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the pre-toddler

everything you need for your child’s second year (additions to the first year guide)

sleeping

feeding

bathtime

gear

toys

other

jump to: gear | sleeping | mealtime | bathtime | toys + development | other

jump to: gear | sleeping | mealtime | bathtime |

toys + development | other

gear

Even if your little one has a playroom, at this stage, you’ll want them to be contained to a smaller, completely safe space. Essentially, you will create a mini play yard with a freestanding gate and a soft playmat. 

Freestanding gates: Something that’s easy to build/take apart or fold so you can store it, must be lightweight but still sturdy. For material, I prefer wood or metal to plastic because they’ll last longer, are better for the environment, and are less likely to be made with harmful chemicals. Just like when you are purchasing a baby gate (doorways, stairs, etc.), consider whether you want a walk-through or climb-over door (I prefer walk-through because there’s less of a tripping hazard), and a self-locking mechanism (easier and more fool-proof that two-step locks).

  • Wood playpen (minimalistic and would match any interiors)
  • Toddleroo 3 in 1 Metal Superyard (loved this because it was easy to store, configure, and use in different ways)
  • Toddleroo Superyard Freestanding Gate (not my favorite aesthetically because it’s a bit bulky and plastic, but it’s nice because it’s lightweight and ideal for outdoor/indoor play). Note that this one is a little less sturdy than the others, so it’s better for the younger kids and not kids that are already climbing.

For the beach or outdoor space, another great one is The California Beach Co Pop N’ Go Playpen.

Playmats: Foam mats are waterproof/easy to clean. Also, because your little one will put everything in their mouth during this stage, you’ll want to make sure it’s made of nontoxic materials/ no chemicals.

At around 18 months, you can start transitioning from high chair to a children’s table. This doesn’t mean that you get rid of the high chair (but you can transition them to the next stage of their high chair so they can still be involved in family mealtime at the dining table). A children’s table is a great addition to the play area – whether it’s used for eating or playing, and it’s especially great for play dates or siblings to sit together. Stick with something that’s sturdy and easy to clean.

Fave brands:

*We purchased the KidKraft modern table + chairs but didn’t like the quality. The screws constantly needed to be tightened.*

For the outdoorsy parents that like to hike / walk paths that strollers just can’t handle. We have the Osprey Poco Child Carrier and love it. It’s safe, it’s comfortable for both the parent and the child, and it has a sun shade.

Ideal for travel, concerts, fireworks, and other loud noises.** Make sure the headphones are volume-limiting (to protect their hearing) and comfortable/ lightweight. 

**For older toddlers (2.5+ years): BuddyPhones | Pogs | Puro Sound Labs

**I recommend practicing with them at home / in a non-stressful environment (letting your kiddo try them on, touch them, etc.) so they are comfortable wearing them.

If you’re a bike rider, a bike seat or trailer is a fun activity for you and your little one. 

Seat vs Trailer: which is safer?

They both have drawbacks so it’s really a personal preference. A bike trailer tends to be low to the ground so it can be difficult for drivers to see if you’re riding on the road (which is why an orange reflector flag is recommended). They also take up more of the road and can tip easily — especially around turns or when you speed up. However, because they are lower to the ground and have “protective walls,” they are usually safer in an accident. Bike seats are a little more difficult to maneuver because it’s adding weight to the front or back of your bike. 

Top Trailer Recs:

Top Bike Seat Recs:

The Thule is the leader in the bike seat category in terms of safety, comfort and sturdiness. There are two models to consider, but both are lightweight options that absorb shock, have a five-point safety harness, foot straps and adjustable footrests so they can grow with your child.

If you have multiples, you may want to consider a front-load cargo bike. It’s pricey, but can be worth it for lots of reasons, especially if you live somewhere where biking is your main point of transportation. From the research I’ve done, the below are my top recs. However, here’s a full rundown of additional options.

Top Recs:

*For older toddlers (3+ years): Lil’ Linus | Thousand | Nutcase “Little Nutty”

I’m only considering this “gear” because it’s sometimes used in place of a stroller. Once your child is more mobile, they may refuse the stroller (it’ll only last for a few months). Enter: the push car. 

At this age, it’s very convenient to have a snack tray and/or cup holder attachment so your baby can eat/drink on-the-go. It’s likely that the stroller brand makes a snack tray to fit your specific stroller, but there are also many universal options on the market. Just make sure it’s easy to clean!

mealtime

If you don’t have one already, get some. Love the all-silicone ones because they’re dishwasher-safe.

