21 Toddler Must-Haves
Life with a toddler sure can be an adventure! On my second go-round of navigating toddlerhood, I’ve learned a few things that have made this time just a tiiiiny bit easier. SO, I’ve compiled a list of items that have provided entertainment, learning activities, safety and more for my kiddos over the past few years. Simply click on the linked titles below to check them out for yourself!
Toys & Activities:
Water Wow! Activity pads - These are a favorite for both my toddler and my preschooler! All you do is fill up the pen with water, and your little one will watch the magic happen before their eyes. Best part is that it will dry after a bit, and it is then endlessly reusable. Perfect for long car trips or anywhere on the go! (Note: the Melissa and Doug toy company has a bunch of fantastic, quality toys. Be sure to check them out.)
Crayola Color Wonder - Anything that allows my child to be creative but WITHOUT the mess is a definite win in my book. These books are perfect because the special markers they come with ONLY work on the pages provided. They come in a variety of styles/characters or blank pages as well.
Click markers - If you’re tired of dried out markers and constantly losing marker caps - these are your answer! These click markers are capless - they simply click to close and are designed to not let the marker dry out! (Brilliant!)
Twistable crayons - Broken crayons and pieces of wrappers strewn about in your home too? Check out these twistable crayons! Built to not break, and you simply twist to ‘sharpen’. Yesss!
First 100 Words Lift-the-Flap book - While I could list many different types of books that are great for this age, I just want to highlight one that has been significant for us. My 2 y.o. loves ‘lift-the-flap’ books, and this one was the game-changer in her language development. Word recognition and picture association really made her vocabulary explode after we started reading this one together. I couldn’t believe it!
Flower Garden Building Toy - I especially love this toy because it allows for creativity and is great for the development of fine motor skills. Not to mention, it keeps them entertained for several minutes…and I honestly mean SEVERAL. :)
'Me Reader' books - These are great if you need a break from reading all the books…all the day long. :) It reads to them! There are different collections for different interests. Check them out!
Convenience:
8. Slip-on Shoes - I feel like this specific style of slip-ons should have been around long before now, but these are genius. No more laces, not even buckles or velcro! These slide on and STAY on. Because what mom has time for more when you’re running late and heading out the door?!
9. Travel Toilet Seat Cover - Super convenient for on the go - this folds out into a seat cover for toilets in public restrooms (that they’re too small for). So much easier than holding them, while breaking your back and getting frustrated. It even comes with a handy travel bag.
10. Toddler Potty Attachment - The training potty takes up space on the floor, and then you have to empty it after each use…and so on. This is such a great solution because my toddler can go potty all by herself, no extra steps involved, and she feels like such a big kid at the same time. Win-win!
11. Faucet extender - If your sink makes it hard for your little one to reach the water, this makes washing hands so much easier and safer!
12. Bumkins Bib - I like how this one is designed in particular because it actually stays on, and is large enough, so they don’t get their clothes messy while even wearing a bib!
13. Lightswitch cover - If your toddler thinks turning lights on and off is the coolest thing ever - you need this to maintain your sanity. It only allows them to turn the light off, so you’re not fighting that nightly battle of them turning it on when they’re supposed to be sleeping. (But having a nightlight on in there still allows them to see if needed.)
14. ‘Okay-to-wake’ Clock - With so many great features such as music, white noise, an “okay-to-wake” function, and more - this alarm clock uses colors as a visual reminder for kids of when it’s okay to get out of bed, etc.
15. Travel booster seat - It can be frustrating when you’re out to eat somewhere with kids and there’s no high chair available. This handy little contraption is awesome because it folds up easily for travel, with a strap; and it securely attaches to any chair. It even has a storage compartment inside!
16. Bath toy organizer - Not a new concept by any means, but just a simple tool that can save your sanity in a small way, while allowing the toys to dry properly.
Health & Personal Care:
17. Detangler brush - My girls have very different hair types from one another, but this brush works great on both. Most hair brushes tend to pull and create tangles, but this is designed in a way that makes so much more sense. One of them has a very sensitive head, and brushing it always became a battle. Now that we switched to this brush, it is no longer a problem!
18. Detangle spray - If either does happen to get tangles, this stuff works like a charm. Just a few quick sprays, and I can brush through their hair with such ease - and it’s non-toxic.
19. Era Organics Superbalm - Something I didn’t have to deal with for my firstborn, was eczema. My second daughter however, does deal with this from time to time; but the thing that has truly helped the most is this balm. Trust me, I have tried SO many different creams, expensive lotions, even prescription ointments - nothing worked. But this one - Does. The. TRICK!! It is so moisturizing and her skin no longer feels like sandpaper (I’m not even joking - it was preeeetty bad.)
Safety:
20. Deadbolt cover - If you have a curious child who likes to open doors, and you live on a busy road (not talking from experience or anything... ;)) then this is a great solution. Their little hands will not be able to operate this lock cover. You can still unlock it from the outside with a key though, no problem. Plus, no adhesive or drilling required = no door damage!
21. Door Monkey - If you need to keep an interior door closed, but don’t want to worry about pinched fingers, this works well! (Even for pets!) Quick and easy to apply and remove as needed - no installation required.
Well, there you have it! Let me know below what products have helped you! I’m always on the look out for other life-hack type items that can save me some time and sanity. :)
