BP shorts pajamas xxs (style name after my own heart ; ), Express cardigan xxs
As we’ve been at home pretty much 24/7 for the past few weeks, our assortment of toddler gear has really been put to the test. We live in a very small space, so every major item we get has to be carefully considered with the hope it will be useful for a long time. Overall, we’ve been focused on finding things that are sized for Nori (currently 20 months) and geared toward helping her be more independent. Read on for our most used items!
1. A Sturdy Toddler Learning Tower / Stool
Unicoo Toddler Tower
Nori probably spends half her day on this thing. She loves popping up to counter height to eat a snack, watch or “help” us prep meals, or even just to read or play with her toys on our bar counter. There’s something about being able to climb up and down on her own to be at our height level that she can’t get enough of.
Note: anti-slip furniture pads like these are a necessary safety addition if you have hardwood or tile floors.
2. A Simple Gadget For Hand Washing
Munchkin Faucet Extender (also at Target)
We love this! As Nori has been getting too heavy for me to lift up numerous times a day, this helps her reach the water on her own to wash hands while supervised (on a step stool).
This model stood out as it’s adjustable, easily removable, and works on a variety of faucet types. It’s also dishwasher-friendly for easy cleaning!
3. A Small-Space Crib
Babyletto Mini Crib (also at Amazon)
We had purchased the Pottery Barn Low Profile Crib for petites (see my post) for my parents’ house, thinking we’d move it once we buy a bigger place.
Well, two years later we’re still in our ~850 sq foot condo, and this Babyletto mini crib has been such a space saver! It’s fairly light, has wheels, and folds up for storage. There are two height settings for the mattress platform as your little one grows. Nori used this from her infant months til almost 2 years old.
Update: We now use this breathable, washable crib mattress (comes in both mini & full size) and highly recommend it – truly a genius product! Use code JEAN50 for $50 off.
4. A Fun & Efficient Bath
Toy Drying Rack
Toy Drying Rack: Had to immediately buy this after seeing it in my good friend’s bathroom! Expands to fit most bathtubs.
For the shower in our other bathroom, we have this large mesh toy scoop with suction hanger.
5. A High Chair That Grows With Them
Stokke Tripp Trapp
We liked this chair starting when she was about 8 months (in hindsight, would’ve gotten the cushion insert for even earlier months), and even more so now. It’s “grown” with her as the footrest has been lowered a couple notches over the past year.
This is a nice divided suction plate we like that fits on the tray perfectly! Also, see this post for my tip on getting food odors out of silicone and see my baby feeding post for getting started on solids.
6. A Comfy Book Nook
Bookshelf / PB Anywhere Chair
Most of Nori’s things are intermixed with ours, so we wanted to give her a defined space that was her own. She loves cozying up with milk or books on her mini couch.
We also always get questions on this bookshelf. While some may prefer shelves that display books with covers facing outwards, this way is a space saver, and she hasn’t had any problem identifying books by the spine.
See my recent post on some of our favorite toddler books!
Note: At first, books that didn’t get put back vertically would fall through the slats (potentially onto toes), but as her motor skills have improved, it’s no longer a problem.
7. Honorable Mention: Play Kitchen
Teamson Kids Kitchen
Nori was ecstatic about this when we first got it, but these days spends more time either on her toddler tower or by her bookshelf. Since this is a larger piece, we’re at least glad it also functions as a storage cabinet for some toys, but the doors take a bit tugging to open.
What toddler gadgets or items can you not live without? Let me know in the comments below!
