gear that grows with baby is a registry must

Our favorite convertible baby buys are worth every penny.

It’s true what they say: Babies really do grow up fast. Before you know it, your newborn will be a baby, and then a toddler. Add these convertible products to your registry now for use through the ages.

nursery now-and-laters

Most convertible cribs will take you from crib to toddler bed to daybed, and some even have a bassinet setting. You may need to register for the conversion kit and additional parts separately.

Don’t forget to register for a mattress, too. A two-stage mattress is designed to grow with your baby: firm on one side for the infant months, cushier on the other side for toddlers.

Many portable cribs and playards also come in convertible options, with a bassinet attachment for those early bedside months.

What goes inside the crib changes by age, too. Blankets and stuffies look soft and sweet, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping your baby’s sleeping surface clear of these items until age two.

seating for every stage

A convertible high chair will be in your kitchen from first foods through toddlerhood (and maybe even beyond), so think about what will serve your long-term needs. Consider details like the high chair’s size, portability, ease of cleaning, and how many configurations it offers. A high chair with a removable tray will let you pull your little one right up to the table when they’re ready.

Think outside the table. Some high chairs have configurations that let you remove the seat and place it on the floor or even bring it out to a restaurant. Talk about multi-stage use.

You may not think of a high chair for a newborn, but many models tilt back to cradle an infant while you’re cooking or eating.

strollers that go the distance

Strollers often come in travel systems, and for good reason. With a quick click, you can pop in an infant car seat or reverse your baby from rear- to forward-facing. Many stroller travel systems allow you to expand seating as your family expands, so you don’t have to buy another stroller as your family grows.

Check the age ranges for every stroller configuration. Most convertible strollers require a car seat or bassinet attachment for newborn to three months old, but an infant insert can save you the hassle of constantly snapping seats in and out.

An inline double stroller fits through doorways and folds into trunks a lot easier than a side-by-side double stroller configuration.

riding out the years

While many parents register for an infant car seat thanks to its stroller compatibility, a convertible car seat can take you through your entire car seat journey (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends using a car seat or booster until your child is between 8-12 years old). Just switch up the recline and seat direction, and you’re ready for the next stage.

If you’re more comfortable with a bucket-style infant car seat for the first year, opt for one that can pull double duty as a stroller. Just pop the legs out and go from car to sidewalk in an instant.

We know that car seat installations are confusing; according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than half of car seats on the road are installed incorrectly. Don’t guess about something so potentially dangerous. Safekids.org has a list of Child Passenger Safety Technicians in your area.

Know when to say “no” to the hand-me-down. Car seats usually expire six to 10 years after the manufacture date and always need to be replaced after a vehicle accident.

play it forward

An activity center or jumper that transforms will equal months, or even years, of fun. Terms like “sit to stand” or “smart stages” are surefire ways to know your toy will be there through several developmental milestones.

Simple, open-ended infant toys can provide playtime longevity, from sensory to imitation to imaginative play depending on your child’s stage. Building blocks, stuffed animals, and even musical instruments are versatile options through the years.

Before you toss a well-used toy, store it away and take it out another day. Your little one may see that old friend in a new light.