The Secret to Less Baby Stuff: Multi-Functional Products That Will Grow With Your Child and Last For Years.

For being so tiny, babies sure need a lot of stuff. And with such rapid growth, it becomes a constant cycle of outgrowing and purchasing more. So when if comes to buying things for your baby, it’s smart to think ahead. We’ve found some really clever, multi-functional baby products that will grow with your child and last for years, instead of months. You may spend a little bit more upfront, but over time, you’ll not only save money, but you’ll save space and sanity too. Holla!

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LITTLE BIG BIKES

We’re big advocates of balance bikes – they teach your child the fundamentals of coordination and balance, making the transition to a pedal bike a breeze. But let’s be real, they are expensive, and you’ll soon need to purchase that first bike as well.

Enter the LittleBig: a convertible 3-in-1 bike that can grow with your child. The LittleBig starts as a pedal-less balance bike for kids age 2+, but can transform into a bigger balance bike with a higher seat and longer arm reach.

And when your child is ready for the next step, add the pedal and crank attachment, and you’ve got a proper pedal bike suitable for kids up to age 7. That’s one bike, 7 years. Genius.

3-in-1 SCOOTER

by Micro Kickboard

We love this product from one of our favorite scooter companies, Micro Kickboard. The 3-in-1 starts as a fun ride-on toy  which can then convert to a stand-up scooter with a back brake and an extendable T-bar that can further grow with your child. The 3-in-1 features Micro’s simple lean-to-steer maneuverability, and non-marking wheels so it can be used indoors if you are brave!

BREEZE PLUS

by 4moms

The Breeze Plus is aptly named; it opens or closes in one simple step – push down, or pull up. That’s it, really, it’s a…well, breeze. Its primary use is meant as a travel crib, for which it gets top ranking for its convenient travel bag and easy set-up. However, with the included removable bassinet and waterproof changing pad, it can also function as a changing table, bassinet and play yard. This product can save you a ton of frustration, space, and best yet, cash!

GROW-UP

by MishiDesign

This innovative, solid-wood 3-in-1 toy will bring your child years of enjoyment – from their first steps, until age 6+. It starts out as a sturdy walker then easily converts to a ride-on toy with a wagon. Finally, it can be transformed into a play shopping cart/toy stroller. All configurations allow a child to tote along their most treasured belongings, making the Grow-Up a truly unique toy they will love at all stages.

PORTAPLAY ACTIVITY CENTER

by Oribel

Oribel’s PortaPlay Activity Center is a beautiful, modern version of the exersaucer. It doesn’t have any lights or music (parents rejoice!) but can hold a baby’s attention with the thoughtful and engaging toys that surround it. The seat turns 360º and integrated elastic bands in the fabric pad allow baby to bounce and engage their muscles. The legs adjust vertically to accommodate your growing child, and also fold-in so it can be easily stored when not in use.

But if you weren’t already sold, here’s the kicker – when your child has outgrown the seat, the PortaPlay can convert into an activity table for drawing, building or snack time. Love!

MAMAROO

by 4moms

We love 4moms, and their Mamaroo infant seat is definitely swoon-worthy. The idea behind it is simple – to make a seat that moves like you do. So the Mamaroo was developed with 5 unique motions that mimic the movements we make when comforting our babies. Our favorites: tree swing, kangaroo and the wave.

You can recline the seat so baby is lying back to sleep, or sitting up to engage. With 5 speeds, 4 built-in sounds and MP3 player connectivity, baby fussiness doesn’t exist in this seat.

It’s now Bluetooth enabled so you can control the motion, speed and sound all from the palm of your hand. And at ½ the size of a traditional swing, the Mamaroo is a stylish, space-saving product everyone will appreciate.

ADJUSTABLE ACTIVITY TABLE

by Crate&kids

One of the staples your child will use as they grow-up is a good, solid table that is proportionally sized for their height. The problem with this, of course, is that their height is constantly increasing, but your budget for kid stuff is not. Luckily, there is a solution: an activity table with 3 sets of legs that allows you to adjust the height of the table as your child gets taller.

Use the 15” legs for use as a train table, the 23” legs for use as an art table, and the 30” legs for a desk suitable for homework (because that time will come!). There’s no question, this table will get years of use, making it worth every penny.

BABY BASE 2-IN-1 BOOSTER SEAT

By Ingenuity

The Baby Base is a smart convertible seat that can be used from the time when your baby is learning to sit, all the way until they are a toddler using a booster seat at mealtime. Better yet, it’s a great space saver for those who don’t want a full-sized high chair clogging up their kitchen.

Start using the Baby Base as a floor seat to provide added support for your new sitter – a wipeable foam insert and 3-point harness keeps baby comfy and safe. Once they are ready for food, the Baby Base can be secured to a dining chair and the included tray used for their first meals. The tray can even be stored beneath the seat for easy travel use.

Eventually the foam insert can be removed which converts it into a booster seat for your toddler. With a retail price less than $40, that’s a lot of bang for your buck.What are your favorite multi-functional products? Let us know if you’ve tried any on our list by leaving a comment below.