Back in January, I shared my mommy must-haves for infants. Now that Owen is over a year old, I wanted to share my must-haves for almost toddlers.
Since Owen alone is a handful, I try to keep the “stuff” to a minimum. For example, we recently spent a day touring Washington D.C.; the last thing I wanted to do was lug around a ton of baby paraphernalia. Somehow I managed to dwindle down the necessary stuff to one small canvas bag. And thank god I did! What a difference it makes when you pack light. So with the theory that less is more and sticking to the necessary, I’ve put together this list.
The biggest difference between this list and my infant list is the lack of equipment. The swings, jumpers, walkers, bouncers, bumbo seats, activity mats, and bassinets can be packed away; they are useless for new toddlers on the move.
You might think this means you’ll have more room in your house.
You are wrong.
You’ll have even less room, because toys will accumulate throughout your home faster than cats in a hoarder’s house.
I admit that I planned on not having a spoiled child. I wanted to keep the living room an adult space. But you know what they say – best laid plans and all that. And now here I am with a house full of toys.
That being said, I did not include toys in this list. It’s impossible to make recommendations for toys. Every kid has their own individual preferences for playtime. Plus, Owen enjoys so many of his toys; I don’t think I can narrow it down to a few favorites.
I also left out the obvious junk that older babies require, like pack n’ plays and highchairs. So after much thought, here’s what I came up with:
1.) Cheerios and Cheddar Crunchies
I’ve never met a kid that didn’t love Cheerios. They are the classic finger food for babies and toddlers. Owen has loved them since the moment he first tasted one. The sight of a Cheerio can stop a meltdown and make cries turn to giggles. He also loves Gerber’s cheddar-flavored Lil’ Crunchies snacks. We used them to lure him down the aisle when he was the ring bearer in my sister’s wedding. Worked like a charm.
2.) Bumkins Junior Bib
You know those cute little bibs? They are only good for drool and spit-up. Once your baby starts eating real food, you need something with more coverage that can be easily washed. I love the Bumkins brand junior bib. It’s like a smock with short sleeves, which keeps it in place better. Don’t get me wrong – food will still be all over the floor and highchair. But at least Owen’s clothes don’t need to be washed every time he eats.
3.) Gerber Graduates Rest Easy Spoons
These spoons make mealtime so much easier. The flat edge makes it easy to swipe the food off your kid’s face. And the size is just right for Owen now that he’s learning to feed himself with the spoon – not too large and not too small.
4.) DSLR Camera
A DSLR camera is definitely a major investment. But it’s well worth it! Compact point-and-shoot cameras simply cannot get the job done with a toddler. They move too fast! Without a DSLR camera, you’ll constantly be dealing with shakes and blurs in your photos. If you’re a mamarazzi like me, save up and get a DSLR camera so you can capture beautiful memories of your little one.
5.) LL Bean Boat and Tote Bags
Sometimes schlepping a ton of crap for your tot is unavoidable. During these times you need a giant, durable bag. I love the classic LL Bean Boat and Tote Bags. They come in so many colors now and the monogramming makes them extra perfect. I prefer the zip-top tote bag, so I can keep Owen from emptying the contents.
6.) Umbrella Stroller
There are so many kinds of strollers – jogging strollers, traditional full-size strollers, travel system strollers, etc. But nothing matches the convenience of a basic umbrella stroller. They’re so light and easy to set-up, a must-have for any mom. Plus, you can get a couple inexpensive ones and leave them in different places, like your car or Grandma’s house, so you’re never without a transportation device for your toddler. Lately, our umbrella strollers have even served as an entertaining toy for Owen; he loves pushing them around the house and the neighborhood.
How about you? What can’t you live without for your tot?
