The Real Parents' Guide to Baby Gear - Wisdom from A Mom Of 3 Kids
After raising three kids, purchasing countless strollers, and enduring more car seat installations than I care to remember, I’ve learned that baby gear and baby equipment is not just about looking adorable on Instagram. It’s about what actually survives the chaos, makes life easier, and holds its value after diapers and sleepless nights are behind you. Here’s my honest take on the must-have baby gear and equipment that every parent needs, based on real-world experience and the premium selection you can find at Active Baby.
Step into Active Baby's premier "GEAR & TRAVEL" showcase, your comprehensive destination for top-tier baby equipment. Featuring an array of High Chairs, Car Seats, dynamic Strollers, snug Baby Wraps & Carriers, along with must-have accessories.
Dive into our curated selection boasting industry-leading brands like UPPAbaby, Bugaboo, Maxi-Cosi, BabyZen, Stokke, Nuna, Snuggle Me, Happiest Baby, and a host of others.
The Stroller Saga - Finding Your Perfect Match
Let's start with strollers, because–let's be honest–that's where I've made both my best decisions and many expensive mistakes. The stroller market is totally overwhelming, but after pushing around three different models over the years, I've learned that the right stroller is all about your lifestyle.
UPPAbaby baby gear: The Popular Stroller That Steals the Show
UPPAbaby strollers are everywhere in my neighbourhood, and for good reason. The UPPAbaby Vista is the workhorse of their lineup, and it's the one I've used the most. What makes it stand out is how easily it expands. With my first child, it was a sleek single stroller. But when my second arrived, I just added the rumble seat and suddenly had a stroller that could seat two. By the time my third kid came along, I was a Vista master, able to mix-and-match bassinets, toddler seats, and infant car seats depending on what we needed that day.
The build on these strollers is solid. When you push them, they feel sturdy, and they handle curbs and uneven sidewalks with zero problems. The Cruz is their lighter model, which is perfect if you think you're only going to be having one kid, or if your kids are spread far enough apart that you won't need double capacity. It's got that same smooth ride and feel, but in a more compact package.
One thing to keep in mind about UPPAbaby accessories are seriously worth the extra cost. The rain shield, for example, fits properly and is a breeze to install. Other accessories, like the cup holder, might feel pricey at first, but trust me, the cheaper alternatives will fall apart on you. The travel bag is a must-have if you're a frequent flyer. I wish I'd invested in one from the start rather than trying to find cheaper alternatives that just didn't last.
Bugaboo baby equipment : European Engineering at Its Finest
Bugaboo strollers have a whole different vibe. They're all about being modular, customizable, and sleekly designed. I used a Bugaboo Cameleon with my second child, and it was like driving a luxury car compared to the budget stroller I'd started with for my first. The all-terrain wheels really do work on rough surfaces, something I appreciated when we’d hit the park or the beach.
The Bugaboo Donkey stroller can go from single to double, perfect for growing families. It's side-by-side seating, rather than front-to-back like the UPPAbaby Vista, which means both kids get equal views and access, cutting down on sibling squabbles. The trade-off is width, so you'll need to be more careful about navigating narrow doorways and crowded stores.
Bugaboo accessories are all about customization. You can change the fabric colours, add different wheel sets for different terrain, and swap out sun canopies. Which is awesome, but also means you’ll have to spend more to suit your lifestyle. The under-seat basket is generous, which is a lot more important than you might think when you're juggling supplies for multiple kids.
Jogging Strollers: Where Fitness Meets Parenthood
Before I had kids, I was never much of a runner. But once I had them, I became one just to get some exercise, and that's when jogging strollers entered my life. This is where you see the real differences between brands.
The UPPAbaby Ridge is their jogging stroller model, and it's been well-thought-out. The hand brake is in a good spot, the suspension is legit, and it transitions from everyday stroller to running stroller seamlessly. I've used it for actual runs, and for those intense neighbourhood walks, and it does both jobs just fine.
Running strollers are the gold standard for serious runners. They're built like tanks, with the best suspension and larger tires that soak up shock beautifully. If you're planning on running regularly or tackling pretty rough terrain, BOB is worth the investment. But keep in mind, they're bulky and not ideal as your only stroller unless you have plenty of storage space and don't need to navigate tight city streets. Thule jogging strollers are well worth a mention, and that's largely down to Thule being able to draw on a whole heap of experience designing gear for active families. The Thule Urban Glide is the perfect example. It’s attractive, city-friendly, but still somehow manages to be just as at home on trails as it is on your average street. The swivel front wheel locks in for added stability when you're running, while the one-handed fold is definitely one-handed. I've seen a few competitors that don't quite live up to that claim.
