All-season essentials checklist
The year-round basics for each age group, and what to swap each season.
All-season checklist
A starting point, not a rule. Every family and every child is different. Follow each product's instructions and age limits, and check with your doctor on health questions.
Baby & infant
- A safe sleep space and sleep sacks in the right warmth for the roomPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Dream On Me 5-in-1 convertible crib, KeaBabies organic crib sheets (2-pack), Yoofoss cotton sleep sack
- Diapers, wipes and creamPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Sudocrem diaper rash cream, Pampers Sensitive wipes
- Layers you can add or remove, and a hat for sun or cold
- A rear-facing car seat installed as the manual saysPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Graco Extend2Fit car seat
- A stroller with a rain cover and a sun shadePopular pick on Amazon.ca: Ingenuity 3Dquickclose compact stroller, Universal stroller rain cover, Stroller sun shade
Toddler
- Layers, sturdy shoes and a hat for every weather
- A water bottle and snack cupPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Thermos Funtainer bottle with straw, Munchkin Snack Catcher cups
- A car seat that fits their size and a stroller or carrier for long outingsPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Graco Extend2Fit car seat, Ingenuity 3Dquickclose compact stroller, Infantino Flip 4-in-1 carrier
- Sunscreen suited to their age and rain gearPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Thinkbaby SPF 50+ sunscreen, Kids hooded rain jacket
- Safe play space and childproofing in place
Preschool
- A small backpack and a labeled water bottlePopular pick on Amazon.ca: Skip Hop Zoo backpack, Thermos Funtainer bottle with straw
- Rain gear, warm layers and a sun hatPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Kids hooded rain jacket, UPF 50+ kids sun hat
- A certified helmet for wheelsPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Kids bike helmet (CPSC)
- Spare clothes for the daycare or preschool cubby
- Books, art supplies and open-ended toys
Big kid
- A comfortable backpack and school suppliesPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Simple Modern Fletcher kids backpack
- Layers and shoes for school and sports
- A certified helmet and the right gear for their sportPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Kids bike helmet (CPSC), adidas kids shin guards
- A water bottle and an insulated lunch bagPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Bentgo Kids insulated lunch bag, Thermos Funtainer bottle with straw
- A steady sleep routine and family screen rules
Swap each season
- Check what still fits: kids outgrow sizes quickly
- Replace worn outerwear and boots, and pass down or sell what no longer fits
- Check the car seat harness and fit again with each new layer: no bulky coats under straps
- Restock sunscreen, mittens or rain gear for the new seasonPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Thinkbaby SPF 50+ sunscreen, Unigear waterproof kids mittens, Kids hooded rain jacket
- Refresh the daycare or school bag with the right spare clothes
Ready to shop?
See what we recommend: Seasonal picks and the seasonal lists: fall, winter, spring and summer.