Top Recs:

Consistent and independent utensil use typically happens around age 2. However, at around 18-months, you can start introducing stainless steel or a non-toxic harder plastic.

Top Recs:

For ages 1-2 years, I like silicone dishes (dishwasher safe, microwave safe, teething-proof, unbreakable). Divided plates and plates with an edge are best because it helps them pick up more food on their utensils.

Top Brand Recs:

*Keep in mind that silicone and glass are the only microwave-safe options*

Munchkin 360 cups were our favorite on-the-go cup, although I know some toddlers who figured out how they work and it made lots of spills. Our daughter is quite successful with these and still used at 3.5 years old for naps/bedtime.

If you don’t already have a transition cup (they can start practicing with this as early as 6 months), here are my favorites:

Water Bottle Recs:

Also, at around 1 year we started serving very small amounts of water in an open cup at mealtime. The best cup for this is the ezpz tiny cup, it’s 2 oz so if they spill, it’s a very easy/minimal cleanup. It’s also made of silicone and easy for little ones to grip. 

My favorites are the mushie cup and the morepeas cup, but some parents prefer see-through cups.

At this age, many kids start dipping their food (ketchup, sauce, etc.)! Obsessed with the Lollaland triangle dip cups for dipping sauces or small snack portions. They come in a pack of rainbow colors so they’re also very fun for playtime (stacking, sorting, etc.).

If you’re sending your kiddo to preschool or daycare before they turn 2, you’re likely going to need to pack a lunch.

Favorite bags/boxes:

Food Containers:

  • Stasher bags are fantastic (reusable plastic bags that are freezer, oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe!)
  • Bentgo® lunchboxes are one of my favorites because they are leak-proof and can go right in the dishwasher
  • For a stainless steel option, go with WeeSprout, LunchBots, or PlanetBox
  • Tried and true Thermos makes a great insulated kids food jar for warm foods

More independent eating means more mess and more cleanup. Mealtime may still be at the highchair, but you may start to serve some snacks or meals at a small kids table.

Lalo has simple placemats in nice colors, as does Moonkie. If you’re looking for something more fun, I love the oyoy placemats. It’s also never to early to introduce a Montessori place setting placemat.

shop mealtime

RESOURCES

feeding your little

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend taking a course on feeding and eating. I learned tips that carried me through the first stages of eating and beyond: the best foods for babies (and what to avoid), how to cut and prepare foods for different ages to prevent choking, how to introduce allergens, how to combat and prevent picking eating, balanced recipes, and more. My favorites are Solid Starts, Tiny Tasters, Feeding Littles.

mealtime resources

bathtime

At around 11 months, you graduate from a bath seat to a bath mat or bath treads.

As your child grows, more and more bath toys come into play. I try to avoid all toys that could harbor mold (i.e. that have holes or squirt like rubber ducks) – they should be dishwasher-safe and/or fast drying. 

One of my favorite companies for safe, cute bath toys is Bubbles & Joy. They curate bath toy subscription boxes (and offer one-off purchases, too!).

For individual toys, I like Boon for their well-made toys: suction jellies and water cogs/tubes (better for older toddlers).

I also love these BPA-free, biodegradable boat stacking toys.

Here are some more of my favorite bath items on Amazon.

Now’s the time you can introduce scents to bathtime, and if your child has a lot of hair: enter conditioner.

Fave Brands: Tubby Todd | Dabble & Dollop

I found that 30″ x 30″ is a great hooded towel size for 1-3 year olds.

Favorite Brands: mushie | Pottery Barn | Loulou Lollipop | Mori

Time to introduce a training toothbrush for those newly forming teeth:

*The first trip to the dentist is typically at 2 years old, so you’re not yet expected to consistently brush twice a day. Until then, you can have your child practice (chew) on a toothbrush and while you model how to do it.

shop bathtime

sleeping

At the 18-month stage, you may be dropping the morning nap and/or have trouble getting your little one to bed. Books are a great teaching / modeling tool. Here’s a list of kids sleeping and napping books.

This nightlight is such an helpful tool. You can start using the hatch rest as early as you’d like (we used it this early solely as a noise machine), but you likely won’t need the nightlight or the light-changing feature until your baby graduates from crib to toddler bed.

Wearable blankets keep your child cozy, warm, and safe. Here are my favorites:

And if your child doesn’t like to be restricted but still too young for a blanket, get something with foot openings.

