11 Items For Entering The Toddler Years

Well ladies and gentlemen, it has happened. In a blink (really though, one blink) my baby has turned the corner into toddlerhood. I wasn't sure what exactly the marker is that changes your baby from baby to toddler. To some it is when they turn one, while others it is when they walk. For me it was when he started being adorably naughty. The kind of naughty you have to turn away and laugh for in the hope they don't realize you secretly think it is adorable. Or there is the blatant stare down while they do exactly the thing you JUST told them not to do.

For the most part life with a just barely toddler isn't much different. There are days when it is more exhausting, and days when it is easier than the previous months. To ease the transition I did my best to prepare with some items that have already proven fantastic for tackling toddlerhood...at least for now. Below is my little list of necessities:

Board Books: You cannot have enough. I highly recommend finding them from consignment shops and thrift stores to save money. Some of our favorites are Little Blue Truck, First 100 Trucks, and Stellaluna.

Squooshi Reusable Pouches: Our little guy hated baby food on a spoon but he loved it from a pouch. To save money, we invested in some reusable pouches so we could still use up our homemade baby foods. Best investment. Easy to clean and easy to grab-n-go.

Munchkin Snatch Catcher: With toddlerhood comes the exploration of independence. They want to try things on their own, and explore their world more than ever. These snack cups are a hit. As a bonus they also build great fine motor skills and can be filled with healthy on the go treats.

Ergo Baby Carrier: I loved my K'tan and was not quite ready to give up baby wearing. The ergo is convenient and for me it was a cheaper option than the Tula or Kinderpack. It has been great for traveling, or even just getting things done around the house with a little cling on.

Circo Straw Cup: These are THE BEST. I cannot rave about them enough. Another mama let me borrow one on a hunch that it would work better than a bottle. It did, and we are hooked. These cups are found at target. They are easy to clean and easy to use. The top of the straw also has a handy "spill-proof" cover...although as you now know if you too have a toddler there is no such thing as "spill-proof".

Huggies Natural Care Clutch: You can never have wipes in enough places, and this is a cute way to have them on hand.

Skidders Shoes: Toddlerhood is a wobbly stage. These shoes have been my favorite for helping him feel safe as he navigates walking on different surfaces. They have great traction and are easy to clean.

Teething Tablets: I was terrified to use these at first. I had read articles from moms saying to avoid these. Some even went as far as to say they should be banned. I will tell you this: they help. They were soothing and brought much needed relief. Cutting teeth isn't fun, but these helped us get through some tough days.

Zutano Slippers: These have been my favorite warm slipper. They snap on, and have a elastic for a great fit. They haven't once fallen off, and they are the easiest shoe I have found to get on those chubby little feet.

Mega Bloks and Bright Starts Monkey: Being a toddler means exploring, destroying, and constructing. These are two wonderful toys that allow a toddler to play with their surroundings and learn new skills.

#family #Life