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.

Now available north of the US border, this cheap-chic chain is a one-stop shopping destination for parents who want attractive design at a reasonable price. You’ll be smitten with the sweet selection of nursery furnishings, especially the bright, modern bedding and storage accessories from house brand Circo. Plus, being able to pick up every last thing on your list, down to diapers and baby soap, while sipping a drink from the in-store Starbucks? Bull’s eye! (Target Canada had no official plans for a baby-registry program at press time.)

Get more information at target.ca

Stylish shoppers will find a trove of well-designed baby gear, including strollers, car seats, apparel and nursery furniture. Popular picks include modern-mom standbys Aden + Anais swaddles, the MamaRoo bouncer and swing, and two proudly eco-friendly Canadian products – the stunning nursery furniture line Tulip, and adorable children’s sleepwear by OM Baby.

1037 Marine Drive, North Vancouver. 778-340-0648; 2699 Granville St. Vancouver. 604-736-0648

Get more information at lussobaby.ca

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

This one-stop shop has a huge selection of baby gear, from carriers and furniture, to strollers and all the little things in between. It also has a spotlight on eco-friendly essentials, including natural bug sprays for baby, AppleCheeks cloth diapers and more. Best-sellers include the Baby K’Tan wrap, Bravado nursing bras, Snack & Play Travel Trays and Pediped shoes. Sign up for the newsletter to be notified of VIP shopping nights throughout the year (with special sales, door prizes and swag bags).

124-2755 Broadmoor Boulevard, Sherwood Park. 780-416-2188

Get more information at babyandbeyond.ca

There’s something charming for everyone at this sweetly named shop. Staff are experts at helping pick gifts, from locally made fleece swaddling blankets to Zoe Organics baby skin care. What parents choose the most are Zoli gummy sticks, Ergo baby carriers and Mountain Buggy mini strollers. And of course you can find all your other essentials, from cribs to car seats. Free perks: On Mondays, moms come to the store for Bonkers for Books play circles (there’s a monthly book giveaway), and on Thursdays, the store is the starting point for a parenting walking group.

105-6829 Kateri Dr., Grande Prairie. 780-832-0100

Get more information at clementineandjasper.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

Parents who seek salespeople who know their stuff shop here. Each staff person is trained for her specific department: baby-wearing specialists are taught to fit each model of carrier; bra specialists are experts in fitting; and the stroller staff can easily demonstrate any fold. Top- sellers include UPPAbaby strollers, Bravado bras and BabyBjou0308rn carriers. Also very popular are the monthly on-site seminars, including baby first-aid, sleep and sign language.

1642/52 Bayview Ave., Toronto. 416-489-3838

Get more information at momstobeandmore.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

Expectant moms from around Grey and Bruce counties flock to Sweetpea for its big-city selection and small-town service. The shop has everything on your list (except the stroller), as well as a locally made section features one-of-a- kind swim diapers, bamboo linens and wool blankets. Many of the best-selling items are Canadian too, including the Monkeywear newborn wrap, 3 Sprouts storage bins, Tugley sheepskin-lined, crocheted booties, lulujo muslin swaddling blankets, and the Boob nursing hoodie.

833 2nd Ave. E., Owen Sound. 519-371-5100

Get more information at sweetpeawholesomebaby.com

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

Families flock from across the province, and even outside it, for all the baby gear you can’t find at your average store. Three of the most popular products are AppleCheeks cloth diapers, GroBag sleep sacks and Robeez shoes. The shop also offers cloth diapering classes, and half the retail space is consignment, so you can drop off and sell what you’re no longer using.

620 Coverdale Rd., unit 7, Riverview. 506-388-1777

Get more information at shoplollipopsandgumdrops.ca

Strollers, car seats and carriers are the bread and butter of this baby boutique depot, but you’ll also find lots of diaper bags and little things, like pacifiers, baby sunglasses and teething aids. Here, must-haves include the BOB Revolution stroller, Beco Gemini baby carriers, Gro-Anywhere blackout blinds and Blooming baby baths.

655 Topsail Rd., St. John’s. 709-747-9595

Get more information at coochicoo.net

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