Canadian Family editor-in-chief Jennifer Reynolds came by to show us a selection of family gear & gadgets tested and approved by real-life moms, dads and kids from across Canada!

Jennifer says:
We have a very strong Family Tested program, where real-life moms, dads and kids from across the country help us select the best gear, gadgets, food and more for families. We've charged them with rating some of the newest baby gear on the market and tell us how it fares. Most of the time, there is a clear winner that we all agree on and sometimes there's a few that work well for different reasons/tastes/budgets. Here are some essential pieces of baby gear that were rated tops by Canadian families:

BEST car seat:
Maxi Cosi Mico, $200
Features:
- For babes up to 12 months
- Canopy with see-thru sides, stay-in-car adjustable base, 5-point harness
- Works with Quinny Buzz and Zapp strollers
- 5 colour choices to choose from

BEST baby carrier:
ErgoBaby Carrier, $115
Features:
-Provides ergonomic support for mom and correct sitting position for baby's hip, pelvis and spine growth
-Comes with sleeping hood
-Machine washable and can be worn on front, side or back
-Many colours to choose from, organic carriers also available

BEST top-of-the-line stroller system:
Bugaboo Cameleon $995
or
$1039 with Paul Frank accessories
- 3-in-1 system adapts for reversible bassinet, reversible seat and car seats (sold separately). Features underseat bag, 3-position tilting, height adjustable reversible handle bar, swivel wheels, two piece fold and foam filled rear tires for a smooth ride. Weighs 20 lbs and has an adjustable
handlebar is designer to handle rough terrain. Suitable for children 0-4 years (40 lbs).
Availability: Toys "R" Us or visit bugaboo.com for retailers

BEST All-terrain stroller:
Quinny Buzz, approx $530
Unfolds automatically and can be positioned forward or rear facing. 3-in-1 travel system when combined with Quinny Buzz Dreami carrycot and Maxi-Cosi car seat (both sold separately). Features a single front swivel wheel, height adjustable pushbar, adjustable foot and back rest and includes a rain cover, under storage and sun canopy included, and comes in three colour combos. Stroller weighs 27 lbs and suitable for children up to 50 lbs.
Availability: Available at Babies "R" Us retail stores, Babiesrus.ca, Sears.ca and other specialty baby retailers

BEST play yard:
Phil & Ted's Traveler in new graffiti print (featured in our April issue, Show + Tell), $200
Features:
-5.5 lbs (great for outdoors, picnic, summer camping, etc.)
-waterproof, self-inflating, thermally-insulating mattress, aluminum frame, also available in black and red

BEST highchair:
Stokke Tripp Trapp, approx. $250
Features:
-Available in 11 colours to suit decor
-Adjustable seat and foot rest height to grow with child, ergonomic design, for 6 months and up, made from beechwood,
-we'll show with new Stokke Table top $90(for toddlers): allows kids to be included at the table, comes with different inserts that teach colours, abc's, numbers etc.

BEST thermometer:
Summer Infant pacifier thermometer
Features:
-Comfortable and non invasive way to take babes temperature. Beeps when reading is complete and will glow red for a temperature of 99.9 F or higher. Orthodontic contoured nipple is familiar and comfortable for babe. Auto power off.

BEST monitor:
Fisher-Price - retails for $90-$100.
Features:
-10 channels, 2 receivers, rechargeable batteries with charger, night light in base, 2 sided light show, plus low battery indicator and out of range indicator

Visit Canadian Family online:
http://www.canadianfamily.ca/