I think that she just wants an idea of what to buy when the time is right. Also, not everyone holds by that. I learned that the Ayin harah is that if someone sees you buying baby items it could cause them to be jealous etc.. You know the rest. But someone could be just as envious when they see your growing belly, right? I didn’t purchase items before hand but I do know many frum people who did.
I really would suggest the chicco key fit it does have the best safety ratings. The only thing I don’t like about it is the sun roof but its not horrible, and it is very roomy and semi light weight.