What Are Our Toddler Essentials?

As parents of a toddler, it’s important to ensure that they have everything they need to thrive and grow. However, having little ones often leads to accumulating a lot of stuff that can quickly overwhelm us and our homes. To avoid this, we always ask ourselves before bringing something new into our home, “Is this essential? Will this benefit us and our child enough to make it worthwhile?” Keeping that in mind, here are some toddler essentials that have made it into our home:

Feeding

It’s always nice to eat in a pleasant environment. We have always tried to have our meals at the dining table to help establish good eating habits for E. We also want to make meal times run smoothly. Here are some essentials for meal times with your toddler:

• High chair/booster seat
  • We have been using the Hauck highchair since E was 6 months old. We invested in this chair because it can be adjusted to the child’s size and used from infancy into adulthood, making it a long-lasting and versatile.
• Plates, bowls, and utensils
  • We opted for real crockery for E, as I learned that it may be useful in the development of fine motor skills and promote good table manners. Additionally, as the child feels more grown up and independent, this can boost their confidence and self-esteem. It might just be luck but E has never throw her plate on the floor (yet!).
• Cups and bottles
  • We use a small drinking glass at the table with meals and snacks.
  • A water bottle that is used for when out of the house.

Sleeping

Toddlers need plenty of sleep to grow and develop properly. We have tried to focus on items that would last for years. Here are some essentials for a comfortable sleeping environment:

• Floor bed & mattress
  • We opted for a floor bed to encourage greater independence, improve sleep quality, and enable freedom of movement. It’s worth noting, however, that every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. (Tip: We purchased a single bed with a trundle but only used the trundle (as a floor bed) until E is old enough to use the single bed. In the hope that we will only ever need to buy one bed 🤞).
• Mattress protector
  • It’s always a good idea to get a waterproof mattress protector.
• Sleep sack with legs → bedsheets and duvet
  • E slept in a sleep sack with legs until she was almost two and a half, this was ideal because it meant she could wake up in her floor bed and move around without fear of tripping. She then transitioned to a single duvet.
• Nightlight
  • I have found the night light to be essential for bedtime. It creates a relaxing and soothing environment, and because it is child-friendly (tap on/off and has no cables), E can use it however she likes. Sometimes she sleeps with it on, and sometimes she turns it off before bed. Additionally, it makes it easier to check on your child without fully disturbing their sleep.
• White noise/sound machine (Yoto)
  • We use the Yoto Player for white noise during naptime and its bedtime radio feature, which plays relaxing music, for night time.
• Books
  • We leave a small selection of bedtime books for E to read if she needs a little time to wind down before sleep.
• Comforter
  • A comforter can help provide a sense of security and comfort for a toddler, especially during times of stress or separation anxiety. It can also help them establish a bedtime routine and create positive associations with sleep.

Nappies

Our original plan was to use cloth nappies full-time, but we found that using cloth nappies only at home or on day trips (which was 80% of the time) was a better fit for us. If we were going anywhere for longer than a day, we would use disposables. Although we were not 100% committed, we definitely saved a lot of money.

• Cloth nappies
  • Cloth nappies worked great for us. They are adjustable, so they lasted from birth until potty training. After that, we sold them, but if you plan on growing your family, they can be used for many children to come. We bought twenty, and that was a good fit for us.
• Reusable wipes
  • Another easy way to save money and the environment.
• Wet bags
  • These bags hold all used nappies and contain any unpleasant odours. Once the bag is full, simply turn it inside out and empty it into the washing machine. Then, throw the bag in with the diapers for easy cleaning.
• Nappy cream
  • There are many nappy creams available on the market. Sudocrem has been used for generations, and we were kindly gifted some, so we used it. It worked great for any redness.

Potty Training

Potty training can be a challenging time for parents and toddlers alike. Here are the items we used to make the process as smooth as possible:

• Potty chair or seat
  • Using a potty chair has several advantages: it is lightweight and portable, comfortable for the child, and easy to clean. Additionally, it is easy to transport if needed.
  • We have added an extra seat to our toilet that is discreet and easy to use. The seat has three layers: the usual seat, a child seat, and a lid. When opening the lid, the child seat stays attached to it by a magnet. This is especially convenient in our small bathroom as it means there are no extra items laying around.
  • We used both a potty and a toilet seat, as it was more convenient for toileting on either floor of our house. We kept the potty on the ground floor (where there is no bathroom) and the toilet seat in the upstairs bathroom.
• Step stool
  • Encourage the use of regular size toilets and sinks for handwashing with a foldable stool. It’s easy to take with you when traveling, and can be stored for future use at home.
• Books
  • We used books to initiate a conversation about using the toilet/potty.
• Underwear
  • Consider having extra underwear on hand in case of accidents during the beginning stages..

