5 Sit

Your baby probably already has lots (and lots) of toys — from soft, crinkly loveys to teethers to brightly colored activity mats and more. So if you’re going to add another to the collection, why not choose a plaything that's designed to grow with your baby into toddlerhood? We’re talking about sit-to-stand toys.

Not familiar? One popular type of sit-to-stand toy is the push toy, which can be adapted for play for younger babies. Push toys, unlike old-school walkers, are actually good for young walkers and help with gross motor skills and balance.

Some sit-to-stand toys mimic walkers in another way, too — by giving babies a play surface they reach by standing while supported in a seat in the center. Unlike walkers, however, these don't have wheels. When baby is standing, the center seat can be removed and replaced with another interactive toy. These stationary tables also provide a place for baby to play where they can't easily zoom out of your sight.

No matter which style of sit-to-stand toy you choose, it’ll entertain your growing baby for years, making them a rare first-year buy that baby won't grow out of in a few months. Here are five great options to consider.

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VTech's Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker has newly mobile little ones covered, and can help them develop from a crawler to a walker. Remove the front panel and let your little one sit and explore all of the lights, buttons and toys that promote fine motor skills. Attach the panel to the walker and your tot can pull themselves up safely (there's rubber tread on the back wheels to minimize slipping) and start walking around. And if you want to let your child play without removing the panel? The back wheels also lock to keep it in place, so tots can sit and explore those fun shapes and numbers without the toy moving.

Image: Amazon.

This unique activity center from Fisher-Price is designed to grow with your baby. Babies who can sit comfortably can be placed in the center and spin themselves around to explore the lights, music and safari-themed toys. Once babies are old enough to pull themselves up, likely starting around 9 months, the center seat can be removed and replaced with a fun spiral ramp element. The legs are also adjustable, allowing the table to grow with your baby.

This cheerful Fisher-Price Learn with Me Zebra Walker helps babies hone their fine motor skills by pushing, turning, clicking and more. While it's sturdy enough to act as an early walker, it doesn't have any panels that remove for mat or tummy time. Once baby is sitting up, however, they can reach and explore the different elements of the toy. Once ready to walk, it becomes a push toy. Just note that there aren't any locks for the breaks — so babies will need extra close supervision once they start pulling themselves up. It's designed for children 6 months to 4 years.

This sit-to-stand activity table has two levels of play for little ones ages 6- to 36 months. When babies are younger, the music station can sit directly on the floor for exploring the sounds of a piano, drums, guitar and French horn. Once they are ready to pull themselves up, legs can be added, and older babies can start moving around the table and holding themselves up, developing gross motor skills along the way. Older toddlers can continue to stand as they play and make their own musical sounds.

Unlike most sit-to-stand toys, this LeapFrog 3-in-1 Get Up and Go Walker offers three distinct set-ups for little ones from 3 months to 3 years: Babies can sit on their back and use it as a play gym, complete with grabby rings. The panel can be removed for tummy play, but older babies can also use the grab bar for supported sitting around four to six months. Once they start pulling themselves up, it makes its final conversion into a push toy. Plus, the wheels can be adjusted for more or less resistance as toddlers become stronger walkers.