Must have items and educational toys as your baby transitions from infant to toddler and starts moving around more.
Important note: I try to stay away from plastic and battery-operated toys as much as I can. The market is saturated with low quality toys from India and China where the factories that make them are not required to have the standard and requirements as the USA. This means that the toys from overseas can sometimes hold toxic chemicals like lead and harm your baby’s health and development.
Baby care:
Stroller
In the toddler stage, you can finally say goodbye to the bulky, big stroller, but you will still need one to get your toddler around. I babywear and also use the stroller for longer distances. Target has a variety of affordable strollers.
Aquaphor
Literally, this is a life saver. I’ve been using it ever since my son was around 3 months old because he was struggling with dry itchy skin. It’s not only great when using it as a diaper ointment but can also be used all over the body. I use it on his back and torso where he struggles with dry skin the most.
Note: Target often has sales for baby care items and you can get a gift card if you purchase over a $50-$75 of baby items.
Related: Top 3 Baby Skincare Products to Prevent Dry Skin and Rashes
Sunscreen
Once your toddler start running around and tearing the house down, you’ll literally want to take them outside; especially if it’s summer. Why not enjoy the nice weather instead of extra screen time? Get your adventure on and take them to the park or plan a beach day at Montauk or Fire Island if your in NY. It’s soooo beautiful there! I’m obsessed.
You’ll need sunscreen though. In the summer, the sun is beaming. I use Baby Organics. Aside from their sunscreen, I also use their Insect Repellent. It’s sooo effective and a little goes a long way.
Educational Toddler Toys:
Dry Erase Write & Wipe Activity Book
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this. You know why? This Write & Wipe book keeps is one of the toddler toys that will keep my son busy for a while and if he starts doodling on the floors or walls, it’s so easy to wipe away with a wet Lysol wipe.
Also check out the invisible ink coloring set. This marker only colors when used on the coloring sheets it comes with, so no need to worry about scratches on the floors, walls, cabinets, or sofa.
Piano Playmat
My son has loved his Piano & Gym Play Mat ever since he was able to do tummy time. Even though, he’s long been over tummy time, he still loves it at 17 months because of the keyboard and music. The Playmat has helped his neck muscles and his fine motor skills.
Wooden Activity Cube Walker
The Wooden Cube is one of my favorites. It has 5 activities great for babies development (one on each side of the cube), but I personally love it because of it’s storage space. I got one with wheels, so my son can push it around in the apartment. He even like to sit in it while he still fits.
This toy has helped me keep things organized while also entertaining my son. You don’t find toys that kill 2 birds with one stone very often! He has had it ever since he turned 12 months and still pushes it around at 17 months.
Wooden Shape Sorter
This has saved me from so many struggles while trying to cook a meal or clean. It’s the perfect distraction. My son loved it from the moment he got it. The Shape Sorter also helps with fine motor skills and hand eye coordination.
V Tech Excavator Truck
My son loves this truck. This is one of the few battery operated toys that I really like. It’s a very interactive toy. The Excavator Truck sings and teaches colors, shapes, and digs. It also has a handle to be pushed around. It’s one of the educational toys where they can pretend to dig for bars of gold, rocks, bricks, wooden logs and pipes. The pieces store neatly inside when playtime is done.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means I receive commission when you click on them and buy the item.
