Baby Products that Grow With Your Child

We all know baby gear is pricey, and it can be hard to justify so many expenses, especially if you have more than one child—or plan to. If you’re like us, you’re also looking for products that grow with your kids, so that initial expense pays for itself over multiple years, and over multiple kids. 

From a perfectly-accessorized playard to a brightly-hued trike that can be ridden from six months all the way up to five years old, this list includes our favorite, high-quality items that offer a huge amount of versatility—ultimately saving you money, providing years of entertainment, and making you feel like the savvy shopper you are. 


Strollers

Baby Jogger City Select Stroller 

This stroller has sixteen (SIX! TEEN!) different configurations. Whether you’re looking to use the Baby Jogger City Select as a pram, a travel system, a single, a double, or even a triple, it’s the ideal choice for growing families. 

While it does have all-terrain wheels, the only thing this stroller is not intended to do is work as a jogger. We think it’s working pretty hard as is, though, so we’ll give it a pass on the jogger bit. Can you tell Baby Jogger is a company built by and for parents? They’ve really thought of everything. 


Mockingbird Stroller

Even if you’re on the fence about whether you’ll have more than one child (trust us, we get it), it’s always a smart bet to buy a convertible stroller from the get-go. Enter: The Mockingbird stroller. 

This convertible setup features five configurations for one child and 14 configurations for two. It’s slightly less expensive than the Baby Jogger City Select, and we’re big fans of its thoughtful details: the one-hand fold, adjustable handlebar to accommodate different parent heights, and high contrast black-and-white patterns on the canopy interior that are designed to promote early childhood visual development. 

The Mockingbird is also super-customizable, from the handlebar to canopy colors. There are a TON of optional add-ons, too, including seat covers and a snack tray for the babes, surprisingly uncommon stroller accessories. 


Contours Element Stroller

One of the hesitations we’ve heard from parents considering a double stroller is they want to fit through doorways. To those parents, we say, “The Contours Element Stroller is the answer to your prayers!” 

This stroller grows with your family without any adjustments to the stroller frame to switch between single or double stroller mode, which is a sanity-saving feature we’ve never seen before. The Contours Element upped the ante on configurations and comes in at a roaring 35 different seating modes for one or two children. 

The team at Contours really seems to like the number 35—this stroller’s accessory options offer caregivers the flexibility of accommodating over 35 different models of one or two infant car seats, meaning walks anywhere with any bassinet, infant car seat, etc. will be a total breeze. 

At $899, this stroller is an investment, but, as far as we’re concerned, it pays for itself in peace of mind alone. 


Car Seats

Graco 4Ever DLX All-in-One Car Seat

Car seats often end up becoming big investments that you have to make over and over. Each baby needs an infant and then a convertible, and if they’re riding in more than one car, you have to consider if you want to invest in multiples, even if you have just one child. Plus, the laws change relatively frequently and depend on the state you live in. It’s a lot. 

Thankfully, Graco has been around the block and understands these parental frustrations, so they’ve graced us with the 4Ever DLX All-in-One Car Seat. This seat grows with your kiddo up until the age of ten! 

It seamlessly transforms from rear-facing harness car seat, to forward-facing harness car seat, to high-back belt positioning booster, to backless belt-positioning booster—the Graco 4Ever DLX All-in-One very well might be the ONLY car seat you’ll ever have to buy. Snaps for that!


Evenflo EveryFit 4-in-1 Car Seat

Ever turned around during a road trip and found your little one slumped over and dripping with sweat from a car nap? Evenflo’s EveryFit 4-in-1 features innovative airflow mesh fabrics that are designed to keep your child cool while on the go. This car seat angles your child comfortably to minimize head slump with three rear-facing recline positions and one forward-facing recline position. 

It’s slightly less expensive than the Graco, which makes it a strong choice for families that haul children in more than one car—plus, you can get a snack tray for it that keeps the babes busy. Don’t worry, though, the cover is easily removable and machine-washable. Evenflo wasn’t about to leave you hanging with the inevitable snack messes. 

You can buy additional bases to transfer easily between vehicles, and this seat is a quick snap into all Chicco strollers. If you’re looking for an infant seat that will last well through baby’s first year, this is it!


