Parents are continually bombarded with marketing and lists of the things they will need for their children. Most of the items are unnecessary and a big waste of money. Here is a complete, practical list of what you absolutely need to have for your toddler.
You must have a car seat for your toddler.
Most states have laws that require children to be in car seats until they are age six or so. It is best to keep your toddler in a seat that buckles across the chest to prevent a little, mischievous toddler from wiggling loose while you are driving down the road.
Many seats come with cool features like cup holders or trays where your child can play or eat while you drive. While these features are not necessary, they can make being in the car more fun.
You need some form of food for your toddler.
Toddlers like to eat. There are special food products on the market for toddlers, though they are not necessary for feeding a toddler. Your toddler can generally eat the same foods that you eat. You only need to be sure that the food you offer is cut into small pieces to avoid any choking hazards.
Your toddler will appreciate being offered a wide variety of foods. It is important to make sure that you provide a couple of choices at each meal for your child. You should also make sure to offer vegetables and other healthy options even if your child refuses them the first time you offer. Continually offering the same healthy choices will give your child a chance to try new foods and learn to enjoy them.
You need clothes for your toddler.
Toddlers love to get messy. You should not expect your child to keep his clothes neat and clean. Keeping that in mind, whatever clothing you buy for your child should be inexpensive and comfortable. Thrift stores and yard sales are good places to find inexpensive clothing for your child to play in. Shirts need to be loose enough to allow a busy toddler to move easily. Pants should fit well enough to avoid constantly falling off a busy little body. Overalls are wonderful for the toddler on the go because they will not be slipping off and tripping up your little one.
Clothing should make dressing an easy process for you and your toddler. Little kids do not like to stop for anything, especially getting dressed. Make your own life easy and buy clothes that slip on quickly to allow your toddler to return to his busy life of playing.
You need diapers and wipes.
Unless you potty train early, you will continue to need diapers and wipes. You should also purchase a potty seat of some sort to begin the arduous process of training your child how to use the potty instead of those expensive diapers.
You need a bed for your toddler.
Your toddler needs somewhere to sleep. There are a variety of options for your toddler's bedding arrangements. You may opt to continue using your child's crib for a while or to use a toddler bed. Toddler beds introduce the new challenge of keeping your toddler in his bed. This can be quite an interesting quest when your child decides that freedom from the crib means that play time lasts all night. Consistency is an important part of the process. With consistent rules, your child will quickly learn to sleep in a toddler bed without getting out of bed all night.
You do not need expensive toys.
Toys are wonderful for children. Every child should have a selection of toys to play with and explore the world. However, toddlers do not require expensive entertainment options. Toddlers can be easily amused by the objects in your home that you use every day. A collection of key rings (without any keys), a set of wooden spoons, or even a set of old gift cards can be very entertaining for a small child without breaking the bank. Plastic cups, plates and bowls can entertain a child for a seemingly endless amount of time. Use your imagination and your household supplies to find ways to entertain your child without the expense of store bought toys.
Luxuries
There are many items on the market that make parenting easier. Of the luxury items on the market, there are some that are worth the investment if your budget will allow.
Pint sized furniture is a good luxury to add to your toddler's space. Small children live in a world where everything is bigger than they are. Buying one or two chairs that are toddler sized will provide you child with his very own place to sit. The pint sized sofas are also a good option.
A sand box may well be worth its weight in gold. Sand boxes can give you the much needed quiet time that you crave. Your child will enjoy playing in the sand so much that you may not hear a sound from your child for at least ten minutes.
