They say “the days are long, but the years are short.” The first year of your baby’s life seemingly flies by! Like, didn’t the baby shower just happen? So the first year of parenthood is now over. You have made it through the baby stage, buckle up and get ready for the toddler stage!

So my baby is a toddler, now what?

I was thrilled that so many parents-to-be have found my Minimalist Baby Essentials That We Actually Use post to be helpful! As a second-time mom, this post is the sequel to that laundry list. This will be slightly less intense, as you seemingly don’t need as much now that your baby can waddle around on their own. I will include certain items from the original post that we still use, so feel free to head over and read that one if you need to.

This post is not sponsored, but it is full of affiliate links. I legit own, paid for, or found second hand, all of this stuff and like it!

Things to note before we start

1. What works for us might not work for you

We are an outdoorsy, low-maintenance, ‘crunchy’ family. The brands we enjoy, might be out of budget, might not be necessary, might not even be comfortable to you. There is not one ‘best’ way to parent, nor is there a magical list of ‘best’ kid items. As a second time mom, I think I have some worthwhile advice that very much worked for us, but my kids, my lifestyle, my budget, my taste, my location, and my schedule are probably different than yours! If you can, as friends if you can borrow, test out, or use the products that worked for them before making a purchase.

2. Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

There are some items that companies are going to insist you must have. That simply isn’t true for everyone. I recommend starting out by refusing most items. If you decide after a month that it would greatly improve your life and be worth the investment, then you can think about purchasing it. We actually get many of our items as hand-me-downs, Facebook Marketplace finds, or our local consignment. I keep a list of things that I am looking for and wait until we find them. Local baby consignment stores are the best way to find discounted, gently-used children’s items too! You don’t have to buy everything new, but if you do choose to support me by using my affiliate links, I want to thank you!

3. Go with the Flow

These phases pass so quickly. We have found that rotations help in our house because the kids are less likely to get tired of their toys or books. There are a few things I know they will use daily and we keep them out, but most toys are rotated on a monthly basis. Similarly, don’t stress about what you do or do not have. Use what you have - your child loves you more than if they have the best, must-have toddler item.

Diapering + Bathing

Reusable Diapers + Training Underwear

For us, we cloth diaper. We also catch #2 in the toilet (when we can). During the summer, we will be doing the Oh Crap! Potty Training method and have diaper free days outside in the backyard. Once we have gotten the hang of knowing our body’s signs, we move to training underwear. We love the way Nora’s Nursery pocket diapers fit, wash well, and never stain. It wasn’t until after building our diaper stash that we learned of more sustainable brands, like GroVia.

For disposable diapers, we use Seventh Generation, Honest Company, or Hello Bello.

Potty Chair

Potty training is different for everyone! Both our kids refused to wear diapers around 1 years old, we have done the Oh Crap! Potty Training method during warm months so we could stay outside, and have been successful without bribes. But definitely look into all the methods and see what works best for your family. We have multiple types of potty chairs for all stages: a toilet seat attachment (our kids tended to prefer this in the beginning), a stand alone wooden potty (they loved this when they became more independent), and a collapsible travel potty (perfect for on the go!). There is also a ladder seat that helps kids climb up to the toilet all by themselves.

Wipes or Boogie Rags (we use flannel burp cloths)

We use Honest Company wipes for every day wipe needs. If you have constant runny noses or the occasional sick toddler (runny noses happen with teething), we love these little bibs to wear and use as boogie rags or we keep these flannel burp cloths around the house to use! The flannel burp cloths are my favorite, they are so soft and easy on the nose (I have used them in a pinch too).

Lotion

Baby lotion is essential, especially if you are washing your kids frequently (toddlers can be so messy!). We have used Badger Baby Balm. It is an amazing, organic balm that can be used on anything. Our second favorite lotion is Bag Balm’s lotion! It leaves your skin so buttery soft.

Faucet Extender

A faucet extender isn’t essential. But we encourage independence and Montessori practices, so having the ability to independently reach the running water while brushing their teeth or washing their hands is important in our home.

Bathroom Step Stool

Similarly, you can find children’s stools all throughout our home to foster independence. They are able to grab their hygiene products from their station with the use of their step stool.

Bath Toys

We’ve had a variety of toys gifted to us over the years. But honestly, our toddlers favorite things in the bath are her toothbrush, these travel bottles we fill with the kids soaps (our oldest is 4 and likes to be able to bath herself), and these foam letters. Other things we have had are these animal bath toys, these measuring spoons that allow various amounts of water to flow through (never too early to learn about math and volume!), and a caddy to allow for toy air drying.

