The Ultimate Buying Guide for First-Time Parents - Part 1: Strollers, Car Seats & Baby-Wearing

Becoming a parent comes with a lot of decisions—especially when it comes to choosing gear that’s safe, practical, and actually gets used. I remember feeling overwhelmed by all the options, not knowing what was essential and what would sit untouched. Honestly, I didn’t even know what I needed! I spent hours upon hours researching and finding the right gear that worked for my family, and I’d love to take that stress away from you. My name is Jasmin, and I started Canadian Mom Picks to share what I’ve learned with other first-time parents navigating this exciting (and sometimes exhausting) new chapter.

In this first post of The Ultimate Buying Guide for First-Time Parents, I’m focusing on the essentials for getting out and about with your baby: strollers, car seats, and baby-wearing gear. These are the exact items we used—and loved—and I wholeheartedly recommend them.

I’m based in Canada, and every product I feature here is available on Amazon.ca, so you don’t have to worry about international shipping or stock issues. You can even use this list to build your Amazon Baby Registry, making it easy for friends and family to shop directly from a curated list of trusted essentials.

If you decide to purchase one of these items, I sincerely hope it works as well for you as it did for us. And thank you for using my affiliate links—it means so much to be able to support this blog while helping other parents.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for First-Time Parents - Part 1: Strollers, Car Seats & Baby-Wearing

1. Lightweight foldable stroller

Perfect for travel and super easy to fold with one hand. A great secondary stroller for quick trips or travel.

Link here: https://amzn.to/3F5BlYB

2. UPPAbaby stroller

It handled city sidewalks and park trails like a champ. Loved that you can use it with the infant car set and the bassinet. We chose the UPPAbaby set for this exact reason.

Link here: https://amzn.to/3FkTeT9

3. UPPAbaby stroller infant insert

A must-have so baby is comfy and safe in the stroller

Link here: https://amzn.to/43cTb5e

4. UPPAbaby organizer

It turned out to be super handy for having easy access to essential items like your cellphone, keys, tissues etc.

Link here: https://amzn.to/4k6QFn5

5. Cupholder attachment

Works great on either stroller and fits my Stanley!

Link here: https://amzn.to/4mr5G4B

6. UPPAbaby infant car seat

For the first little while, you definitely want an infant car seat that can come out of your car. Being able to take sleeping baby out of the car without disturbing her is literally the best thing. And it attaches right onto the stroller!

Link here: https://amzn.to/3YXXkY9

7. Graco 4Ever car seat

When baby inevitably outgrows the infant car seat (insert sob here), this was our choice for a rear-facing car seat. It is highly rated and is convertible so you will get a long life out of it. Easy to install too!

Link here: https://amzn.to/4dyWcAm

8. Lightweight car seat cover

This multifunctional car seat cover is lightweight, super soft and beautiful. This brand has many different patterns to choose from, but this one is my favourite!

Link here: https://amzn.to/4mJBbHp

9. Winter car seat cover

Although we had a spring baby, it was still cold enough (thanks, Canada) that we needed something to keep her warm when taking her out for appointments. This worked great and is super cute.

Link here: https://amzn.to/43EgnJv

10. Baby car camera

I didn't like the mirror. It wobbled and I was worried about sunlight reflecting off of it. This camera is great and now we can watch her do all kinds of funny stuff in the back seat.

Link here: https://amzn.to/43s2jBJ

11. Stroller fan

Your new best friend for hot Canadian summers. Rechargeable, lasts for a long time, and wraps around anything (can stand like a tripod too). Bonus tip: use this during labour in the hospital to stay cool.

Link here: https://amzn.to/4dt5iyt

12. Ergobaby carrier

This was our choice for a structured baby carrier. It is easy to adjust and has pockets for storing things. Fits a post-partum mom and dad too! Baby always seemed comfy and content.

Link here: https://amzn.to/4jgpogK

13. Baby wrap

I also used a wrap when she was very little. This one had a great amount of stretch and felt secure. It was wide and long enough without being overwhelming. So soft and washable too.

Link here: https://amzn.to/3H541RU

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right stroller, car seat, or baby carrier isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about finding what works best for your life and your baby. I hope this guide has made things a little clearer and saved you the hours (and hours!) I spent figuring it all out.

These are the products that truly supported us in those early months, and I’m genuinely excited to share them with you. If something from this list ends up making your day easier or your baby a little cozier, then I’ve done what I set out to do. The ultimate baby buying guide is here to help!

Don’t forget—you can use these picks to help build your Amazon.ca Baby Registry, making it easy for loved ones to support you with gifts you’ll actually use. And if you purchase through one of my links, thank you! As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission at no cost to you, which helps me continue creating honest, helpful content for other new parents.

You've got this—and I’m so glad you're here.

Signed,

a Canadian first-time mom

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