playing and strolling. It’s well known for its quick cross-Canada shipping and extensive, in-stock car seat inventory. Snuggle Bugz also has great vacation gear, including the BabyBjou0308rn portable play yard, My Little Seat portable high chair, and a good selection of travel bags. Bonus: The website’s user reviews are helpful and convenient when you’re shopping online.

3245 Fairview St., Burlington. 905-631-0005; 1160 Steeles Ave. E., Milton. 905-636-0105

Get more information at snugglebugz.ca

With three locations across the province, this long-standing baby store is known for convenience. The stores are large and well staffed, with everything you need for baby, and delivery is widely available. Prices are on par with department stores, and sales are frequent, particularly on car seats, strollers and cribs. Top-sellers include the Ergo Sport baby carrier, Mamas & Papas high chairs and Skip Hop crib sheets.

Three locations.

Get more information at bo-bebe.com

The owner describes this store as a “full gear store with pretty much every awesome baby item out there!” Named six years ago after her first daughter, it has since been doing brisk business – shoppers come from across the territories. The storefront is divided into bed, potty and mealtime, and there is a cloth diapering expert on staff. The stroller of the moment is the Bumbleride Indie, the Ergo continues to outsell all other carriers, and cloth diaper sales are soaring.

Horwoods Mall, 101-100 Main St., Whitehorse. 867-393-4488

Get more information at yukonkids.com