1. Room for 2
Hands down the best baby shop in Vancouver, this little gem of a store--located on Commercial Drive--is packed to the rafters with all kinds of goodies for both mother and child, including clothes, nursing accessories, baby carriers, toys, and more. Co-owned by childbirth educator and doula Lorena Battistel, Room for 2 is as much an educational resource as it is a business. I got my first (fantastic) nursing bra here, and the saleswoman helped me find the perfect fit!More »
2. TJ's Kids
Forget Babies 'R Us: You can find everything you'd find at that chain store--including bedding, cribs, and health items--for a similar price in a much nicer environment with friendlier salespeople at TJ's Kids. B.C.-owned, TJ's has store locations around the Lower Mainland, including Vancouver, Surrey and Vancouver Island.More »
3. Hip Baby
Along with Crocodile, this Kits West 4th baby store is a must-see for baby shower gifts. The products here, which focus on baby and cover clothes, toys, blankets, and accessories, are expensive, but so lovely.More »
4. Crocodile
Hip strollers and cribs are two big items at the locally-owned Crocodile, another trendy baby store on Kitsilano's West 4th Avenue. Like it's neighbour Hip Baby, this is a pricey shop, but also worth a visit, especially for parents interested in alternatives to disposable diapers: Crocodile carries the "flushable and compostable" gDiapers.More »
5. Discount Shopping: Costco, Walmart, Old Navy, Canadian Superstore, Craigslist
Discount shopping is a great way for new parents to save money, to buy bulk, or to find inexpensive mom and baby gifts. Costco and Walmart have great prices on diapers and baby wipes; Old Navy and Canadian Superstore sell a range of cheap hats and baby clothes. And don't forget Craigslist: We bought a gently-used crib and bassinet from Craigslist, which both saved money and made us feel better about furniture that had already "outgased".