By Rebecca Rakowitz

Shopping for baby gear can feel like a never-ending blow to your wallet and your living space. Luckily, there are plenty of convertible products that will last them through their toddler years (or beyond!) and help to save your money, space, and time. Plus, Mother Nature will thank you for making a more sustainable choice.

Not only does this play-mat-turned-ball-pit have extra fun features, but it will also grow with your baby from their first months through their toddler years. Linkable toys keep their attention during overhead play, and a bolster pillow and mirror encourage engaged tummy time. Once they are able to sit and play, pull up the mesh sides to convert the mat into a ball pit. And I know what you’re thinking, A ball pit equals a major mess, but just pack them away in the cute little sloth to keep your playroom nice and tidy. Ages: 0+ months

Try it: Infantino 4-in-1 Jumbo Baby Activity Gym & Ball Pit

With this activity station, your kiddo can play on the go and as they grow! The pieces are removable, so little ones can enjoy them on the floor, or you can bring the fun to Grandma’s house. The detachable seat lets learning-to-stand tots roll around the discovery center, while solid-standers can roam freely. Plus, if you remove the toys, older kids have a table for free play. It’s a win-win-win-win! Ages: 6 to 36 months

Try it: Baby Einstein Around We Grow 4-in-1 Discovery Center

You probably saw this one coming, but that’s because Graco convertible car seats are oldies but goodies! From the time they are a rear-facing babe to a big kid in a booster, this car seat will be along for the ride. Multiple recline, harness, and headrest adjustments mean your kiddo will be extra comfy, and we’ll never say no to a machine-washable liner! Ages: 0 to 10 years

Try it: Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat

Not only does the Contours Element grow with your baby, but it also grows with your family! The car seat adapter (sold separately) fits 25 car seat models, and seats can be turned around to fit parents’ preferences. A convenient organizer for your phone, wallet, coffee cup, and other necessities straps around the handle; a larger tote sits beside the seat for larger items, and of course, there is the beloved under-the-seat storage. If your family grows, or if a friend comes over, another seat (sold separately) can sit in the place of the tote. Genius! Price includes the stroller, one seat, parent organizer, and tote. Ages: birth up to 40 pounds per seat

Try it: Contours Element Convertible Stroller

You might already know that we love this carrier. Without the limits of straps and buckles, this ring sling can easily adjust to fit your little (or not-so-little) one. The soft, stretchy linen has a weight capacity of 8–35 pounds, so it can support your rear-facing newborn, your forward-facing baby, or your on-the-hip toddler. If you’re new to slings, these tutorials make getting started easy breezy. Weight: 8 to 35 pounds

Try it: WildBird Eclipse-Modal

As we said in our Best Strollers on the Market for 2022 roundup, the 4-in-1 Trike lets 9-month-olds stroll, 18-month-olds pedal, and 2-year-olds steer. In the first three stages, you stay in control as your little one learns. The fourth stage is when you remove the parent handlebar so your nearly 3-year-old can ride on their own. We especially love the sliding seat that allows for a perfect fit, and the typical stroller features you love: storage space, a canopy, and a five-point safety harness. Ages: 9 months to 5 years

Try it: Little Tikes Perfect Fit 4-in-1 Trike

We know aesthetics aren’t everything, but come on! This oval crib is so cute and parents say they appreciate how it takes up less space in small nurseries. Perhaps even more impressive than the style is how the bed converts from a crib to a semi-enclosed toddler bed. Plus, with an extension pack (sold separately), it can even expand to a big kid bed. Price includes the crib to toddler bed set. Ages: 0 to 3 years; up to 10 years with extension pack

Try it: Stokke Sleepi Crib/Bed

If your toddler is in a standard rectangular bed, we love the Helix Kids mattress. For children ages 3–7, the firmer side of the mattress supports their growing bodies. Around age 8, they will start to prefer more of a plush feel, so just flip the mattress to the softer (but still supportive!) side. Bonus: The mattress cover is hypoallergenic, water-repellent, and odor-fighting. Price includes the twin and two pillows. Ages: firm-side: 3 to 7 years; plush-side: 8 to 12 years