These items are used repeatedly, often multiple times a day, every day, so in our experience they have been worth the investment.

Clothing

Toddlers grow quickly, so there’s no need to spend a lot of money on clothes. However, you should have enough clothing to keep your toddler comfortable and clean. People have been very generous and have gifted many clothing items for E, so we haven’t had to buy much. One useful option to consider is the multipacks of clothing that are now available. These make it easy to mix and match outfits. Here is a list of clothing items we found to be essential:

Safety

Toddlers are curious and can get into everything. Ensuring your space is safe for your little one is crucial. Even in a minimalist home, there are safety measures you can take to provide a safe environment for your toddler to explore. Here are some essential safety items to have on hand:

• Baby gate
  • wall mounted to block off stairways.
  • pressure fit to block off any other hazardous areas.
• Socket covers to prevent electrocution.
• Cabinet locks to prevent access to dangerous items. The types we found to be very good were a magnetic set (which we used in the kitchen) and a strap set (which we used on wardrobes).
• Oven lock to prevent toddlers from opening the oven door, which can be dangerous as it can lead to burns or other injuries.
• Corner guards to cushion sharp edges.
• First aid kit always a good idea to have a basic first aid kit in any home. As well as our usual first aid kit, we also always made sure to have a thermometer, Calpol infant suspension and Bonjela teething gel.

Living in a minimalist home made baby proofing a little easier, as we did not have many things lying around that needed to be moved.

Playtime

Toddlers need to move and play in order to develop their physical and cognitive skills. I have written a post on “10 Toys We Keep in Our Simple Home” if you would like to read further. But, in short, here are some essentials for playtime:

• Age-appropriate toys, such as blocks, balls, and puzzles
• Books for reading together
• Art supplies, such as crayons and paper
• Outdoor equipment
  • Climbing Frame
    • Climbing frames have many benefits for toddlers. They provide opportunities for physical activity and exercise, develop gross motor skills and coordination. We opted for one that can be used both inside and out.
  • Balance Bike and Helmet
    • Balance bikes also have many benefits for toddlers, including improving balance, coordination, and motor skills. They also provide a safe and fun way for toddlers to learn how to ride a bike and prepare them for a pedal bike. As they are lightweight, they are easy for toddlers to handle but also easy for parents to carry.

It’s not important to have many toys, but rather to have a carefully selected collection. These are the ones we make the most use of.

Out and About

Getting out of the house is important for both you and your toddler as it helps to keep you both active and engaged with the world around you. It also provides an opportunity for your toddler to experience new things and learn about the world in a more hands-on way. Here are some essentials for when you’re on the go that can help make your outings smoother and more enjoyable:

• Sturdy stroller that can navigate different terrains and weather conditions. We used the Hauck rapid 4 trio set from birth and it has been a good investment for someone who walks daily in varying locations, from pavements to woods. Despite being used for years, this stroller is still going strong.
• Toddler carrier: When your stroller can’t handle it, a toddler carrier backpack is the perfect solution. We love to hike, but our toddler’s legs are too small to manage the whole trek. The Littlelife carrier is amazing – it’s comfortable for both the adult carrying it and the child being carried. Plus, it’s nice to be close to our little ones while we’re out and about.
• Car seats are a legal requirement in the UK for children. There are many different types and sizes with a variety of features. We chose one that could last from 9 months to 12 years, which not only saves paying for an additional item later but also saves time on researching that item.
• Nappy bag with all the essentials, including diapers, wipes, and extra clothing, is necessary for toddlers. There’s no need to buy a designated nappy bag; you can just use the bags that you already have.
• Sun protection, sunscreen and a hat to protect your toddler from the sun’s harmful rays. Also, be prepared for wet days with rain gear. Living in Scotland, we have to be prepared for all types of weather (sometimes experiencing four seasons in one day 😆).
• Mini first-aid kit with basic supplies in case of emergencies.

Also handy

• Snacks and drinks to keep your toddler fuelled and hydrated.
• Toys or books to keep your toddler entertained during downtime or while waiting in queues.

These are some of the essential items that we have found useful for our toddler and our family. Being a parent of a toddler can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to figuring out what they need to thrive and grow. However, by focusing on the essentials, such as feeding, sleeping, nappies/potty training, clothing, safety, and playtime, it’s possible to simplify the process and make it more manageable. By choosing items that are safe, age-appropriate, and practical, parents can provide a nurturing environment that encourages independence, curiosity, and exploration. Remember, every child is unique, and what works for one family may not work for another. It’s important to keep your child’s individual needs and preferences in mind when selecting items for your home. Above all, enjoy the journey and cherish the special moments with your little one.

What are your essential items for your toddler? I’m interested to know. Please share your thoughts in the comments 🤍