Shop The Story
The First Years Take and Toss Feeding Variety Pack
$11
Regalo Swing Down Bedrail
$20
The First Years Nickelodeon Chase Paw Patrol 3-in-1 Potty System
$25
Skip Hop Moby Safety Bath Spout Cover
$13
Ingenuity™ SmartClean™ Toddler Booster
$35
Kidco® 34-Piece Childproofing Kit
$15
Prince Lionheart Faucet Extender
$12
Keen Kids Seacamp II CNX Hybrid Water Sandals
$50
Disney's Mickey Mouse Toddler Boy 3-pk. Training Pants
$15
Me4Kidz Medibuddy On-the-Go First Aid Kit
$5
Burt’s Bees Baby® Rugby Stripe Organic Cotton 2-Piece Pajama Set
$17
If you find yourself repeating, “No-no, don’t touch that!” “How have you outgrown this outfit already?” and “Do you need to use the potty?” you likely have a toddler in your presence. From curiosity and energy to hugs and smiles (okay, maybe a few tantrums as well), the toddler years are full of exhausting days that you simply wouldn’t trade for the world — am I right? Suddenly, “big kid” things start to become a reality, and you find that the baby shower items you received a year or two ago have quickly become obsolete. What now?! We’ve rounded up 11 must-have toddler products that won’t break the bank but will ensure that you and your thriving little one can trek down the trail of tot-hood side-by-side, hand-in-hand and ready for whatever this new and exciting chapter brings. And don’t forget to savor the snuggles, relish in the “read me another story” requests and play with your kiddo as long as you can, because those are things you’ll soon find you never want them to outgrow.
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
1 of 11 Image Credits: Target
The First Years Take and Toss Feeding Variety Pack
Bye-bye, bottles and baby spoons! Growing kids are anxious to learn how to hold and drink from their own kids’ cups and start using “big kid” dinnerware. Start with The First Years Take and Toss Feeding Variety Pack, which has 28 different plastic pieces including four bowls, five snack cups, six baby forks, six baby spoons and seven sippy cups. Whether you’re using them at home or keeping some in your purse (what’s one more thing, right?), the car or at the grandparents’ house, these definitely come in handy. And the price is right, so you don’t have to fear forgetting these toddler essentials at day care or a recent playdate. Pro parent tip: Keep an extra set stashed in your cupboard so you have plenty of dishes and utensils for budding “big kids” who may dine at your place in the future.
2 of 11 Image Credits: Amazon
Regalo Swing Down Bedrail
After you’ve upgraded your cutie from the crib to a big kid bed, keep her safe with a protective side rail that prevents sudden falls out of bed. The Regalo Swing Down Bedrail features a 20-inch tall protective barrier that stretches 43 inches along the edge of the bed. When morning comes, simply fold down the rail until that essential nap time. It’s PVC- and lead-free, features an all-steel frame and is American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certified, so you can rest easy knowing it’s safe for your tot. We especially love the Regalo Swing Down Bedrail because it’s toddler gear that requires NO tools to set up.
3 of 11 Image Credits: Walmart
The First Years Nickelodeon Chase Paw Patrol 3-in-1 Potty System
Keep your little one safe, comfortable and confident while potty training by using the right supplies, which include toddler must-haves like an appropriately sized toilet seat. The First Years Nickelodeon Chase Paw Patrol 3-in-1 Potty System is handy because it can sit on its own on the floor, attach to an existing toilet seat and close to become a sturdy step stool for reaching the sink faucet or “big potty.” The inner bowl can be removed for quick and easy cleaning, and the pretend flushing handle plays a fun sound to indicate “success!” No need to “yelp for help” when it comes to potty training, thanks to the 3-in-1 Potty System!
4 of 11 Image Credits: Target
Skip Hop Moby Safety Bath Spout Cover
Splish-splash! Make sure tub time is safe and full of nothing but overflowing bubbles and colorful bath toys by covering the faucet. The Skip Hop Moby Safety Bath Spout Cover is one of our favorite toddler products because it allows water to flow while protecting your toddler’s fingers from hot metal faucet spouts or accidental bruises and bumps when playing near the fixture during bath time. It’s easy to install on most faucet models, and the unique tail design allows it to conveniently hang between uses. And you can bet that it’s BPA-, PVC- and phthalate-free.