First Aid + Hygiene

I’m going to go out of the box here and tell you to purchase these separately. I know! There are so many nice looking kits out there, but we went through so many of them because they are cheaply made. Here’s what we ended up loving and I would HIGHLY recommend purchasing these grooming essentials individually: Baby hair brush set, nail trimmer, nasal aspirator, and thermometer. For first aid, you can get any kit. We have also loved keeping Zarbee’s cough medicine, soothing chest rubs, and Punkin Butt teething oil on hand.

*tip: you can use your HSA/FSA card on all of this stuff

Sunscreen

We have loved Babyganics mineral sunscreen for our kids and ourselves. We’ve used them for over 4 years now and have not complained or had any issues.

Toothbrush

As soon as baby’s first tooth comes in, you will want to brush it and get baby use to brushing their teeth. Frida Baby makes the perfect Grow With Me silicone toothbrush for those first teeth. Or for those wanting a bamboo approach, these Wild & Stone baby bamboo toothbrushes are 100% biodegradable.

How to Dress a Toddler

Kids grow so quickly! We are constantly having to change out clothes for the next size or finding random articles from other sizes mixed in. I will be sharing an article on how we store outgrown sizes soon! But, here are the basics and what we make sure to ask for as gifts.

Pajamas

We usually keep one pair of pajamas for each day (so 7). That’s just how (in)frequently we do laundry, so we like to keep enough on hand. We keep fleece onesies on hand for winter (the dual zippers are my favorite). Once we begin potty training, I like to keep my kids in two pieces.

Tops + Bottoms

We are super lucky to receive hand-me-downs, so I’m not too picky on what clothing we get. But when our family asks what types of things to gift, I like to mention a similar color palette so items are easy to mix and match. Basic shirts, leggings, and shorts are quick and easy to find and put away. I am a big fan of fun overalls or rompers. I personally love Target’s choice of kids clothes and feel like it’s super easy to find basic, closet staples for kids. Since we are outdoors year round, I also like to keep 2-3 Ik’splor thermals on hand for winter adventures.

*Tip: You can get 10% off with my Ik’splore link!

Swimwear

Swimwear depends on your area and swimming frequency. We are regularly at the beach here! I only had one swimsuit for our youngest last summer and I do think that was tough and hard to stay on top of washings. I recommend 2-3 if you are regular swimmers. I do know it is recommended to go with bright, contrasting colors (like oranges, yellows, pinks), because those are easier to see in the water should an accident arise.

Outerwear

Spring/Summer Gear: Spring showers don’t keep us away! Jan & Jul rain suits is one of our favorite gear recommendations to get out and moving all year long. Nothing stops an adventure like a drenched toddler who just wants to keep splashing in puddles. A polar fleece zip up for cool days and windbreaker for chilly spring days are essential for us. We live in an area where layers are super practical.

Fall/Winter Gear: Like I mentioned previously, we love starting with a base layer of thermals in the winter. Then we put on a fleece layer for really cold days. For the outer layer, we love a fleece bunting for cooler fall days, and a puffer snowsuit for winter. Snow suit bunting can get bunched and lack in protection in the feet region, plus it’s difficult to walk in bunting! So we like to use wool or Jan & Jul booties for extra protection and foot support. We also have matching Jan & Jul mittens and a fleece lined Balaclava.

*Tip: Keep a large tote bag in the closet. It’s a super easy system to hold clothes as your child grows out of them. When the bag is full, take it to where you store outgrown items.

Minimalist Gear

Carriers

After our kids grew out of our wrap-style carriers, we used our Baby Bjorn almost exclusively. It’s comfortable, can be worn on the front or back, and is well structured. If you need additional help deciding on what carrier is best for you, you can read my guide here: The Best Baby Carrier Guide

Framed Carrier

This section is for active families who may need more space or are out on the trails for long periods of time. We love our Osprey Poco carrier. There is plenty of storage, has an attached sun shade, and a great suspension system. Anything you could possibly need in a backpack, Osprey has typically already thought of it (our adult backpacking bags are also Osprey for this reason. you can read more about our camping gear here: Ultimate Camping Gear Guide for Families)

Bike Seat or Bike Trailer

We started our biking adventures with a child’s bike seat attachment for our first. Then, we upgraded to a bike trailer when we had our second. It is amazing and I love being able to carry all of our equipment for the day, but the weight of the trailer is a bit much for myself. It’s also spacious and I am much more comfortable allowing the kids to nap in it than the bike seat attachment (I always panicked when our oldest fell asleep back there). It wasn’t until after we already purchased one that I discovered the child’s tandem bike attachment and I do wish we would have went with that one for our oldest. It would allow her to practice her cycling, be present, and build endurance for when she’s able to bike on her own.