Chicco Fit2 Infant-to-Toddler Car Seat

We can’t speak for you, but an infant to toddler car seat is a TOTALLY new phenomenon for us, and one that’s long overdue. This Chicco setup’s innovative 2-stage seating technology ensures your child will ride comfortably and securely from day one to year two, which gives you a lot more time to research larger car seats (although, with this guide, we hope you won’t need much time at all!). 


Nuna  EXECâ„¢ All-in-One Car Seat

Supporting your kiddo from five to 120 pounds, the Nuna EXEC is the definition of a car seat that grows with your baby. There are so many things to love about this versatile seat: it can be rear-facing up to fifty pounds, it’s slim enough to fit three across, its breathable fabric is machine-washable, and it ultimately converts to a booster. 

For the parent or caregiver looking to make just one car seat purchase ever, this is it—the only thing that might be awkward is lugging it into the hospital for that initial car seat check, but that feels like small potatoes in the whole scheme of its lifetime benefits.  


Sleep Products

Graco Pack n Play Rock n Grow Playard

Rest assured that your baby will love the Graco Pack n Play Rock n Grow well into toddlerhood—the newborn seat easily transitions into a toddler chair, and all accessories quickly remove from the playard thanks to Quick Connect technology for easy portability. 

The team at Graco didn’t miss a beat with this playard. It offers eight ways to use it: newborn seat with two vibration modes, diaper changer, infant bassinet, infant rocker, infant seat, toddler playard, toddler rocker, and big kid seat. The whole setup can be packed into a travel bag and taken along wherever life takes you, which keeps baby happy and parents’ travel anxiety at bay. 


Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Crib

We are big fans of Babletto’s Scandi-influenced designs and ease of use. This crib has four adjustable mattress positions and is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has undergone rigorous scientific testing for over 10,000 chemical emissions and VOCs. Babyletto took extra steps to source sustainable New Zealand pine wood and finished each piece with non-toxic paints and stains. 

The Gelato 4-in-1 Crib contributes to cleaner indoor air, creating a healthier environment for your baby to sleep, play, and grow—not to mention, it looks beautiful in any room and is perfectly gender-neutral. A toddler bed conversion kit is included, and you can purchase an additional kit to make it into a full-size bed later on. This is a furniture item that will live well in your home for years to come. 


Hatch Rest+

We have it on good authority that the Hatch Rest+ works as well on tired parents as it does on babies. It’s a sound machine with tons of noise options, a nightlight with tons of color options, a time to rise clock, a two-way audio monitor, AND an LED clock. 

Honestly, we wouldn’t be surprised if we came over and saw one of these in every bedroom, including yours.  


Halo Sleepsack Swaddle

The makers of the original wearable blanket continue to innovate, and we love everything they come up with. This 100% cotton three-way sleepsack swaddle both ensures your baby’s best sleep and also provides an easy transition when it’s time to stop swaddling. 

The inverted zipper makes for easy middle-of-the-night diaper changes, and its 1.5 TOG Rating means it’s light enough for mild or even warm weather and warm enough for cooler weather, provided you dress baby in warmer PJs (we have a whole round up of our Amazon favorites here). 

You’ll want at least two of these for blowouts, diaper leaks, and drool, so be sure to stock up!


High Chairs and Booster Seats

Skip Hop Sit-to-Step Convertible High Chair

You may have noticed the theme of versatility in this list and we’re so excited to find high hairs that fit that bill. High chairs have been pretty one-note for a long time, but leave it to Skip Hop to give us something that even bigger kids will love! 

The Skip Hop Sit-to-Step Convertible High Chair transitions from high chair to kitchen helper, which gives the added benefit of teaching kiddos the value of cooking and contributing to family meals. 

It has an infant insert and multiple recline positions, the lay-flat (and dishwasher-safe!) tray can be pulled up right to the table, it has a back hook that can hold bibs, and it folds down for easy storage. This high chair is so easy and innovative, we wouldn’t be surprised if you tell ALL your friends about it. 