5 of 11 Image Credits: Buy Buy Baby
Ingenuity™ SmartClean™ Toddler Booster
When your baby outgrows his high chair, graduate him into an elevated booster seat. The Ingenuity™ SmartClean™ Toddler Booster features a 3-point harness to keep kids, ages 16 months to 5 years and up to 50 pounds, in place and includes another strap to ensure the booster doesn’t leave the adult chair. This portable booster seat is the perfect toddler gear for use at home, in restaurants or on visits to see friends and family. Bonus: This booster is dishwasher safe and the seat cushion can be removed for quick and easy cleaning. Now, if only cleanup for faces and floors were so simple (wink)!
6 of 11 Image Credits: Bed Bath & Beyond
Kidco® 34-Piece Childproofing Kit
If you find yourself constantly saying, “No touch!” or “Be careful!” chances are there’s a toddler curiously canvasing every nook and cranny of your house, looking for new things to explore and learn about. The Kidco 34-Piece Childproofing Kit ranks among our top 1-year-old must haves because that’s when tricks like sitting up and rolling over transition to crawling and walking. This kit provides you with everything from corner protectors and cabinet locks to finger guards and outlet caps. There’s no question curiosity is a good thing and should be encouraged, but it’s important that your home, as well as any other houses your toddler may spend time at, make child safety a priority.
7 of 11 Image Credits: Jet
Prince Lionheart Faucet Extender
Germs, germs and more germs. Toddlers are curious, so those little hands need a thorough cleaning before eating dinner or after things like playing outside or going potty. Make germ fighting easier with the help of toddler products like a faucet extender that attaches to the sinks in your home. The Prince Lionheart Faucet Extender brings the water flow closer to the front of the sink thanks to its simple design that fits over standard and gooseneck faucets. This faucet extender is also treated with an EPA-approved antimicrobial additive that helps it stay squeaky clean.
8 of 11 Image Credits: Zappos
Keen Kids Seacamp II CNX Hybrid Water Sandals
Make those first steps are well supported and provide flexibility and freedom with Keen Kids Seacamp II CNX hybrid water sandals. Made for tots on the go and inspired by the adult version, this Keen sandal features the brand’s signature toe protection as well as the metatomical footbed design that curves to the natural shape of the foot and ensures proper arch support. It’s a low-profile sandal that can withstand the wildest of puddle jumps and pool days but also works as an everyday shoe. The Keen’s Secure Fit Lace Capture System helps tiny shoes stay in place, even on the most active toddler. And don’t worry, parents, the grippy bottoms that keep those kiddos from sliding are designed not to make marks on your floors. And the best part? All Keen water sandals can be tossed in the washing machine with mild laundry detergent. Now that’s what we call some amazing toddler gear!
9 of 11 Image Credits: Kohls
Disney's Mickey Mouse Toddler Boy 3-pk. Training Pants
As soon as the idea of using the potty sparks some interest, introduce your toddler to his or her first pair of washable big kid underwear. Disney’s Mickey Mouse Toddler Training Pants feature a covered waistband and leg openings, making them comfortable and easy for kids to pull up and down. Made of cotton, these toddler essentials are machine washable for if and when those inevitable accidents occur. It won’t be long before you’re cheering “Yippee!” right along with Mickey Mouse once you realize how easy potty training can be with the right tools, such as your child’s favorite character-themed underwear.
10 of 11 Image Credits: Walmart
Me4Kidz Medibuddy On-the-Go First Aid Kit
Many wellness essentials may be necessary throughout a child’s life, from thermometers and medicine spoons to sanitizers and cleaners, but the Medibuddy On-the-Go First Aid Kit will prep you for whatever “bonks” and scrapes the day may bring. It’s packed full of 50 items to conquer tumbles and spills, such as latex-free bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads and antibiotic ointments. These toppling toddler must-haves come packaged nicely in a convenient (recycled, no less) case that’s perfect for tossing into a diaper bag or purse, your car’s glove compartment or the stroller’s storage compartment. The kit even comes with 12 fun stickers to quickly turn tears from bumps and bruises to smiles from ear to ear!
11 of 11 Image Credits:
Burt’s Bees Baby® Rugby Stripe Organic Cotton 2-Piece Pajama Set
A cute and comfy set of pajamas is one of the most fun toddler must-haves you can buy. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, and make little ones giggle and squeal as they burst from the bedroom for their evening “pajama reveal” ritual (a great way to get kids excited about getting into their PJs)! The Burt’s Bees Baby® Rugby Stripe Organic Cotton 2-Piece Pajama Set is an adorable, long-sleeve shirt-and-pants combo that keeps kids cozy and warm thanks to its snug fit, plus it can be pulled off easily, making visits to the potty so much simpler.