Pay attention to the TOG rating (Thermal Overall Grade) so you know how to dress your little one under the wearable blanket and how warm/cool the room should be.

A note on blankets and stuffed animals:

Most medical professionals say that there’s little risk in using these items after 18 months, so it’s OK to introduce a comfort item. Just don’t load their cribs with bedding and stuffed animals until they’re in a toddler bed (around 2.5 years old).

If you don’t already have one, a travel crib / pack ‘n play is ideal for traveling.

  • BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib (simple, lightweight)
  • Guava Lotus (best for traveling because it’s light and comes with a backpack-style travel case)
  • Bugaboo Stardust (ideal for small spaces – this is the most compact option)
  • 4moms Breeze (great for a vacation home and comes with a bassinet and changing station, but very heavy to travel with compared to the others)

Note: I also love the look of the Nuna Sena Aire, but it’s quite small (baby will outgrow pretty quickly) and it’s heavy / bulky so not ideal for traveling or storage. While it looks nice, the other options are more practical.

If you’re a frequent traveler, the SlumberPod is genius when you have to share a room with a little one. It’s a portable, machine-washable privacy tent that blocks 90% of light — just pop it right over your travel crib. It’s designed with a monitor pouch so you can see your child, plus a fan (with another built-in pouch) to enhance airflow and create white noise for better sleep.

Between 18-24 months, overnight diaper leaks are frequent. The absolute best diapers for this are Coterie, but if they are still leaking through, you can do 3 things:

  1. go up a size for night diapers
  2. get some sposie pads
  3. make sure your mattress has a mattress protector and/or waterproof pad layer!

resources

separation anxiety

Even though this age is all about independence, separation anxiety is also apparent between 1-2 years old; especially if they are starting daycare or preschool at 18 months. There are lots of resources to help ease this transition (for all ages!), but I’ve found that the most helpful is this Daniel Tiger episode, this article, and the ANXIETY TOOLS shopping list below.

If you’re experiencing this with an older kid, try a weighted stuffed animal like Calmee the Caterpillar or Hugz.

anxiety tools

toys

Gross Motor Skills

What is the difference between a tricycle, a ride-on and a balance bike?

Tricycle (2.5 years+): A trike has 3 wheels, pedals, and most come with a removable pole that parents can use to help push (not as easy as it sounds!). Children will be more stable on a trike than a balance bike at first, however they aren’t learning how to balance; all of their effort will go towards pedaling. If they go from trike to training wheels, they will have to learn this skill again because the vertical posture on a bike is different than the angled posture on a tricycle.

My advice? Skip the trike.

Ride On Bikes (12-24 months): A ride-on is a similar concept (no pedals), but designed for kids under two years old. Ride-ons typically have 3 or 4 wheels and help develop skills needed to balance and eventually ride. Little ones LOVE these and they’re great – but just note that they will outgrow it within a year or two.

Balance Bikes (18 months+): A balance bike is essentially a bike without pedals. They introduce the feeling of being on a bike (balance, independence, steering control, vertical posture). Studies have shown that kids learn to ride a bike faster if they have a balance bike (and skip training wheels). 

Top Recs:

*For older toddlers (3+ years): Lil’ Linus | Thousand | Nutcase “Little Nutty”

An American classic for little kids and for a reason. These cars / trucks give them independence to “drive” around and move their bodies.

Crawling and scooting is great for gross motor skills and keeping kids active. They’re open-ended (something to always look for when buying toys) so it can also be used for hiding, rolling balls in and out, fort-making, obstacle courses and more as your child grows. Lovevery makes a collapsible tunnel that comes with a carry case, and if you prefer a more minimalist aesthetic, Gathre has a gorgeous, neutral one

Great for balance and experimenting with climbing and sliding. 

As with most (if not, all!) of my recommendations, a rocking horse is more than just cute or fun – it has lots of benefits. Children practice balance and upper body strength, learning how to move their bodies to make the horse rock back-and-forth, how to go fast or slow. Also, it takes skill to get into the right position (lifting their leg over one side, for example).

These are also fantastic for autistic children because the rocking motion is soothing and regulating. 

Classics:

Other fun options:

If you have the space for these large foam pieces in your home, this is a must for pre-toddlers and beyond. They safely encourage climbing, building, jumping, balance, strength, and focus.

Foam Building Blocks

Play Couches

There are 4 options to consider, all of which are similar in quality and price.

