Must-have toddler essentials for everyday use. Things change in the toddler years, mostly for the better. I mean, we go through the temper tantrums, crying, and falling out in stores, just a few things toddlers do. You know, the terrible twos and threes. I’ll need to come back and let you know how we’re doing in year four. We’re almost there.
But during the toddler years, we get to see their independence and how proud they are of themselves for their latest achievements. They are busy, super active, and ready to take on the world. We go from what do I now need for my toddler diaper bag to what are must-have toddler essentials for everyday use?
Here are my toddler necessities checklist and products for toddlers for everyday life at home.
Toddler Essentials List
- Sippy Cups
- Portable High Chair
- Suction Bowls
- Toddler Eating Utensils
- Suction Plates
- Fun Plate & Utensils
- Toddler Kitchen Tools
- Learning Tower
- Step Stool
- Potty Chair
- Faucet Extender
- Home Safety Kit
- Non-Skid Socks
- Convertible Seat
- Booster Seat
- Helpful Preschool items
- Good pair of shoes
- Coats
- Books
- Activity kits
Essentials For Toddlers
Toddler Sippy Cups- When transitioning from bottles and starting solids, toddlers need good quality durable sippy cups. They will drop their cups many many times as they are learning to hold them and drink with them, so having sippy cups for toddlers that do not leak makes a world of difference. My top two for durability and spill-proof are Re Play and Dr. Brown’s.
Re-Play- Re-Play toddler cups are made from recycled milk jugs, BPA-free, and hold about 10 ounces of fluid. Each cup comes with a one-piece silicone valve to use with the lid to prevent leakage.
They come in a variety of colors and will last you a very long time.
Dr. Brown’s- Dr. Brown’s 360 cups for toddlers are another good choice for sippy cups. Besides the durability and being leak-proof, kids can drink from any edge of this cup.
Suction Bowls For Toddlers- Some of our favorite toddler items are suction bowls for toddlers. They are such a good purchase because, as your little one’s motor skills advance; they move bowls and plates around without even thinking and there goes the food.
With suction bowls that can keep a seal no matter how many times they are washed, which these do, you will have less food on the floor.
These bowls are also the perfect size for their little hands to carry the bowl to the table and just the right size for the amount of food they eat.
Best Toddler Utensils For Self-Feeding- We’ve tried many utensils for self-feeding and these stainless steel toddler utensils are among the best for little ones. The length and size of the utensils are perfect to encourage independence at mealtime.
If you are looking for silverware inspired by the Montessori approach, I think these are also perfect Montessori toddler utensils.
Our kids want to do what we do and use the same items as us. The stainless steel gives them a little extra pride. They are using the same stuff as their parents.
Toddler Suction Plates- The same with suction bowls, suction plates are toddler essentials for 1-year-old baby needs and beyond.
Fun Plates & Utensils For Toddlers- Must-haves for 3-year-olds is a fun plate with utensils. I say three-year-olds because they know what they like and at this age; they are pretty skillful with utensils.
Give them a fun plate to entertain themselves and leave the table with a full belly. If your kiddo loves construction trucks, this set comes with a fork, spoon, and a pusher. Each one has wheels to replicate construction trucks.
Toddler Mini Cutter- Another Montessori-inspired item for toddlers is the wooden mini cutter. When you are ready to allow your child to assist in the kitchen this Montessori knife will work well with their little hands.
The curvature handle allows them to grip the cutter easily, and it cuts effortlessly. We’ve made apple slices (after we cut the apple in half), cut strawberries, sandwiches, mini pizzas and so much more.
I also tested this out on my fingers before use and had no issues.
Convertible Car Seat– When thinking about toddler gear, a convertible car seat should be way up high on the list. There is so much to consider when choosing a car seat like will it be comfortable for your child? Does it work for the type of car you own? What are the weight limits? and Is it easy to install?
We’ve had to go through a few car seats before we found the right one. This also includes when he was a baby. He was always very vocal about whether he liked the car seat he was in. Think screaming at the top of his lungs and everything in you wants to drive a little faster to make it to your destination, but you can’t.
Booster Seat- A booster seat is not necessarily a toddler must-have, but it can be very useful. Some parents prefer a weaning table over a high chair and a booster seat.
Prince Lionheart Booster Seat
- 18 months to 5 years.
- 3 point harness.
- Lightweight and easy to clean.
Non-Skid Socks- Non-skid socks for toddlers to keep them from sliding around.
A Few Good Pairs Of Shoes- A few pairs of good shoes for everyday use are essentials for toddlers. These are separate from a cute pair of Vans or UGG sneakers. You can see them here and here on my LTK page.
Birkenstock Milano Sandal– A go-to sandal for spring and summer that also provides support is Birkenstock Milano sandals for kids. These have back straps, so if your toddler needs the extra support to keep their shoes on, these are a wonderful option.
You can see them in my LTK shop here.
