Parenting Toddlers

As Peanut is growing out of her toddler years, the Little Guy is entering them. This has made me think of the few things we have really used a lot/needed/loved during these years. Our toddler essentials have made life a little easier, so I thought I’d share them with you. Here we go:

Pack n Play:
My mother got us a Pack ‘n Play for Peanut, and we still use it today. These things are great. We used it before Peanut went into her crib in her own room, and it was a great way to transition between our room and hers. They’re compact, they’re light, and they’re useful. If you travel, they’re great for toddlers. We brought it to motels, grandparents’, parents’, and on other overnight trips so Peanut would always have a bed and a place to play that she was familiar with. When she was older, we added a pillow and some buddies and it was like her own special room. Perfect if you go places and want a mobile kid. When they’re not in use, they pack up quite compactly, so they don’t take up precious closet space. There are some models with little changing areas, and there is an endless variety of colors, styles, etc. And another great thing about them: you can use them for multiple children or pass them on to family and friends, and they hold up great.

Stroller:
Must have, must have. When Peanut was born, I struggled with postpartum depression, and walking helped tremendously. I can’t say enough about walking - plus it, eventually, helped me lose weight. When we had the baby, I got a double stroller because I didn’t want to miss any walks, and they both love it. Now that Peanut’s older, she gets out sometimes and walks too. But it’s great for making quick trips to the post office or store when I don’t want to drive, and it restores my sanity.

Baby Wipes:
I asked my partner which products we couldn’t have lived without for Peanut, and he said “Baby wipes,” without hesitation. Yes, they are extremely useful. And not just for diapers. We always carry them for the Little Guy but just as often need them for Peanut. Dirty faces, sticky hands - they come in handy all the time.

Bath seat:
We didn’t need this for Peanut, but will for the Little Guy. Peanut always loved baths. She’d get in, play with her toys, splash, and have a ball. The Little Guy screams continually. He’s too big for his baby bathtub, so I’ve had to get in with him and hold him in my lap. Where he screams continually. So, I think this may help him feel more secure in the water. I hope. Otherwise, he will hate me, and we will both hate bathtime.

Bo:

We got Bo second-hand in a box of clothes from a friend. This turned out to be the best present Peanut has ever received. He has been a constant in our family for years. These days, Peanut sometimes leaves him home when she goes places, but she always, always needs him to go to sleep. I’m not ready for her to outgrow Bo completely.

What are you toddler essentials?