Considerations:

  • Size: They are all 33” deep x 66” long when put together as a couch. 
  • Materials: All made of non-toxic foam with removable, washable, non-toxic covers. The Figgy is made of polyester suede. The Nugget is made of polyester microsuede. The Cushy Couch is available in a polyester microsuede and a more durable outdoor material. The Dundy is available in a Jaspe cotton or polyester suede. 
  • Connections: The Figgy is the only one that has its base cushions connected by velcro (so they can be separated). The other 3 brands have their base cushions connected but foldable. The Cushy Couch is the only one with hidden zippers. 
  • Add-ons: All except The Nugget have expansion packs and/or add-on pieces available.
  • Waterproof Liners: The Dundy and The Figgy can be purchased with waterproof liners to protect the foam. The Figgy and The Cushy do not.

These structures are great for balance, climbing, spacial awareness, focus, strength, and self-awareness.

Favorite Brands:

  • Piccalio – pickler triangle, balance beams, stepping stones
  • Lily & River – climber triangle, rockers, domes, balance beams, stepping stones
  • Cassaro Kids – climbers, rockers, slides, ladders, ramps, balance beams, playhouses
  • Gathre – climber arch, balance beam

Super popular (and tempting to buy!) Honestly, I avoided getting one because I think the constant picking up of plastic balls would test my sanity! 

  • Gathre Ball Pit – non-toxic, aesthetically pleasing, big enough for toddlers / big kids, Wipeable + water-resistant, and very easy to fold and store away. Note, this doesn’t come with balls.
  • Little Big Playroom Ball Pit – non-toxic, comes in neutral colors and prints, easy to clean (washable cover), and comes with 200 BPA-free plastic balls

Ideal for balance and core strength, but also fantastic open-ended toy that can be used for years in many different ways.

Fine Motor Skills

Lovevery offers a toy subscription that just can’t be beat. The toys are sustainably-made, thoughtful, and encourage open-ended play based on their development stages. They’re truly worth every penny. 

KiwiCo’s Panda Crate is also a great option (and less pricey), but keep in mind that they are more activity-based and craft-focused, rather than open-ended playthings.

Once your child can stand up on their own, this is a great addition to their room or playroom.

At around 18 months, stickers can be a fun challenge to work on fine motor skills- great for developing pincer grasp. The most age-appropriate are large, puffy stickers. DJECO makes nice large ones, or you can get started with simple, round, color-coding stickers. 

Tip: For stickers that come on a sheet (most of them!), you can make it a little easier for them if you peel off the “background” first.

Every child should have a few types of building toys. They’re open ended play objects so they have unlimited uses and will grow with your child for years and years. At this age, stacking blocks and knocking them down is a huge hit. These are my favorite sets to start with:

Balls of all shapes and sizes are super useful and fun for kids. They can be used throughout childhood for so many things: rolling, throwing, hiding, sorting and exploring. Around 18-20 months, all my daughter wanted to do was watch this Elmo episode: Play Ball!

Shop my favorite balls on Amazon

Similar to sensory bins, but these are mess-free so I recommend it more for the under-18-month group. All you need to do is fill a plastic bag with a liquid and/or an item, then tape it to a window or the floor. The ones that satisfied my daughter most were the ones that I filled with hair gel, food coloring, and little treasures like gems, buttons, or sequins. Some ideas are here.

Babies and toddlers use all 7 senses to learn, and sensory bins are the perfect way to engage your little one in play. They’re ideal for fine and gross motor development, stimulate multiple senses, help make connections, and keep them busy for longer than most toys would. Search “sensory bin ideas” on Google or Pinterest you will get tons of inspiration and ideas, for all ages (kids continue to enjoy sensory play for their entire childhood). Here are some of my favorite sensory supplies — don’t forget to buy an actual bin (an under-the-bed storage box is great for this, as is an inflatable pool for easy cleanup and to keep everything contained.

NOTE: if your child is still in the put-everything-in-their-mouth phase, anything you put in the sensory bin should be taste-safe, non-toxic, and you should avoid choking hazards. Use fillers like (rice, water, snow, chia seeds, cooked spaghetti, cornmeal, jello, cherrios, nontoxic playdough, homemade sand). Once they get out of that phase, you can start to expand their sensory to more items (dirt, slime, kinetic sand, uncooked pasta, beans, pom pom balls, shaving cream, water beads, etc.).

MotherCould is one of my favorite resources for DIY ideas and mom hacks.

