When I was pregnant with my first baby, I approached the baby registry like I was preparing for a new job (because, let’s be honest, I was). Should I pick the cutest gear or the most high-tech options? What would actually get used, and for how long? I read all the lists, compared reviews, and asked my friends for advice. Even after all that, a year later, I still had a closet full of things we barely touched and a running list in my head of what I wish I had put on that registry instead.

Now that I’ve had three little ones, I’ve figured out which baby items actually hold up over time and work well for more than one child. So, whether you’re a first-time mom staring at that registry checklist, feeling a little overwhelmed, or helping a friend put together a gift list, these are the things that truly stand the test of time.

 Convertible Furniture

Cribs that transform into toddler beds are a total game-changer. And dressers that double as changing tables? Honestly, genius. Anything that grows with your kid is a win in my book. We had a 3-in-1 crib that became our toddler’s first big kid bed, and four years later, it still looks great. If you can find pieces with a timeless style that work no matter how your taste or home changes, even better. It just makes everything feel a little more pulled together.

Favorites:

• Babyletto 3-in-1 Convertible Crib – Sleek, modern, and sturdy. Converts to a toddler bed and daybed.
• Delta 4-in-1 Convertible Crib – This crib converts to a toddler bed, daybed, sofa, and full-size bed with headboard and footboard!
• Delta Children’s Dresser – Pair it with a basic changing topper, and you’ve got a stylish changing station that becomes a regular dresser.

A Car Seat You’ll Use for Years

You might want to skip the infant-only car seat and go straight for a convertible one instead. The right inserts can safely support your baby from the newborn days all the way through preschool, and sometimes even into the early elementary years. Many of the newer models have sleek designs and machine-washable covers, and they let you keep your child rear-facing longer, which is a plus for safety and peace of mind.

Favorites:

• Diono Radian – One car seat you can use for so many years: from birth to booster seat (5 – 120 lb), it’s the only one you’ll need.
• Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat—This car seat covers you from newborn to big kid. It seamlessly transforms from rear-facing harness (4-40 lb) to forward-facing harness (22-65 lb), highback booster (40-100 lb), and backless booster (40-120 lb).

A Well-Made Baby Carrier

This is my number one must-have. A supportive, comfortable baby carrier makes a huge difference in those early months. If you pick one that’s neutral enough to go with everything but still has a little style, it’ll feel like something you actually want to wear. Ours made it through toddlerhood with my first and held up beautifully for baby number two. A well-made carrier does age well, both in how it looks and supports you, making those everyday moments with your baby feel just a little bit easier.

Favorites:

• Ergobaby Omni 360 – Designed for comfort during extended periods of wear, this carrier grows with your baby and supports multiple carry positions to suit your needs.
• Mabē – Chic, lightweight, and perfect for quick up-and-down moments. It’s also very easy to put on alone.

Books

Toys come and go (and honestly, they pile up way too fast), but a solid little library? That’s something that sticks around. Board books with simple, engaging pictures never go out of style. Some of our most-loved books are worn in all the best ways—pages creased from tiny hands flipping them, the occasional crayon mark—proof they’ve been read again and again.

Favorites:

• Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle – Rhythmic, sweet, and perfect for noisy animal fun.
• I Love You Forever by Robert Munsch – Warning: You might cry the first (and fifth) time you read it.
• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown – Soothing and timeless; perfect for winding down.
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle – A must-have for early learning and beautiful art.
• Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney – Gentle and sweet for bedtime snuggles.

Durable, Timeless Play Mats or Rugs

A good play mat that doesn’t scream “baby circus” can be something you’ll keep in your living room for years. Look for mats that are easy to clean and stylish enough to blend seamlessly with your decor. Trust me, you’ll appreciate having something you don’t feel the need to hide when guests come over.

Favorites:

• Zicoto Play Mat – Wipeable vegan leather, easy to store, and chic enough to leave out all the time.
• Lalo The Play Mat – A minimalist design with cushioned support, perfect for rolling, crawling, and tumbling.

Simple, Stylish Diaper Bag (That Doubles as a Regular Bag)

You don’t need a bag that feels like you’re prepping for a tactical mission. Go for one that feels like you—sleek, spacious, and versatile. My favorite one? I’m still using it as my carry-on bag years later. The best diaper bags are the ones you’ll keep using long after the diaper days are behind you.

Favorites:

• Freshly Picked Classic Diaper Bag – Looks like a designer backpack and fits everything you need.
• Itzy Ritzy Diaper Backpack – Sleek and smart with compartments that actually make sense.

Feeding Essentials

Those brightly colored plastic bowls with a million pieces? Not exactly timeless. But silicone bibs, suction plates, and cups? They’re easy to clean, practically indestructible, and minimal enough to blend with your kitchen gear. They’ve survived spaghetti nights, toddler tantrums, and endless dishwasher cycles.

Favorites:

• Suction Silicone plates and bowls – They stick to the table and keep food exactly where it belongs.
• Silicone Bibs – Wipe clean, roll up easily, and look cute even after spaghetti.
• Grabease Utensils – These are the perfect starter fork, spoon, and learner knife for tiny hands. They are also sturdy enough for older babies and toddlers still working on their scooping skills.

Adjustable Booster or High Chair

The high chair that transforms into a toddler booster seat? Totally worth it. The sleek, wipeable seat that doesn’t become a crumb trap? Even better. A versatile, simple feeding seat will take you way past those first sweet (and messy) purées.

Favorites:

• Stokke Tripp Trapp – Grows from newborn to adult, literally. Minimalist and durable.
• Graco Table2Table Premier Fold 7-in-1 High Chair—This chair converts from infant seat to toddler booster to big kid chair. Plus, it folds up nicely for storage, which is a huge win.

A Good Quality Pump

If you’re planning to breastfeed or even just want the option, a hospital-grade pump is absolutely worth it. These hold up beautifully over time, stay quiet and efficient, and can support you through more than one baby. I used mine for two kids, and it’s still in great shape. Just be sure to replace parts like flanges and tubing every few months to keep everything working safely and efficiently.

Favorites:

• Spectra S1 Plus – Rechargeable, hospital-grade, and quiet- a blessing for night sessions.
• Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow – This pump is powerful and portable, with parts that are easy to use and simple to clean. It’s a solid, go-to option trusted by hospitals and moms alike.

A Monitor That Can Keep Up with Your Growing Family

Babies grow, families grow, and sometimes rooms get shuffled around. A monitor system that can grow with your family, especially one that supports multiple cameras and split-screen viewing, is something you’ll be glad you chose. Whether you’re keeping an eye on a newborn, a toddler, or both, having one setup that works across different rooms brings profound peace of mind.

Favorites:

• Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro – This monitor doesn’t rely on WiFi, offers interchangeable lenses, and supports additional cameras.
• VTech VM819 with Split-Screen Capability: This device lets you check two rooms simultaneously and has clear, reliable sound.

 Final Thoughts from a Mom Who’s Been There

You don’t need everything, just the things that will last. A well-organized registry sets you up for more than just the baby’s first few months; it prepares you for years of use (and maybe even a second round).

Take it from someone who’s been there: If you’re unsure whether something’s a “need” or a “nice to have,” ask yourself: Will this still be useful when my baby is a toddler or when I’m past the baby stage? If so, that’s the stuff worth adding.

Let your friends and family know about all your registries in one place at RegistryFinder.com. You can also find more helpful tips and tricks from our Real Moms on our GiveIt blog, including What’s on Your Third Trimester Checklist?