The 13 Essentials for Toddler Life that Will Entertain and Encourage Development
Toddlerhood is a time of exploration, learning, and growth. It’s also a time when moms need to be prepared for anything! That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 13 essentials every toddler mom needs in her arsenal. From games and books to toddler kitchen tools and more, we’ve got you covered. So read on and get ready to take on toddlerhood like a pro!
13 Toddler Essentials Every Mom And Toddler Needs To Stay Entertained And Encourage Their Development
Whether you want to survive a rainy day or an outdoor adventure, here are some of our most-loved products for keeping your toddler entertained while also encouraging healthy development! There are so many ways to accomplish the two, but these ideas and products are a really good starting point for making toddlerhood and motherhood easier and more fun!
Sensory Kits/Toys
One of the best ways to keep your toddler occupied (and help them learn and grow) is with sensory kits or toys. These can include things like balls, blocks, puzzles, and more. Sensory kits are great for helping toddlers develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. And they’re also a lot of fun! You don’t have to do messy sensory activities, either. There are a lot of mess-free sensory activity kits and sensory toys available, especially on Amazon!
A Few Good Toddler Books
Toddlers are notoriously active, so it can be hard to get them to sit still long enough to read a book. But books can be helpful for toddler development, even if they don’t sit and read with you. You can read to them while they play with a sensory toy or otherwise entertain themselves. Either way, they help with language skills, early literacy, and social-emotional development. Plus, modeling reading habits might just instill their own curiosity for books, too!
Some Toddler-Friendly Games
Games are a great way to keep your toddler entertained and engaged. Look for ones that are specifically designed for toddlers and are related to things your toddler is naturally interested in. You can get everything from toddler board games to magnetic mazes, and games that use their whole body movements like bean bag toss and hula hoops! There are endless toddler games available!
A Go-To Stash Of Snacks (For You And Your Toddler!)
Snacks are a must for any toddler mom. They’ll help keep your little one happy and fueled throughout the day. And let’s be honest, snacks are a lifesaver for moms, too. When your toddler is having a meltdown or you just need a break, a snack can be a godsend. So make sure you have a stash of toddler-friendly snacks on hand at all times!
A Good Stroller
This is a must for any toddler mom. A good stroller will make life so much easier when you’re out and about with your little one. Look for one that is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and has a comfortable seat for your toddler. You can even get strollers with fold-away seats that let your toddler stand up like the Chicco Bravo for 2 or Stroller Boards that work with different stroller brands! And be sure to get a stroller with a sun canopy to protect your toddler from the sun!
A Toddler-Sized Backpack
This is another essential for toddler moms who are always on the go. A toddler-sized backpack is perfect for carrying all of your toddler’s essentials when you’re out and about. And it’s also a great way to teach your toddler how to carry their own things! Just make sure the backpack is lightweight and has comfortable straps.
A Comfy Carrier
Another toddler essential is a comfy carrier for when you want to keep your toddler close while still being able to get things done. Toddler carriers will come in handy when your toddler wants to be carried around, especially if you guys are out shopping or on a walk. From traditional baby-toddler carriers to toddler slings and hip seats, there is an option for carrying your toddler a little more comfortably!
Toddler Kitchen Tools
Toddlers can help in the kitchen as long as you have the right tools and are willing to educate them (and be patient!) We love these Montessori-inspired and toddler-safe kitchen tools because they make it easy and safe for your toddler to help make their own snacks and prep meals right by you in the kitchen! What better way to spend time with them while also teaching them valuable life skills?!
Cleaning Supplies
Toddler-safe cleaning supplies are a must for any toddler mom. From spills and messes to crumbs and fingerprints, toddlers can make quite a mess! But with non-toxic and toddler-safe cleaning supplies, they can learn how to clean up after themselves (under your supervision, of course!)
Outdoor Gear
If you live in a colder climate, toddler-sized snow gear is an absolute must. From coats and boots to hats and gloves, make sure you have everything you need to keep your toddler warm (and dry!) during those winter months so you can still get some fresh air and have fun. And if you live in a warmer climate, don’t forget the sunscreen and ways to keep them cool, like portable fans and cooling bands! Toddler-sized swimsuits are also a great idea for those hot summer days. If you plan to go on adventures like hiking, you’ll also want outdoor gear that’s specific to that, too.
Travel Gear
Whether you’re just going on a road trip or flying across the country, toddler travel gear can make your life so much easier. From portable beds and toddler car seats to all-terrain strollers or toddler carriers, having the right gear can make all the difference in a smooth (and stress-free!) trip.
Entertainment On The Go
If you’re going to be spending any time in the car or on public transportation with your toddler, entertainment is a must. Travel-sized toys, coloring books, and portable DVD players can help make the time go by more quickly (for both of you!) and keep your toddler occupied. You can also DIY activity and entertainment kits just for car rides, like a busy bag with just a few toys or mess-free art supplies like stickers and crayons. If you need inspiration, be sure to check out our Instagram and TikTok, where we share lots of genius ideas and parenting hacks!
Safety Toddler Leash/Anti-lost Wrist Links
With a toddler, safety is always a top priority. That’s why we recommend having a toddler leash or anti-lost wrist link with you whenever you’re out and about with your little one. This can help prevent them from wandering off and getting lost in a crowd and also tends to slow them down so you’re not running out of breath! Thankfully there are plenty of options to choose from when you’re looking for the right safety toddler leash, like basic wrist links to backpacks with a chest chip (and they’re available in so many cute styles!) We know this is a controversial one, and yes you may get some strange looks – but peace of mind and ensuring your child knows they’re safe is worth it.
The Gist
Toddler life doesn’t have to be (and shouldn’t be!) all about just surviving. With the right toddler essentials, you can actually enjoy this time with your little one and watch them grow and develop before your eyes! From toddler carrier options to toddler-safe kitchen tools and cleaning supplies, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to make toddler life a little bit easier and way more fun for both of you!
