Three things you learn when you have a baby: 1. You are totally able to function without sleep. 2. It takes about three diaper changes to be an instant pro. 3. Babies need a lot of stuff.
Fortunately, these 12 products are here to help you cut down on that last one. (You're on your own with the diaper changing 😬.)
Four position carrier
This ergonomically designed baby carrier will take you from your baby's newborn days all the way through 3 years old (or 45 pounds). With four carry positions—front-inward, front-outward, hip and back—this is the only carrier you'll need for all of your babywearing adventures. We especially love the cool mesh breezy cutouts for extra comfort on warm days.
A bouncer turned toddler seat
Forget brightly colored plastic monstrosities. The no-frills Swedish-designed baby bouncer from BABYBJÖRN is nearly ubiquitous at this point. Since its release in 1961, it's been making life easier for parents all around the world. With a small footprint, the ability to fold flat for storage and its clever transformation that allows for use up to 29 pounds, it's easy to understand why. In fact, Motherly co-founder Liz Tenety calls it "the most-used product in our house for baby's first year."
Super powered stroller
The ultimate in versatility, the Bumbleride Indie makes all our stroller dreams come true. It's a big investment, but we think it's worth every penny—it's it's the only stroller you'll need from birth through toddlerhood, with no need for infant attachments. It includes amazing features like a UPF 45+ canopy, easy one-step fold, large cargo basket with storage for air pump (and the pump is included!), machine-washable seat fabrics + canopies (all removable), just to name a few. When baby number two comes along, older kiddos can hitch a ride on the toddler board attachment (sold separately) And have we mentioned it's also eco-friendly? Sigh.
Multi-use seat
This multi-use seat from Bumbo transforms from a floor seat to a booster seat, making it ideal for newly sitting babies all the way through to the toddler years. It's great for play, feeding and giving your little the extra boost they need at the grown-up table. It's super easy to clean, and the seat's foam pad cushions can even be removed to create more room as your child grows.
Adjustable high chair
This Scandinavian classic has been around for over 40 years, and for good reason. Its brilliant design grows with your child, providing a safe, comfy seat at any age. (Truly—it can hold a full-grown adult. We know; we've tried.) We also love its iconic minimalist, modern aesthetic, which compliments almost any space.
3-in-1 potty
Not only is this toilet a sleek addition to your bathroom (seriously—you might not even notice it there in the corner), it's also an award-winning design that will grown with your baby. Start your tiny tot on the potty, and when they're ready to graduate to the real porcelain throne, simply place the toilet trainer seat on your toilet seat to create a smaller hole for the little bottoms. Then flip the base of the toilet to create a step stool for your kiddo. Genius!
A high chair that converts
Alternatively, you could scoop up this clever design from Lalo. It starts its life as a modern, minimalist high chair that's easy to clean and comfy for baby and eventually takes up residence around a kid-sized play table through the toddler years. It comes in a variety of pleasing hues and comes with two sets of legs to convert when your little one is ready!
Forever car seat
Ten years, one car seat—it doesn't get more impressive than that! This incredible car seat transforms from a rear-facing infant seat to a forward-facing 5-point harness seat to a high-back belt-positioning booster and finally to a backless belt-positioning booster. So instead of buying four separate seats, you can buy just one—winning! It's comfy, easy to install and adjust, and overall completely just completely awesome.
Convertible swaddle
A swaddle provides a great way to soothe and comfort your newborn—but once baby starts rolling, you'll need to leave it behind for another type of wearable blanket. Enter this convertible swaddle that expands with baby, eliminating the need for multiple items. This swaddle + wearable blanket in one is suitable for babies from birth up to 18 months old. The fabric is soft + stretchy, and perfect for meeting the changing sleep needs of your growing little one.
Multipurpose playard
This sleek playard is not only multipurpose, but it's truly a breeze to use (sorry, we couldn't help ourselves...). It opens and closes with the simple push of a button and can be used for little ones 5-40 lbs. It also comes with a bassinet feature, eliminating the need for a separate changing table and infant hang-out area. Playard + changing station + travel crib all in one = one happy mama!
Transformable sippy cup
These cute sippies are everything you want in a toddler cup: they're sturdy, don't leak, and come in a variety of cute colors—plus, they can convert from bottle to sippy cup to straw cup with just a few lid swaps. The products and packaging are also made with eco-friendly materials, and the company donates to organizations that are engaged in making the world a safer, healthier place. (Everyone wins, right?)
Adjustable activity center
This minimalist, modern activity table comes with three sets of legs that are easy to attach and remove, allowing you to adjust the height and easily convert it from a toddler play table to a big kids' table and eventually to a desk. (It also works as a train table for all your little locomotive lovers, too!) It also features a paper holder and a roll of paper, perfect for your budding little artist.
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