Try it: Helix Kids Mattress

It converts from a swaddle for itty bittys to a sleep sack for bigger babies! As mentioned in our list of registry must-haves, HALO swaddles are a true dream. We are especially partial to the soft and snuggly velboa swaddle, though the brand offers a variety of fabrics and patterns. The adaptable swaddle-to-sleep sack system means you can tuck your newborn’s arms in, up to their face, or with one or both arms out—whatever helps them catch some Zs. Plus, the inverted zipper (near their toes, not their neck) means you can tackle diaper changes without disrupting their swaddled torso. Weight: 6 to 12 pounds, or 0 to 3 months for newborn size

Try it: HALO Sleepsack Swaddle

Mella’s sound machine soothes newborns to sleep, and having a clock in their nursery helps you keep track of their sleep patterns. As your kiddo grows, they may still use a sound machine, but now Mella can be used as a sleep trainer, too. The comforting night-light can be set to help your toddler know when it’s OK to get up. If you want them to try and sleep (or at least stay in bed) until 7 a.m., Mella will keep her eyes closed until the specified time. Then she will “wake up” and change colors, so your little one knows it’s time to rise and shine.

Try it: LittleHippo Mella

Well, really it’s more than just a highchair. This 3-in-1 chair easily converts from a highchair into a booster seat (strap it around a dining chair) to a chair for them to sit at their play table (just swap in the shorter legs). We love the sleek design, adjustable footrest, sustainably sourced wood legs, and machine-washable cushion. Ages: 4 months to 3 years

Try it: Lalo The Chair

Skip Hop made the perfect convertible chair for future foodies! Young eaters can have their meals in their highchair, and as they grow into little sous chefs-in-training, the stool helps them climb to counter-height so they can cook alongside you. Not only is this a fun bonding activity, but kiddos are more likely to eat food that they helped prepare. Ages: highchair: 3 months to 3 years; stool: 3+ years

Try it: Skip Hop Sit-to-Step

Bathtime is more stable with this 4-in-1 tub. The detachable mesh sling cradles newborns; a removable chair can be used as a “baby stopper” to prevent slipping or to hold babies who are starting to sit, and steady toddlers can bathe sans accessories. The set comes with a squeeze bottle and whale scoop for washing and playing, and the tub has a hook to hang dry. Ages: newborn sling: 0 to 3 months; infant insert: 3 to 6 months; Sit-Me-Up support: 6 to 9 months; toddler tub: 9+ months

Try it: Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling ‘n Seat Tub

OK, so this isn’t exactly convertible, but you might as well buy them as a set. Once your babe has graduated from finger toothbrushes, these will continue to encourage good oral care and get them used to the brushing sensation. Your 6-month-old probably doesn’t have teeth yet, but you can help them practice holding a toothbrush as the triple-angle bristles massage their gums and clean their tiny pearly whites once they pop up. The brush for babes 18 months and older has a suction cup to keep it upright on the counter, and blue bristles that turn white once it’s time to be replaced. Ages: 6 to 18 months

Try it: Grow-with-Me Training Toothbrush Set

Potty training will be here before you know it! This multipurpose potty can sit on the floor or on the toilet seat. Plus, the bottom piece can be used as a footrest when sitting or as a stool for washing hands. We love the lid for when the floor potty isn’t in use, and it helps your kiddo feel more stable on the toilet. The plush seat makes training more comfortable, and the toilet roll, wipe dispenser, and stool for washing hands encourage proper bathroom hygiene. Ages: 18 to 24 months

Try it: Summer Step-by-Step Potty

Your baby keeps on growing, and their belongings should, too. These products that save money, space, and energy are deals we simply can’t reject. And so instead, let’s cheers to things that last for years! Happy shopping!