We can help you find the right stroller for your needs. Shop for double strollers for adding convenience to help transport multiple children or a jogging stroller or bay bike trailers to keep fit while you move around town with your baby.
With Active Baby, gear up for every adventure, knowing you're choosing from the best in the market.
City Strollers - The Urban Jungle
When it comes to city strollers, you can pretty much guarantee that they'll need to be narrow, agile and preferably light enough to haul up skytrain stairs or into the coffee shop without breaking a sweat. The UPPAbaby Minu became my go-to city stroller because it folds down to an impressively small size and can even stand up on its own when it's folded. That makes a huge difference when you're trying to juggle a toddler, a folded stroller and the need to order a coffee.
Bugaboo's Bee is their answer to the city stroller conundrum, and it's a real stunner–agile, easy to steer and a tight turning radius that means you can thread it through even the narrowest of aisles. When your other hand is occupied trying to calm down a fractious older child, the fact that it's smooth to push even one-handed is a godsend.
Travel Strollers - Away From Home
Travel strollers are a whole different ball game, and after two horror shows of trying to navigate air travel with a full-sized stroller, I finally bit the bullet and invested in a proper travel option. These things are not for everyday use, but for getting around when you're on holiday or in a pinch, they're an absolute lifesaver.
Key features of a good travel stroller include a compact fold, being light as a feather, and ideally being able to get gate-checked without giving you the heebie-jeebies. I've tried a few ultra-compact options, and while they don't ride as smoothly as their bigger cousins, that's not really the point. They're all about survival and getting from A to B when you're stuck in some foreign airport with kids who are running on empty.
Double Strollers - When You Need Two
Double strollers are where theory meets harsh reality with a bit of a crash. The UPPAbaby Vista in double mode is what's known as an inline stroller, where one kid sits behind the other. This keeps it narrow enough to get through standard doors but makes it a bit of a handful to navigate tight spaces. The upside is that you can configure it to seat two full-grown kids, two bassinets or a combination of both, which is great news for parents with growing children.
Side-by-side doubles like the Bugaboo Donkey give both kids equal billing and views, which usually means less fighting over who gets the "good seat," but you'll need to be super aware of width everywhere you go. Some shops, some doorways, and definitely airplane aisles become no-go areas.
Parents of twins or closely spaced kids will need to make this decision. I reckon it's well worth testing both types out in your usual haunts, including your local shops, your home doorways, and your car boot, before you commit. Shop for twin stroller options now!
Thule - Beyond the Stroller
Thule's got an army of active families covered, because their ecosystem extends far beyond traditional strollers. The Thule Chariot is a real game-changer. It's a bike trailer that converts into a stroller and even comes with attachments for cross-country skiing. This modularity means one investment does the job of three.
I was initially skeptical about the Chariot, thinking it was just a bunch of unnecessary bells and whistles. But when we started biking as a family more seriously, it suddenly made perfect sense. The Thule Chariot bike trailers are rock-solid, with safety being top priority. The roll cage, the five-point harness and the air flags all give you peace of mind when you're towing your precious cargo behind a bicycle.
As a stroller, the Chariot is fine, but it's not exactly going to win any awards for being the most agile thing on the market. It's bulkier than a dedicated stroller and a bit of a handful in tight spaces. But that's not why you buy it–you buy it because it lets you do things with your kids that would be impossible otherwise.
Thule's got a range of child bike seat attachments worth checking out, too. The rear-mounted seats are sturdy and comfy, and they're properly thought out for adults who actually want to cycle. The mounting systems are secure, and the seats position the kids high enough that they've got a great view of the road, keeping them happy and engaged during the ride.
The popular Thule Chariot bike trailer strollers are versatile and made for outdoor adventures. Find the comfortable Thule bassinet accessory too.
Car Seats - The Ultimate Sanity Test
Car seats are a no-brainer for safety, but when it comes to daily usability, the differences between brands of car seats are night and day. I've owned multiple car seats for all three kids, and each one's got its strengths.
Infant Car Seats - The First Year
Infant car seats are your first car seat purchase, and they're only going to last you for about a year. The UPPAbaby Mesa is a great option because it integrates seamlessly with UPPAbaby strollers. What I do love about the Mesa is how easy it is to install. It feels properly secured, and the fabric is a total breeze to wash, which is a godsend when you've got a messy baby on your hands. Nuna infant car seats, such as the Pipa series, are a real treat. They look fantastic with a European flair and have some clever features, too. That dream drape is a lifesaver for protecting sleeping babies from the light and the weather. Installing the infant car seat base is super easy, and the car seat just feels solid and safe.
