TODDLER GEAR MUST-HAVES

I just thought it would be fun to list a few of the things that we can't live without these days, or that were highly used by our kids in the recent past (during the toddler years, ages 1-3). 

A potty chair to keep in the car is a MUST (in our opinion - though I know one mama of FIVE that survived somehow without one). Little boys don't always learn to pee standing up right away, BMs can happen at any time, and little girls definitely need a place to sit (think parks without bathrooms, fear of public bathrooms, needing to pull over on the side of the road in an emergency). There are lots of potty chairs on the market, but I can vouch for BabyBjorn being awesome. While the styles with the removable inner can be frustrating (i.e. when potty trainees "help" to empty it, unsuccessfully), it's really a lot easier to clean this way (you can smuggle it into a bathroom to rinse in the sink if need be, or stuff it into an old grocery bag so that your car doesn't stink the whole way home (p.s. ALWAYS keep used grocery bags in your car - they are invaluable). Our version is the high-back style, but the one shown below is even better because it can fit under the stroller if you need to tote it along on an extended adventure.

So that you don't have to dump and scrub while in the comfort of your home, I recommend getting a simple seat cover. This one (again from BabyBjorn) is awesome because it locks onto the toilet lid (so it doesn't slide around and freak out the newly potty trained) and has the same little lip to help keep errant streams where they belong.

While we're on the subject of potty's, it's a VERY good idea to get some toilet locks. Babies have large heads and can tip easily. They are too curious. And they are naughty (throwing things into toilets that should never be allowed there). I promise you, best $20 you'll spend. These ones work so well that even grandmas have a hard time figuring them out!

 These baby gates are the BEST on the market (in our opinion). They swing-closed, lock tightly, are really adjustable (you can get extra wide and extra tall, if needed), and stay in place well. If you have stairs or a dangerous room of your house that needs to be blocked off, the investment in a good baby gate is a must.

Contigo Kids mugs are an excellent transition piece for toddlers moving from a sippy cup into a regular cup. This way, they stop needing to use suction to get their drink, yet the cups DO NOT LEAK. As an added bonus, as long as the kids' hands are big enough (Cora was fine by age 2), the cups are great for strengthening the hands and improving motor skills (since they have to use their fingers as opposed to their thumbs to operate the push-button release valve).

An iPod player for playing bedtime music on loop throughout the night is something we can't live without. White noise is our friend. We love white noise.

Since it's nice to get rid of the highchair ASAP and move the kid(s) right up to the table with their parents, invest in a good, comfy booster seat (complete with safety straps, of course). We've really loved this one by Prince Lionheart because it's soft, doesn't slip around, and is really easy to clean. And it comes in lots of cute colors.

Forget those bulky shopping cart covers (they are so annoying to store and tote around). Instead, get a simple, padded strap to keep your little one safely belted into the cart while avoiding the dirty, crusty, often broken buckles generally attached to shopping carts.

Or, if you want something that can also be used with restaurant highchairs (which also tend to have dirty, crusty, nasty, broken buckles), get a set of these. They work with highchairs, shopping carts, and probably other places you'd like to strap your child to as well...

Keens are THE BEST kid shoe around for hot summer months. 'Nuf said.

The only bummer is that they get stinky. Quick and often. We've found that this style, while not as cute as far as color options, remains far less stinky due to the EVA material they're constructed from.

If you have hardwood and/or tile floors and not much carpet in your home, you might want to get something soft for those new walkers to tumble down on. Or for crawlers to scoot around on. Or big kids to jump around on. These foam playmats by Step2 are thicker than most others out there, and I can attest to them lasting a long time around rough and messy kids! Ours have even survived the sunroom (re: hot and humid half of the year) without breaking down or molding. They're pretty much perfect.

A baby carrier is useful for so many reasons, but since I've already expounded on that subject multiple times, I'll just note here my most favorite carrier - the Beco Gemini.

Forget the baby monitor. Now you can get a closed-circuit night-vision wireless camera for less money, and you can visit the secure web address anytime (even while away from home - babysitter cam! - though we haven't figured out how to do that yet...) We have a 2-pack, of course.

When traveling with toddlers (who no longer tolerate cribs, let alone pack-n-plays), go for this air mattress. Waterproof, raised edges to keep kids from falling out, fast to set up, and durable (even jumping monkeys).

Now onto the car stuff (you knew this was coming!)...

Of course you need an awesome convertible car seat. There are MANY on the market, and certain brands/styles tend to fit better in certain vehicles, so it's best to visit a website to help you choose the best seat for you. We've loved Britax, and plan to stay with this line even when James moves up to high-backed booster next year. For now, he's loving his Boulevard. Just be sure that whichever model you pick, it can stay rear-facing until 40 lbs and 49" minimum, so you can ensure your toddler will fit until they are at least 2-years-old (though most 4-year-olds will still be under those weight and height limits, making the seat last you a LONG time), as per the AAP recommendation (to remain rear-facing as long as your child meets the requirements of their car seat to do so).

When your kids are rear-facing, it's nice to have a GOOD mirror so that you can see them and they can see you. These ones are infinitely adjustable, making them awesome.

It's also a nice bonus to have a good car seat protector, so those rear-faced feet don't destroy your seats with their dirty shoes!

I'm sure there's more, but those are definitely our most used, most important items for once you get past the infant stage. Hopefully this list helps a few people out!