Favourite Toddler Must – Haves
Graduating to Toddler Mom Life can be like some kind of roller-coaster ride we wish we had the decrypted manual to – but as the saying goes, “life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a mother”…..(who’s probably winging her own mommying, eye-liner and basically life!…hahha)
Sure, we cannot plan for our toddler’s every move – but, perhaps we can be a little more prepared for some of their needs and tendencies.
For this post, I’ve partnered with fellow boy Mom @ammarah_issufo – to bring you guys some favourite toddler essential must-haves, with its benefits, that could make our lives and our little toddlers lives a little bit easier.
So whether you’re a toddler mom, soon-to-be #todmom (or dad) or simply looking for possible gift ideas -this read’s for you!
For Feeding
Long Sleeved Apron/Bibs
Let’s be honest, as much as we want our toddlers to explore and learn through messy play and mealtimes, we really need all the #momhacks to make clean up as simple as possible! Our favourite less mess mealtime item is from @hipporoo – these 2 – in – 1 apron bibs are made from a lightweight PUL materiel and actually grow with your little one from 4 – 36 months. It has definitely saved so many outfits and is waterproof, easy to wipe off or machine wash.
You can also find another amazing fuss-free bib option from @nurtureonesting. Overall these bibs are great for encouraging food exploration and allow our toddlers to practice all the self-feeding. Yay!
Splash Toddler cup
Aside from having a removable press fit lid to avoid spills when drinking, it’s great for helping our toddlers naturally learn to drink from an open cup independently. M loves his big boy cup and this durable toddler-proof option is available from @Munchkinza.
Suction Plates/Bowls
Our toddlers are on the verge of learning to eat by themselves – which means they have to learn to master some bilateral integration (using both sides of the body) – having a good suction plate, not only aids with this, but also makes it less likely for food to be flying all over the show. Again we’ve loved our versatile @Hipporoo Grippo Plate, which suctions to almost any surface. This has definitely been one of our fav items since the very beginning of our solids journey.
Lots of Snacks
Let’s face it, toddlers are little snackers, which means we gotta be prepared with a good snack stash 🙂 (for those teething days too!) We’ve found Happy Family Organics and Kiddylicious to be great, healthy options and can also come in handy for those picky eating episodes or even any busy mom day.
Another ready to eat snack option we love is Gullon Biscuits – they’re high in fibre with no added sugar and yummy too! I mean what’s toddler life without snacks, right??
Lastly if you’re looking for nutrient packed food pouches – Organix has some amazing wholesome snack options with a no-baddies promise. This has also been the only food pouches I’ve seen with the least amount of natural sugar content.
For Teething
Along with Toddlerhood comes those seasonal visits from the unwanted evil twin of the Tooth Fairy – the Teething Fairy! Textured Teethers are a must-have for these teething sagas.
For Pain relief, Prodol or Calpol has been recommended – although Panado syrup seems to do the trick for us right now.
Another awesome way to relief those painful gums is to fill a food feeder with some plain yoghurt and freshly cut fruit pieces – place in the freezer and you have yourself a tasty teether!
For Cleaning
Nappy Bin
This item right here!! Honestly, the nappy journey can last quite a while and this item is something I wish I had invested in since birth – now that M is potty training, I still find myself wishing I had bought one for that quick and convenient disposal, before busy M decides to run off again. A definite must -have, from the start! TommeTippee has an amazing nappy bin that wraps each individual nappy with an anti-bacterial film and seals in that odour.
Changing mat
While on the topic, let’s be frank, those poop nappies can be so heeeeectic….but changing a busy toddler’s poop nappy – that’s some next level Olympic Sport! We never really know what to prepare for until we actually open up that nappy. Changing mats are just crucial to avoid coming back to see those unexpected smudge surprises on the whole (and don’t forget to have tons of wipes around ALWAYS!)
For Dressing
Walking Shoes
Aside from needing tons of easy outfits – a good pair of walking shoes is a must-have for our little humans who are on the verge of learning to walk independently. To assist them in learning this new skill at their own pace – walking shoes with a great ankle support and non-slip grip is essential for building confidence as they learn to balance and navigate their first steps. I’ve been through my fair share of shoes and can honestly say my absolute favourite brand for first walking shoes is Footsies and Tootsies – the quality and durability is amazing! These really gave M all the confidence to find his feet ( see what i just did there?) 🙂
For Playtime
This part is probably my favourite – I mean our kids’ favourite too – and the best part is that they learn SO much when they’re just doing what they love – to PLAY! To enhance M’s play experiences, I find investing in toys that can provide endless opportunities for learning is important. Here are two types of toys that’s essential for toddler life:
Open-ended Toys
These are basically toys that do not only have one sole purpose, but can be used in a variety of different ways. They’re great for boosting creativity and encouraging problem solving, self-expression and learning to self-regulate – which are all important skills needed to navigate childhood and adolescence too. A few examples of this include:
- Recycled Boxes
- Sensory Bin Activities
- Playdough
- Animal Figurines
- Blocks
- Peg People
- Rainbow Stackers
- Balance Board
Push or Pull Toys
These are great for helping our toddlers strengthen the core muscles, improve balance and coordination as they learn to walk independently. M still loves his push walker, which also has a shape sorter in the front. I always love a good multipurpose toy that grows with M without losing much of its novelty.