Chicco's KeyFit is the budget-friendly option, and it really holds its own. It gets top marks for safety, is crazy simple to install, and is actually really light for its class. I've had three kids now, and I've come to realize that expensive doesn't always mean better, and the KeyFit is a great example of that.
Maxi-Cosi brings their European safety standards and style to the table with their infant seats. They're super versatile and compatible with loads of stroller brands, which is great if you're mixing and matching all your baby gear.
Convertible Car Seats
Convertible car seats are the heavy hitters of car seat ownership. They get used for years and are just brilliant at transitioning from rear-facing for infants to forward-facing for older kids.
Clek is a Canadian brand. The made in Canada car seat have built a rep on being safe and durable, and their Fllo and Foonf models are designed to be super narrow so you can fit three across in loads of vehicles. And the fabric is top-notch and really tough, withstands spills, crumbs and all the rest. I love that they use recycled materials and think about the environment during the manufacturing process.
Nuna's convertible seats, like the Rava, are extremely luxurious. The fabric is so soft, the recline settings are easy to adjust, and the whole thing just feels premium. Plus, convertible car seats can be easy to clean, complete with machine-washable covers that don't fall apart the first time you put them in the washing machine.
Chicco also does convertible options that are budget-friendly but don't compromise on safety. They're a bit bigger than some of the premium brands, so they might be a bit of a squeeze in smaller vehicles, but they're reliable and easy to use.
Booster Seats
Booster seats are used once your kid's outgrow the convertible car seat harness but still needs a bit of elevation and positioning for the car seat belt. Clek's Oobr is narrow, solidly built and grows with your child through loads of different stages. This booster seat is very safe, and installation is a cinch.
Baby Carriers: Keeping Them Close
Baby carriers are a blessing for anyone who wants to have a semblance of a life with a new baby. I've used both Baby Bjorn and Ergobaby extensively.
Baby Bjorn carriers are a breeze to put on and adjust, which is basically a lifesaver when you're sleep-deprived and just want to get the baby snuggled in fast. The structure is comfy, and even my partner, who's not exactly a fan of baby gear, can figure out the Baby Bjorn with no problem. They're not ideal for long hauls because they're not as ergonomic as soft-structured carriers, but for quick trips and around the house, they're perfect.
Ergobaby carriers are the long-distance champions. Once you've figured out the initial setup (which admittedly takes a bit of practice), they're comfy for both parent and baby for hours on end. I've worn my kids in Ergobaby carriers for hours on the road, on hikes and on busy days when the stroller just wasn't an option. The weight distribution is spot on, with padded shoulder straps and a waist belt that transfers weight to your hips rather than your shoulders and back.
The Ergobaby Omni 360 is their most versatile model, letting you carry your baby in four different positions, including front-facing, which some babies love once they're alert and curious about the world. The adjustability means it fits different-sized parents well, making it must if you're sharing the carrier.
Balance Bikes: The First Step to Real Cycling
Balance bikes aren't essential baby gear, but they've changed the game for kids learning to ride. By the time my third child was ready to ride a pedal bike, balance bikes had become mainstream, and the difference was like night and day. With no pedals, kids focus entirely on balance and steering. When they eventually move to pedal bikes, they skip training wheels because they've already got the balance thing sussed.
I've seen loads of different balance bike brands, from budget woodies to premium aluminum ones. What matters most are size, weight, and the tires. They need to be puncture-proof because dealing with a flat on a balance bike is a nightmare.
The Thule bikes seat for kids & stroller bike trailers are worth a look because they bring the same level of quality and design as their other products. They're lightweight, sturdy and sized right for different ages.
The Bottom Line: Invest Where It Counts
After three kids and loads of baby gear purchases, my philosophy has changed. Invest in the things you use every day and that make a real difference to your safety and quality of life–strollers, car seats and carriers are all winners in that department. Don't worry about having everything match or buying every gadget. Focus on what works and what will stand the test of time.
Premium brands like UPPAbaby, Bugaboo, Nuna and Clek come with a higher price tag, but the good news is that they retain their value and quality for years to come. I've even managed to claw back a decent chunk of my cash by selling off gear as my kids outgrew it. Trust me, you don’t want to waste your money on budget brands.
One piece of advice I wish I’d heard earlier is to take your time and try out some gear before spending your money. Every family is unique—not just because of where you live, but also your lifestyle, your vehicle, and your personal preferences. What works perfectly for busy city dwellers relying on public transport might not suit suburban families who have plenty of outdoor space and a garage full of gear.
Remember, baby gear is only a temporary part of your life. Choose items that genuinely make your daily routine a bit easier, always keep safety as your top priority, and don’t expect a fancy stroller to magically make you a better parent overnight. It’s really about helping you get the little ones out the door with fewer struggles and more smiles.