At this age our toddlers want to do everything we do. Help them take on a little responsibility with this interactive Routine Chore Chart for kids.
See Kai Run- For younger toddlers, these are a fantastic pair. They are comfortable, durable, and easy for the little ones to walk in. See Kai Run sneakers comes in a variety of colors and styles.
New Balance Sneakers– New Balance is also a great sneaker for toddlers. They come in a variety of designs perfect for each season, even the colder ones if you don’t get much snow.
You can see a few pairs of our New Balance here and here.
Winter Boots- If you live in an area that gets lots of snow, you can’t go wrong with a pair of UGG boots. They are so cozy for their little feet to keep them nice and warm on those really cold days down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit.
For winter boots, we size up 2 sizes so they will last a while. We don’t have many snow days and this year was the year to purchase a new pair.
A Few Good Jackets
The North Face Toddler Jacket- The North Face toddler jacket is a great spring jacket for cooler days and nights.
- Sherpa fleece lining.
- Hooded jacket.
- Waterproof.
- Currently in blue and pink.
Fleece Toddler Jacket- For fall, a fleece toddler jacket is good to have because it’s lightweight, quick to throw on, not too bulky, so it doesn’t impede playtime and it provides warmth.
The Cat & Jack Toddler Sherpa zip-up sweatshirt is also perfect for those in-between seasons.
Best Products For Toddlers
Portable High Chair- The Inglesina Fast Table Chair is seriously a game-changer for so many reasons. It’s one of the best items to have for toddler travel essentials and everyday life.
You can use it at restaurants if the table meets the standards which are for tables up to 3.3 inches thick. We’ve used this highchair at restaurants in our area and many restaurants abroad.
The Inglesina is also great to use at home, especially if you have limited space. It collapses so it won’t take up too much space, comes with a travel bag and it’s washable.
When thinking of toddler things to buy, this is a must-have for 1-2-year-olds. Can be used up to 37 pounds.
Learning Tower- A learning tower is a 1-year-old must-have, 2-year-old must-haves, and a necessity for 3-year-old boys, and the age ranges go on. This can be used to six years of age.
Little boys love to climb on just about everything and lots of kids love to help around the house, like cooking in the kitchen. The learning tower is perfect to act as a stool for them to help in the kitchen and around the house to keep them safe.
This is also Montessori-inspired for toddlers. The advantages to a learning tower are the opportunity for your kids to work on fine and gross motor skills and practical life skills.
If you are wondering how to get things done with a toddler, the tower is fantastic. Hand them their mini cutter and let them work on their snacks while you work on the next meal. You got this mama!
Related: Montessori Inspired Gift Ideas For Toddlers
Step Stool For Toddlers- An essential toddler product is a step stool. The iLove is a 2 step stool for toddlers. A step stool helps with brushing their teeth, potty training, washing their hands, grabbing books and so much more.
Potty Chair- Oh the joys of potty training! The OXO Tot is incredibly easy to clean, portable and if you prefer not to purchase an on-the-go potty, this one will do the trick.
We purchased two, one for downstairs and another for upstairs. We take 1 whenever we leave the house. It’s easy to use on-the-go bags or bring plastic grocery bags just in case.
Faucet Extender For Toddlers- Some of the best toddler products are faucet extenders for toddlers. It’s important for children to learn how to wash their hands early on.
Faucet extenders along with a step stool make it much easier for kids to reach the sink and water will extend to their hands without the extra effort.
Home Safety- Once your little one is on the move, it’s time to use safety latches and outlet covers. Add a home safety kit to your toddler essentials list to keep cabinets locked, counter corners covered and toilet lids closed. A home safety kit is a must-have for baby and toddler equipment.
Preschool Items- The cutest little non-digital preschool watches for children 3-5-year-olds. Talk about must-haves for 3-year-olds!
“Our time at the park is up when the big hand gets to the rabbit and the little hand is on the color purple”.
You can see the truck design on Uncommon Goods. You can also see ours here on my LTK page.
Activity Kits- Keep your little one active, learning, and using their senses. This Crayola Colossal Creativity Tub is a must-have toddler essential for learning and play. It’s a 90 piece set!
- Crayons
- Markers
- Colored Pencils
- Washable chalk
- Washable paint
- Construction paper
- Modeling clay
- Model magic
My 3-year-old absolutely loves this kit, and it has lasted us a very long time. There are many pieces, so be sure to supervise your kids while using them.
What Is A Good Book For A Toddler?
There are so many fun interactive books for toddlers to keep them engaged. Here are a few you’ll love. My list of the best books for toddlers.
Busy Builders for 1-year-olds and up.
My Body (First Explores) ages 1-4.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Recommended for ages 2-5 years old.
Where’s Spot? ages 1-3 years old.
Please, Baby, Please ages 2-5 years old.
Alphaprints: ABC for babies -3 years old.
Peekaboo Morning babies to 2 years old.
I hope you found this must-have toddler essentials checklist helpful. Enjoy!
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