I agree with some of the advice you have been given. Sarah & Vela have some excellent posts out there for you as do some others.

I understand why you want a dog from a reputable breeder with a young child in the house and I am glad that you are going about it the right way. Just be aware that a young puppy has a lot of energy & has no basic manner yet. Excpect the puppy to teeth even on humans, chew up your daughters toys, is not potty trained yet and did I mention he/she will have lot of energy. lol
Even though I personally would never get a dog from a breeder no matter what unless I am planning on showing him/her I still will stand by your side. IT is your decision & you are doing it the right way at least.

Just be aware that if a shelter won't allow you to get you are more than likely to run into the same problems with a reputable breeder (everything except the child part anyways).

Expect to wait at least about 6 months if you go with a reputable breeder, sometimes up to a few years. Decent breeders have waiting lists, especially for puppies that are going to companion homes. You may find an older dog that they have available right away or one that they want to be shown in an event but usually not a companion puppy.
You should expect to pay no less than about $600ish but of course the price can go up thats for sure.

Be sure to look well into the future. This dog will be your child for 12+ years. Will you be able to find other apartments that allow large dogs?
You said Dh doesn't want a long haired breed & has no answer, please ask him again why. Because if it is a hair issue.... well some labs can be very heavy shedders.

A true reputable breeder usually *but not always* concentrates on one breed. If you come across a breeder that breeds more than one breed please be extra cautious with them.

You say that:
The only time I have seen a dog knock a child down is if they arent trained or exercised enough.
That is so not true, well maybe when you are talking about an adult dog that is trained but when dealing with a puppy its a whole nother story. They are young & simply not cordinated enough or sometimes gets a little too excited. Expect this to happen often during the first year especially.

A lot of rescue organizations especailly ones where the dogs are in foster homes know a lot about the dog. They know if they are good with children, what behavioral issues they may have, grooming issues, etc... etc.... You will have much more luck dealing with them than with shelters.