Why does the 40-ish weeks of pregnancy feel never-ending, but the first year with your baby flies by before you can even catch your breath? I swear it was just yesterday I was staring at those two pink lines in total disbelief. Now here I am, with a toddler who’s constantly asking for snacks and ready to hang out with Ms. Rachel like it’s his job.
Looking back, I definitely didn’t have the toddler phase in mind when I was putting together my baby registry. I mean, I thought I was being so thorough. I had the infant car seat, the giant stroller, and a drawer full of tiny onesies that only fit for a minute. And at the time, that felt like plenty. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
No one really tells you how fast you go from swaddling a newborn to chasing a tiny human who somehow figured out how to scale the couch. So if you’re working on your registry now, I’m here to gently nudge you to think a little further ahead. Your future self will thank you.
Here are a few toddler-friendly items I really wish I had included from the start. They would have made the transition into toddlerhood so much smoother and a lot less “why didn’t anyone tell me about this?”
Toddler Travel Essentials
Convertible Car Seat
As a first-time mom, I had no idea that convertible car seats even existed. I picked out the cutest infant car seat I could find, totally focused on how it looked and not much else. It worked fine at first, but it didn’t take long before my baby started to outgrow it. By the time we were ready to switch him to forward-facing (per our pediatrician’s recommendation), I realized we needed a completely new car seat. I remember sitting there, typing in our credit card info and thinking, Why didn’t I just register for a convertible car seat in the first place?
Learn from me on this one and go ahead and add the Safety 1st Grow and Go Convertible Car Seat to your registry. It is one of those products that grows with your child through all three stages: rear-facing, forward-facing, and eventually a booster. It is super practical and will save you from buying multiple car seats later.
Jogging Stroller
Once our son took his first steps at 14 months, it felt like he never stopped moving. His independence was through the roof, and suddenly, he wanted nothing to do with the bulky, rear-facing stroller we had. That’s when we discovered the Graco Jogging Stroller. It’s lightweight, super easy to maneuver, and folds up so effortlessly that you can store it in your trunk without breaking a sweat. Plus, it has a snack tray—because let’s be honest, all toddlers run on snacks. It’s definitely toddler-approved!
Carrier
One of our absolute favorite products has been the Lillebaby CarryOn Toddler Carrier. Whether we were running errands or heading to the airport for a vacation, our son loved being in the carrier. He enjoyed it so much that my husband even asked for one for Father’s Day, big enough for our 3 ½-year-old. Now that our baby girl is here, she hangs out in our son’s old infant carrier while he gets a ride with Dad! It has made our family walks so much more enjoyable.
Our son Tripp in his LilleBaby Toddler Carrier
Toddler Feeding Essentials
Booster Seat
One milestone that doesn’t get talked about enough is when your child outgrows their highchair and is ready to sit at the table with you. I quickly learned that while my son was ready to ditch the highchair, he was still just a little too short to sit comfortably at the dining table. That’s when we found this non-slip, detachable booster seat from Amazon. It’s the perfect, comfortable, and convenient option for toddlers!
Plates and Utensils
It might feel like your baby starting solids is forever away, but the truth is, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing solids at 6 months. As a first-time mom, I had no idea how quickly I would regret not adding toddler-friendly plates and utensils to my registry to make that transition to solid foods a little easier.
You certainly don’t need much when it comes to plates and utensils—anti-slip, dishwasher-safe plates and stainless-steel and silicone utensils are sure to do the trick! Check out these options from Amazon, which offers the bonus of two-day shipping!
Toddler Bathing Essentials
Splash Guard for Bathtub
Let’s be honest, water escaping the bathtub happens long before the toddler years. That’s why we recommend adding this splash guard to your registry. It protects your floors and gives your child a fun space to play during bathtime.
Toddler Size Towels
While infant-size towels are definitely helpful, especially when you’re just starting that bath-time routine with your newborn, don’t forget to add toddler-size towels to your registry too! It won’t be long before your little one will need a bit more fabric to soak up all the bath-time fun. We love this adorable lion hooded towel from Target, and we think your toddler will too!
Toddler Sleep Essentials
Convertible Crib via Target
Convertible Crib
It wasn’t until I became a parent that I realized how much parents talk about sleep—or more accurately, the lack of it! From wake windows to sleep training, high sleep needs to low, nothing seems to unite (and sometimes divide) parents more than the topic of sleep. However, one thing parents agree upon when it comes to sleep is the importance of registering for a convertible crib.
We love the Delta 6-in-1 Convertible Crib from Target. It’s such a smart piece of furniture that grows with your child from infancy to toddler years and beyond!
Toddler-Sized Sleep Sack
When adding your favorite wearable blankets to your baby registry, be sure to add a few toddler sizes too. It’s a small step that will make a big difference once your little one starts growing!
We love this sleep sack from Amazon. It’s bamboo material, has a two-way zipper, and will keep your little one cozy all night long!
Nightlight
Around 2-3 years old, toddlers start to develop big imaginations, and with that comes a common milestone: a little fear of the dark. It’s completely normal, and with the right tools, it’s easy to help your little one feel safe and secure.
While many sound machines come with a built-in nightlight, consider registering for a separate one. This dimmable, rechargeable nightlight is perfect for giving your toddler just the right amount of light for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Here’s to the best and cutest toddler, my son Tripp! Image Courtesy of Tay LC Photo
Congratulations, mama!
The best is truly yet to come. Right now is the time to savor every newborn snuggle and those milk-induced smiles because before you know it, your little one will be running around, filling your home with laughter and making memories together! Adding these toddler essentials to your registry will save precious time later so you can focus on what matters most: creating those unforgettable moments with your growing child.
