From infancy to the toddler years. From one kid to two. I love the move towards baby gear that is versatile, multi-purpose and convertible. It saves money, saves space and it’s multi-tasking – like you probably are.
The Multi-Tasking Car Seat
Convertible car seats can be installed either rear-facing or forward-facing making them suitable from infancy up through age 2-3. Most convertible car seats offer a wide range of harness heights, padding options, recline adjustments, and can be used for babies as small as 5-6 lbs. up to 70 lbs.
The benefit: You’ll get 2-3 years of use from this one car seat. Also many convertible seats allow for a more comfortable and higher weight limit rear-facing than infant carrier-style car seats – a bonus since the American Academy of Pediatrics increased their recommended rear-facing age from 1 to 2 years old.
The downside: Unlike an infant carrier car seat, you can’t easily transition a sleeping baby from the car to the house or stroller.
 Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP 5-70 Ten harness height positions for just the right fit |
 Clek Foonf New! Anti-rebound bar when rear facing |
 Maxi Cosi Pria 70 Suitable for preemies (4 lbs and up) |
 Recaro ProRide Protection from a company that makes racecar seats |
The Multi-Tasking Stroller
Convertible strollers can change from a single stroller to a double stroller, but it’s important to look beyond that simple distinction. Some are suitable for one or two infants while others only work for one infant and one older child. Some convertible strollers also offer a wide variety of seating options (both seats face forwards, both face back, seat face each other, etc.) while other strollers are more limited.
The benefit: A single stroller that can transform into a double (or even triple stroller) saves you money, storage space and the hassle of finding a new stroller you love when baby #2 comes around.
The downside: The initial cost is often more than buying a simple, single stroller. But if you compare it to buying a single stroller and then a double stroller later on, it often is more economical.
 Phil & Teds Navigator Sharp-looking everyday single with add-on seat |
 Baby Jogger City Select One of the few convertible strollers that let both child seats face each other and actually see each other. Takes two infant seats for twins. |
 UPPAbaby Vista Add on a Rumbleseat to make it a double, the Piggyback Board to make it a triple! |
 Mountain Buggy +One Easy pushing as single or double! |
Multi-tasking High Chair
Most convertible high chairs transition from being suitable for an infant, to a toddler, to a child’s booster, and some even up to a teen or adult-suitable chair. It’s important to keep in mind though if you’ll actually use all those phases of the chair.
The benefit: One high chair can last you from bottles and rice cereal, through pureed peas and finger foods, all the way to burgers and fries.
The downside: The transformations may require additional assembly or storing extras pieces. Also some kids (or their parents) may prefer to sit in a regular chair than to continue using the same chair they took a bottle from.
From 6 months to 16 years, the adjustable, wooden Keekaroo Height Right can handle up to 250 lbs Keekaroo Height Right High Chair |
150° recline and 9 height positions (including a super low one) makes it double as an infant activity seat Peg Perego Siesta |
What convertible baby gear are you most likely to buy?