Graco Table2Table 7-in-1 High Chair

If you’re looking for something a little different for your toddler, you’ll get a big kick out of the Graco Table2Table 7-in-1 High Chair, which features seven growing transitions, ultimately becoming a toddler table and chair. It reclines for early feedings, becomes a booster through toddlerhood, and once you have an independent big kid, the table and chair set up fits them until about the age of six. 

Like the Skip Hop, the Graco Table2Table 7-in-1 High Chair folds compactly for easy storage. And, pssst, this one is on major sale right now—if you’re eyeing it, don’t hesitate!  


Bumbo Multi-Seat

The Bumbo Multi-Seat is the next step up from the Bumbo Floor Seat—it grows with your baby through toddlerdom. The Bumbo’s attachment straps allow it to easily convert from a floor seat to a booster seat, and you can begin enjoying key developmental milestones—from feeding to playtime—as soon as your child can sit unassisted. 

The foam pads can be taken out for more room as your baby grows, and the removable tray attaches to the back of the Multi Seat for easy storage and transport. 


Other Baby Gear

Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier

A baby carrier that works from infancy to 48 months is certainly a diamond in the rough, and Ergo’s latest 360 has taken its versatility one step further with higher ventilation fabrics. It’s breathable, lightweight (read: you AND babe will both stay cool while out and about), and offers adjustable fits for all parents. It’s even been acknowledged as a “hip-healthy” product by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute because of its supportive straps. 

We particularly love the pearlescent grey color, which is the perfect neutral—your baby carrier is another accessory, after all, so why not feel chic while wearing your mini?


Boon Soak 3-Stage Baby Bath

Boon, the makers of our favorite Grass Countertop Bottle Drying Rack, added some really slick features to their 3-Stage Baby Bath. The compact Soak fits in most double sinks and has an adjustable bump and contoured back, which suits reclining newborns through seated toddlers. 

Our favorite feature, though, is the color-changing temperature gauge, which helps you keep your baby cozy and comfortable while you’re washing them. Bathtime has never been easier—or more fun!  


Toys

Skip Hop 3-in-1 Push Walker & Ride On

Whether they’re using it to push, pull, ride, or scoot, one thing’s for sure: your toddler is going to love the Skip Hop Ride On. 

Stage one, designed for early walkers, encourages your little one to push and pull in wagon mode (a great spot to keep favorite toys, too). In stage two, the wagon’s storage tub converts to a seat for riding. To convert to stage three, just remove the seat, pull up the adjustable handle for your kiddo, and have them hop on the scooter and take it for a spin! 

Your babe will get a big kick out of pressing the button at the front for a headlight, melodies, a beep sound, and more fun sound effects as they zoom around (and around and around). 


Lovevery Activity Gym & Play Gym

The Lovevery Play Gym was developed to include five Montessori play zones that encourage baby’s physical, cognitive, visual, and motor learning. It’s made of 100% baby-safe non-toxic materials, is machine washable, and is quick to set up and take down. 

You’ll appreciate how easily the Play Gym can be turned into a cozy space with the Play Space Cover, and your child will enjoy popping in and out from under it, ensuring hours and hours of both brain development and entertainment. Win-win!


Joovy Tricycoo LX Kids’ Tricycle

When Joovy said the Tricycoo LX Kids’ Tricycle is the ultimate trike, they meant it. Fun for babies from six months to five-year-old big kids, the Tricycoo features eight stages that adapt as your child grows. We love the little details, like the selection of bright hues, ergonomic seat, and UPF 50+ canopy. 

Bonus: No tools required to put this trike together! 


Skip Hop Baby Activity Center

The Skip Hop Activity Center is one of the most popular activity centers we’ve seen, and with good reason: it’s bright without being obnoxious, provides a “whole body” approach to infant entertainment with its swivel seat and foot piano, and eventually converts into a chic and sturdy toddler table (coordinating toddler chairs are available here). 

Developed with a pediatrician, featuring 25+ activities, and looking beautiful in any room (no easy feat for baby gear!), this is one Activity Center that will make everyone in your house smile.

We hope this list helps you make baby gear choices you can feel good about for years. If you end up purchasing anything we’ve mentioned, we’d love to see it. Tag us on Facebook and Instagram, so we can share in the fun!

Baby Products that Grow With Your Child

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