While at home or on the trail, however, the kids have their own balance or strider bikes! I highly recommend these, as the kids have a blast with them.

Bike Helmet

We encourage safety first practices for our little growing brains by using a Joovy Noodle bike helmet!

Camping

Not everyone will find this section useful, but if you do a lot of camping like us then here is our favorite gear! A nice, camping picnic blanket as an outdoor play space is great for toddlers who can’t sit still. We loved this camping, foldable high chair for meal times or relaxing around the fire. Honestly, a hammock swing is amazing both for adult relaxation but also lulling littles down for their nap. While I mentioned previously that we limit ‘container’ type situations, we do have and love this Portable Baby Activity Center. We encourage natural play and don’t typically pack too many toys, but I do have our favorite toys in general listed in the next section.

Winter

There are so many ways to navigate winter sports with kids. Our kids love to be pulled in the sled (and typically fall asleep) for daily walks. We love this sled with a safety belt to help keep slippery toddlers in a seated position, or this heavy duty sled is great for cozy outdoor naps and toting lots of kids in winter.

Toys + Books

Books

Our kids LOVE their books. Around a year old, our daughter started a morning routine of sitting near her bookshelf and silently reading. So we all joined in and having morning reading time! This is honestly the best and it gives me a silent hour or so to finish my tea before the chaos of our day begins. Her favorites right now are the Never Touch Series books, Sandra Boynton books, or these Lift-a-Flap books

Walker or Activity Table

We got this walker as a gift for our first, it’s not cute, and it requires batteries (which we try to avoid), but both kids have loved it and continue to go back to it in the early years. This Fisher Price activity table grows with your baby, has 3 stages of learning, and the center seat can be removed to wash.

Play Kitchen

Alternatively to an activity table, our wooden play kitchen is the most used station. We love our wooden play kitchen from Ikea, with Melissa & Doug Wooden or felt food sets. The kids use the food for small world play, open ended play, and so much more. I have also seen people modify their wooden play kitchens to be fully functional Montessori spaces for kids to prepare food, wash their hands, and more.

Building/ Destroying Toys

A simple set of wooden blocks has so much open ended play and will last for a while as your child ages. Stacking cups are our favorite indoor and outdoor toy.

Play Silks

Play silks are amazing for sensory exploration, imaginative play, and fine motor skills. They are so open ended and can be used for anything! You can tie them as a cape, use them for set ups (for example: blue silk = water), throw them in the air, and so much more.

Musical Instruments - shakers, drums, xylophone

Musical instruments are the best toys for kids! I know the screeching of a recorder or the banging of a drum doesn’t sound the most relaxing, but they are so so beneficial. Playing an instrument builds fine and gross motor skills, sensory development, hand-eye coordination, accelerates brain development, and teaches so much more. We love having a musical circle, with each family member having an instrument, and making music together.

Stuffed Animals

Stuffies bring a sense of security, improve mental health, build language skills, and creativity. Warmies are a big hit in our house. The kids have incorporated them into their night time routine (or even on just darn chilly days).

Trampoline

I honestly didn’t think about a trampoline being a gift idea for a toddler. We got our trampoline as a gift when our oldest was 3. I brought it out when our youngest was 9 months old and she LOVED it. They both enjoy taking turns on it!

Ball Pit

A ball pit is not only fun for kids, but it also builds motor, social, and sensory skills! It can also boost a child’s imagination and creativity. I know ball pits aren’t *aesthetically* pleasing, or the easiest to store, but they are beneficial if you have the space for them!

Swing

If you are looking for indoor play equipment, a silk ariel swing is perfect for kids and adults alike. We love having a slack line outdoors for easy set-up and tear down (and storing in the winter).

I really enjoy going over these lists of things that parents actually need. With this being my second time around as a mother of two high-energy, outdoorsy kids, I feel like I am really learning what children really need. My second born is more interested in being involved with what big sister is doing and hardly ever touches her basket of baby toys that we have collected. I feel like there isn’t really another stage to write about, but if you would like to see my recommendations for other items let me know in the comments below!

Minimalist Toddler Essentials That We Actually Use!