For General Use and Safety
Step Stool
Have you noticed how much toddlers seem to love their bouts of independence? – I mean, M has so many moments where he’s just not so keen on having me hold his hand and prefers doing certain things by himself – like brushing his teeth – he loves doing this all by himself – and absolutely hates when I have to brush the teeth he doesn’t get to. Haha so, I find a step stool is great for these ‘independent’ moments in which they’d need to reach the sink, wash their hands or perhaps climb onto bed with minimal assistance. An alternative to this is a learning tower – which also encourages lots of active participation and a greater level of independence in daily functional activities including cooking and baking.
First Aid Kit
With independence comes lots of trial and error – keeping a first aid kit on hand can save us in those unexpected accidents. At the moment, I’ve put together a small kit for us, consisting of a few plasters, bandage, aloe gel, mini tweezers, syringe, alcohol swabs, etc.
An amazing full first aid kit package is available from Dr Carmen (@oneaidsa)
For BathTime
Bath Toy Scoop
This item just makes the aftermath of bath time that much easier – M gets super excited for every bath time and loves a bunch of toys accompanying him to the bath too – with this convenient item, you can literally just scoop everything up in one go and let them drip dry!
And what’s bath time without some bubbles for some sensory fun! We absolutely love the Childsfarm Range, which smells amaaazing and is filled with naturally derived ingredients + essential oils. If you’re not set on a product range yet, this is the perfect option to have from birth.
Do you agree with our picks?
We’re giving away an amazing toddler must-haves prize worth over R2700!!
how to enter:
let us know what your go-to must-have is below
don’t forget to follow the brands involved and enter on Instagram too!
Competition Rules
- This Giveaway will run from the 14 September 2020 – 30 September 2020 via Instagram.
- All Entry Steps will need to be followed for your entry to be valid.
- Giveaway is open to South African Residents residing in South Africa.
- Winner will be drawn at random and announced on 1 October and prize will need to be claimed within 48 hours.
- Our amazing sponsors involved will be delivering prize to winner.
- Prize cannot be exchanged for cash.
Good Luck !
23 Comments
Monique Wolstenholme
The Hipporoo Grippo Placemat
Rhiannon
I think that the Munchkinza bath toys are a must have! Interesting blog, I want to get a little step stool too!
Shanawaaz L Essa
A toddler MUST-HAVE for me personally would be the toddler cup by munchkin! Besides being the perfect cup to learn to sip & grip on, its SPILL PROOF! Being a mom of 3, there’s already so much cleaning to do. This makes a heck of a difference, honestly. To the point where my 7 year old has a spill proof cup too. As boys will be boys… But definitely a MUST-HAVE & such an amazing, affordable & useful gift!
Genevieve
Hello, these tips are amazing! I’d definitely say the toddler splash cup and the walking shoes my little one is always wanting some water while on the go either jumping or running.
Terri-lee
Hipporoo 2-in-1 long sleeve bib
CaitlinDarlings
my toddler must have product is definitely the bib or the hipparoo plate because Reid absolutely loves making a mess while eating as he explores all the new and different textures that food offer
Jonelle
Wow. Thank you for this! Im a soon – to – be toddler mama. And this is so helpful.
A must have will be the toddler splash cup & the long sleeve bib😊
Rene Henrico
I am really greatful for our Munchkin miracle 360° cup! Think its def a todmom lifesaver!! Ps: that bath scoop looks like something I NEED! hahaha
Jodi Bridgens
I’d definitely love a good long sleeve bib and placemat plate for jonah! 🙂 The perfect additions to a toddler’s must haves list! 🤩
Meera
This post is definitely something I can relate to and so helpful for any new mommies. My little one just took her first steps, so for me right now, quality walking shoes that are comfortable and supportive are a must-have. Thanks again for the informative post.
Kerishnie
That snacks and munchkins products are an ALL time fav at home! Amirah will enjoy this because it has all our “go-to” products. Holding thumbs for this!!
Nikki
A must-have for my baby without fail is a healthy meal, snack or drink.
Pebetse
Definitely agree with the above… especially walking shoes …👶
Carlin Louis
The splash toddler cup makes transitioning from a bottle to cup so easy and allows for confident sipping off a ‘big boy’ cup!
Ntswaki Botha
This is such an awesome giveaway! They’re all MUST HAVES. For me, the click nappy bin is no.1 on the list lol. Xx
Gloria
We would love the nappy bin since my Mom is forever walking out of the house to throw away my nappies and the sippy cups too
Gail
Such a relatable post. Being a toddler mom is both rewarding and challenging. All in all it’s so worth it! The products that you’ve mentioned are all so useful!
Rowann
Thank you for these amazing tips.. especially since working from home can be a huge challenge at times..these must have will help tremendously and make like a whole lot easier..
Tanya
I need the long sleeve bib would save a working mom from home🤗♥️ sooooo much time
Lauren
So difficult to choose as all of these are definite must haves. Good shoes and the plate are probably on the top of my list! Love them all!
Jaclyn Goliath
The TommeTippee twist & click nappy bin will be a game changer for me 🙂
Michaela
Definitely the snack hamper for my boy 😄
Tara Franken
Been using Tommee Tippie for years now, their product is amazing and the munchkin range, perfect for the kids. Cannot wait to get my hands on some Footsie Tootsie sneakers