Toddlers can be tough. Your child is now mobile and talking but still in need of constant attention and entertainment. I’ve rounded up my must-have items every mom of a toddler needs. These genius products will make your life easier. From safety products to making mealtimes a lot less messy, these recommendations are from a mom of two toddlers!
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Car Vacuum
Nothing drives me crazier than having crumbs EVERYWHERE in my car. Without fail, any time we get into the car my girls demand snacks. The car seats end up covered in dropped food and crumbs. A car vacuum (that’s small, powerful, and easy to lift and maneuver) is your answer.
Car Seat Covers
Another great invention to help keep your car clean are protective car seat covers. They are great for collecting dropped food. Plus, for rear-facing car seats, the covers protect your car from dirty/wet shoes and boots. The pockets come in handy too!
DVD Player
We were just given a car DVD player that simply plugs in and I wish I had gotten one a long time ago. For long car rides, this DVD player saves our sanity because our daughters are entertained and happy. We only use it on long trips so we can keep it a special thing for the girls to look forward to.
Cot
When your toddler is growing out of a pack ‘n play but you don’t yet trust them in a “big” bed a child’s traveling cot is the perfect solution. We use this cot when sleeping over at other people’s houses, in hotels, etc. Toddlers love it!
Safety Stools
Other moms always ask where I got my kitchen safety stools for my toddlers. Also called learning towers or kitchen helpers, we use these stools every single day.
Whether my kids are eating breakfast at the counter, helping “wash” dishes at the sink, or assisting in making cookies these stools are much safer than standing on a kitchen chair. Plus, we don’t have to drag chairs from our kitchen table all the time.
Toy Storage
After having kids the amount of “stuff” in your house rises exponentially. Toys will liter your household and you will need a system of organization so you don’t lose your mind.
Determine what will work best for you and your home to get all the toys picked up and organized each day.
Ring Door Alarm System
One household product I never considered needing until I had toddlers was a Ring Alarm System. My kids were able to reach our door handles at a very early age (even the deadbolts!). Furthermore, they had no qualms about pushing a chair to the door to unlock it.
I was freaked out about my girls letting themselves out of the house without my knowledge (I’ve read too many horrible articles) and this alarm system has given me more peace of mind. When activated, my cellphone rings every time a door to the outside is opened.
Long-Sleeve Bibs
A bib doesn’t do any good if your toddler’s sleeves get filthy at every meal. Luckily, long-sleeve bibs will keep your child’s clothes clean during mealtime. These bibs dry fast, tie (yay no velcro!), and wipe clean.
Suction Plates
What is it with toddlers and wanting to dump their plates at every meal? I finally have suction plates that toddlers can NOT pull up. The plates also have sections which is a helpful feature for most toddlers.
Bentgo Boxes
I love these lunch boxes. Bentgo boxes have multiple compartments and latch securely. They are perfect for picnics, eating in the car, or packing lunches the night before. My kids love eating out of Bentgo boxes.
Snack Cups
Like I said before, toddlers snack all the time which leads to spilling. The lids on these snack cups help prevent snacks from spilling all over. We have many of them.
Sippy Cups & Water Bottles
At home, these are the only sippy cups we use. They don’t spill. Plus the kids can’t poke holes through the spouts ruining them like they have with all other kinds of sippy cups.
You’ll want water bottles any time you leave the house with your kids.
Placemats
I am sick of washing our cloth placemats. These wipeable placemats are perfect for putting under your kid’s plate once he/she transitions out of the high chair and to the table.
Backpack Diaper Bag
As soon as I found out I was pregnant with my second daughter I purchased a backpack diaper bag. Running after toddlers on the playground is not fun with a diaper bag constantly falling off your shoulder. Having a backpack diaper bag also allows for both of your hands to be free – essential with toddlers.
Sand Wagon
I need to purchase a sand wagon as soon as we are allowed to go out in public again (#quarantineblues). Summer with toddlers is so much fun but requires a lot of stuff. Floaties, life jackets, sand toys, water shoes, water bottles, snacks, towels, etc – you can either make many trips back and forth to your car or you can invest in a quality wagon.
Hiking Carrier
As soon as I heard a stay-at-home order was going to be given for our state I bought a metal frame hiking carrier. Hiking is one of the few allowable things we can do right now and taking a stroller on many of these trails is not feasible. We’ll definitely be using it a lot this summer too.
Sun Tent
The best purchase I made last summer was this awesome sun tent. It pops up quickly, can be velcroed shut for privacy, and is the perfect place for toddlers to nap when everyone else is not ready to leave the beach.
Alone Time
Not kidding! As a mom to toddlers please make sure you have a group of friends and a hobby to get you out of the house. I strongly believe that taking time for yourself will make you a better mom. Whether it is an exercise class, book club, or drinks with your friends make the effort to get some adult time especially if you are a stay-at-home mom.
Kitchen Timer
When it comes to disciplining your kids a simple kitchen timer will be your best friend.
I give warnings about when we are going to transition to a new activity and I set the timer. The beeping lets them know when to stop versus me having to nag.
If you have to give a time-out you can set the timer. If your kids are whining about snacks you can set the timer for when they can get a snack next.
Bubble Machine
The last recommendation I have for you today is to get a bubble machine. If you need to buy yourself some time to make a phone call or get dinner on the table a bubble machine will entertain your toddler for a surprisingly long time.
What toddler must-haves would you recommend adding to the list? Let me know in the comment section below!
If you are looking for other toddler recommendations check out my post of QUIET ACTIVITIES FOR TODDLERS. You won’t regret it!
Also, if you are planning on expanding your family soon you won’t want to miss my recommendations for MUST-HAVE ITEMS FOR BABY #2 (or #3 or #4).
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