Any reputable retailer will only sell cribs, car seats, etc. meeting the governments minimum safety standards (the minimum is still good) so you should be fine there if buying new.
We bought a 3 in 1 (crib, then day-bed style for toddler, then double bed) and are transitioning to the toddler bed in the next few months which should last a while. Realistically, we probably will never use the third step....so I would do a 2 in 1 if I were to do it over again, or a reasonably priced crib then buy a new bed...all comes down to budget and storage....and cinstruction time.
Also check the reviews for how easy it is to build. I have found that the us site for amazon.com has the most reviews and has most products you would be looking at, so a good sample size to look at for what you are getting.
I echo the sentiments about a good stroller. A cheap $100 umbrella stroller with 4 small wheels will crap out on you if you have to use it anywhere in the snow, and gives you zero storage.
Something better will move easier regardless of season, have storage, have adapters for your car seat for those first few months (just make sure, if this is the route you go, that they are compatible). We used the City Select Baby Jogger. Great for everything/every stage so far. Big wheels help to maneuver in the winter. Only real issue we have come across/have heard from others is the tabs you have to pull to fold it up can be hard to lift up.
When it comes down to it, for most things...get used or hand me downs. Your kid won't know, but your wallet sure will.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Canehdianman
I bought a solid wood one off Kijiji. Had a side that could drop down but I locked it in the up position.
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Just an fyi, these have been banned in the US for a few years, and will be banned for sale in Canada at the end of 2016.