Your sweet bundle of joy isn’t the only fresh arrival in a newly expanded household. A new baby also means new gear. Seemingly endless gear! No really—from diapers, creams and pails to bottles, binkies and blankies—the baby must-haves list goes on and on…and on! And it only expands as your baby grows into a beautiful, gravity-defying toddler. But don’t worry. While we haven’t figured out a way to make diapers withstand the test of time, we do have a list of tips for selecting nursery furnishings which are sure to outlast even the terrible-ist of twos.

• Invest in a 4-in-1 crib system. First and foremost, sleep! 4-in-1 crib systems are designed to be simply and quickly converted to meet your growing baby’s needs…even when that baby turns into a full-fledged, long-limbed teen. Crib systems start their metamorphosis with different mattress height positions, so you can lower the crib as your baby grows. When it comes time to transition to a big kid bed, simply select a toddler guardrail/daybed rail kit and let the real bedtime negotiations begin! Finally, platform kits are available to meet the growing child’s requirements for a full-size bed.

• When it comes to the dresser, sturdy and steady wins the race. Selecting a dresser that will withstand the test of time requires investing in quality. Look for sturdy construction that will endure kids’ less-than-gentle touches. Spacious drawers are a must-have, as sweet little onesies turn into bulky jeans and sweaters. Next, focus on style. A classic silhouette and neutral hue won’t clash with your kid’s ever-changing styles. And finally, look for key details that will make this piece a favorite, such as a soft-closing feature and full-extension drawer glides.

• Don’t forget an anti-tip kit.

• To changing table, or not to changing table. While a traditional changing table is often thought of as a nursery must have, it takes up valuable space in often crowded rooms, adds to mounting costs and is quickly outgrown. An alternative option to a stand-alone changing table is to purchase a changing top or changing station. These cost-effective options secure on top of an ordinary dresser, transforming it into a convenient changing table—all the while providing security for your little one and convenience for you. A two-section configuration can allow space for toiletries. A lined bottom protects your dresser, so you can easily remove the piece when your child outgrows it, no damage done!

• Mom, meet neutrals. Neutrals are there for you. They may not be the brightest object in the room (in fact, they won’t be—it’s kind of the point!). However, they’re not going anywhere. In fact, I believe this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. When your newly verbal toddler adoringly declares her love for everything frilly, you go ahead and start selecting pink paint samples. And when your teen wants bold and modern, redecorate on a budget. By selecting neutral big-ticket items, you can change up themes without updating your key pieces. No clashing here!

• Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! It’s time to have some fun. Inexpensive canvas wall art or wall appliques add personality to your nursery and give your sweet baby something to look at as she wakes up from a restful (or restless) night. A lamp provides the perfect ambience for bedtime stories…as well as those inevitable late-night rock-a-thons. And don’t forget stuffies. Soft and cuddly. Enough said.