Young toddlers can definitely start engaging with artistic play: edible finger paint, jumbo chalk, non-toxic jumbo crayons. Once they are standing without help, I highly recommend an easel. 

Get yourself an oil cloth / drop cloth – I use for EVERYTHING craft-related because I don’t care enough about it to wash it all the time, it’s meant for getting messy! It comes in handy as both a drop cloth and a tablecloth for art projects.

Large-sized paper – the bigger the better for them to experiment with. You can also use leftover cardboard from boxes!

Always carry around a zip pouch filled with safe activities in your car and/or diaper bag for when you are sitting in traffic, waiting in a long line, waiting for your food at a restaurant, when you’re on an important phone call, or any time you need to keep your kid occupied. I try to avoid screens at restaurants when I can (but sometimes it’s just necessary!). The same types of activities that work well on an airplane work well at a restaurant: little fidget toys, water wow pad, crayons and paper, etc. 

Here are my on-the-go favorites (some are for older kiddos) and here are my favorite fidget toys. Again, just be aware of the ones with smaller pieces if your child is still putting everything in their mouths.

For zip pouches, you can use anything, but I particularly like Baggu pouches (if you want to keep the items concealed), or clear mesh pouches if you want to be able to see what you have.

shop toys 12 months
shop toys 18 months

RESOURCES

kids classes

If you haven’t already enrolled or participated in “Baby & Me” classes, this is the time. Your child is independently mobile at this point (crawling, walking, etc.), and there are plenty of safe & fun group activities that will keep them engaged. Classes are great because they provide socialization for both caregiver and child before they start preschool.

view classes

other

Babyproofing can start immediately, but you won’t really need to baby proof until the crawling starts. If you crawl on the floor and look up (aka look from a baby’s perspective), you will see what should be done. Shop babyproofing products.

  • Unstable furniture should be nailed to the wall (they will try to use it to pull themselves up)
  • outlets should be covered
  • blinds should be tied up
  • sharp corners in a nursery or playroom should be bumpered
  • cabinets locked
  • wires secured
  • rooms & stairs should be gated
  • anything within reach of a crawler should be indestructible (or removed from the area). Lamps, heavy books, plates and hard decorative objects can easily be pulled down.
  • If you can, reorganize the kitchen so that all the plastic tupperware, tossware, and baby items are in the bottom shelves/ reachable areas, and put everything else high enough where a baby can’t reach (even at standing height).

There are products for securing toilets, ovens, oven dials, door handles, and more— but we found that we only needed the basics.

Once they start standing, it’s time for their first pair of shoes. According to pediatricians, the best, most supportive pairs of shoes for infants are by Ten Little, See Kai Run, and good ole’ fashioned Stride Rite.

A “lovey” is another name for a blankie or comfort object that makes a baby or toddler feel secure. Some of my favorites are by Jellycat, Angel Dear, and Marlow & Co, but there are so many adorable loveys our there when you do a quick google search.

When should you introduce a lovey?

Stuffed animals and loveys can be introduced at the newborn stage, but they won’t have any interest until they are 2 or 3 months old. During the first year, your baby shouldn’t sleep with a stuffed animal in their bed, but experts agree that some babies are ready to cuddle/sleep with loveys as early as 6 months. 

You should already have a first aid kit, so just make sure to update the medications from from infant to children. Here are some great additions for 1-2 year olds:

Things are starting to get messy. I used this toy & high chair cleaner for everything!

RESOURCES

music

At this stage, child-friendly music can be soothing because it’s repetitive and aids in learning. While “annoying,” kids music is beneficial to development. That’s not to say your kid shouldn’t also be listening to smooth jazz, or other “adult” music that you like, too! Click below for some of the most tolerable kid music I have come across.

view playlist
the second year resources
Big Little Feelings

toddler experts that provide virtual parenting courses

Brella

LA-based daycare (3m – 6y) that’s flexible by the hour

Brooklyn Forest School

Outdoor, nature-based classes in city parks for young children and their caregivers

Bumo

LA-based on-demand, drop-off daycare

Busy Toddler

activity blog founded by early childhood expert, Susie Allison, M. Ed

Cayton Children’s Museum

Immersive play experiences designed to expand social, creative and cognitive abilities

Kids Eat in Color®

founded by Jennifer Anderson, MSPH, RDN, a registered dietician an expert in picky eating

Meri Cherry

expert in process art, founder of LA-based Meri Cherry Art Studio

more resources

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