15 Must Have Toddler Items – Ages 1 to 3

Now that you already an expert Mummy and you have your baby’s first year under your belt this list consists of must and nice to have items to keep developing your toddler in to the most amazing kid he/she can be. A lot of times you see an item years later and wonder why you did not think of that sooner so here it is, enjoy.

As soon as you will start going to classes or pre-school you will learn babies do make lots and lots of crafts. (well their caregivers do) and you do not want to be the only Mom who can not show your babies crafts when they were 2 years; years down the road. This folder allows to easily organize all the wonderful creations your baby will produce.

Read our detailed review here

The wooden blocks are one of the most classic toys but is still as relevant as they were 50 years ago. They can be used to built walls as well as learn ABCs, colors, and animals.

Puzzles are great to teach concentration, thinking and precision. Develops tactile/motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Make sure to choose the wooden onces or thicker carton since the cheaper paper once tend to bend easily and the child will find it frustrating. Start with 3-4 large puzzles and slowly work to 6-8 puzzles. It also helps to select a theme that child will be interested to motivate play.

Around 1.5 years you can start introducing coloring books. The best coloring books for toddlers are the water based that do not require actual markers and just change color when water is applied. Promotes fine motor skills, early writing skills, and visual discrimination.

When it is time finally time for crayons it is important to use the bigger, chunkier crayons that will be easy for the baby to hold and actual color instead of just doing scribbles. You can start using these around 1 year, you fill find the onces thy give out in restaurants do not quite do the job.

Proper dental hygiene is one of the most important things you can give to your child. Surprisingly enough by 1 year you already have to start flossing if your baby has more than 4 teeth. You will soon find out how fast the plaque builds up on those baby teeth. You should start slow with a few times a week only and gradually get to everyday by the time the baby is 18 months.

Footed PJ will become your child new best friend once they get out of the sleep sack stage. Kids rarely wake up under the blanket you so thoroughly tucked them under when they go to bed. So in order for them to stay through the night a one piece fleecy PJ are the best option.

Once your baby starts walking you will need a pair of winter boots. The most important feature of winter boots for kids is comfort. They can not be too heavy or too rigid or the child will not be able to walk properly especially in the snow. Of course waterproof and warmth are also important but people get caught up in those factors and forget about comfort.

Look and find books are a great way to spend quality time with your child. These books have a small amount of reading as well as lots picture to find. Encourages social skills, concentration, recognition and association.

A pair of light comfortable sneakers will your child’s best friend. They will allow to master the important skills of running and walking. The have to be breathable, lightweight and flexible. Velcro is a preferred since shoe laces get untied all the time and you will sure find that extremely frustrating.

Once your child gets close to a year, a small pillow might be helpful to help him/her settle down for a good day or night sleep. Start with small pillow that is comfortable and is made from healthy materials and Hypoallergenic.

In the first winter once your baby turns one,  will be time to buy your first blanket. A good blanket is lightweight, washable and is good size that comes with compatible duvet covers.

A rope is a great item to have for after bath or the beach. It is best used from 6 months when the baby can sit on their own. Hood is a must to put over wet hair. Terry material is best to absorb moisture.

Crocs are great summer shoes to wear in the backyard, the beach, the pool or anywhere that is moist or dirty. They are comfortable and supr easy to wash. Please do not wear them to the mall they are not running shoes.

Once your baby gets close to  year the big expensive stroller that you bought when still pregnant will stop being your lifeline. You will want something light and easy to fold especially for short trips and when traveling with lots of baggage.

There are many options in compact strollers it all depends on budget and personal preferences. From umbrella strollers to more fancy single fold compacts.

But remember, whatever your style is the trunk space is the most important factor to consider hen choosing your second best friend for the next 2 years.