Your two-year-old toddler is adorable, adventurous, and developing at super-speed right before your eyes. The rapid development of any toddler means that they require some essential items to help them (and you) progress through this important life stage. Here are 11 essential items for two-year-old’s – you won’t want to live without.
When my first daughter turned two, I had no idea what must-have items I would need, or how I would know which product was best for my baby. Four lovely daughters later, and I’m now an expert on what products best get you through the toddler stage!
Two-year-old’s usually require products that assist their growing minds and bodies. Items ranging from potty-training toilet seats to toddler cutlery, beds, and even booster chairs all assist your toddler and help master new skills.
There are many new products available that are marketed as 2-year-old must-haves. But, this is my list of essential items that I found invaluable with my own girls at this age.
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How To Identify The Must-Have Items For A Two-Year-Old
As the parent of a toddler, you probably realize how challenging it is to keep up with them.
Toddlers are bursting with energy and are eager to explore and try new things.
An essential item for a toddler is a product that will either help with your child’s physical and mental development, or that will assist you in managing the day-to-day.
To identify the right essential products for your 2-year-old, first think about what it is you want assistance with. For example, if you hope to transition your toddler out of his or her crib, then a toddler bed and safely railing are what you need.
Another thing you can look for are products that help your child learn new things. Two-year-old’s are extremely fast learners and grasp onto new concepts very quickly.
If you want to help your child master fine motor skills at the dinner table, then drinking cups and toddler cutlery can help you out.
We’ve rounded up 11 must-have toddler products that aren’t too expensive, and will ensure that you and your little adventurer are ready for whatever this exciting chapter brings.
Related Article: Best Baby Strollers on a Budget
11 Essential Items That Every Two Year Old Needs
1. Toddler Cutlery
You can help your little one perfect his or her fine motor skills by providing them with the right tools to use at the dinner table. Toddler cutlery is available in many colors and designs – with soft and flexible handles designed for tiny fingers. It is not expensive and can help to reduce the amount of mess you’re cleaning up under the table.
I like this set of cutlery for my two-year-old because of the rounded tips on the forks – plus they are BPA free and dishwasher safe.
Munchkin 6 Piece Fork & Spoon Set
- The set includes 3 forks and 3 spoons
- Bright colours that kids love
- Rounded fork tines and spoon for safe self-feeding
- Large handles are easy for toddlers to hold
- BPA free and dishwasher safe
2. Trainer Cup
Growing kids are anxious to learn how to hold and drink from a big-kid cup.
Moving away from a bottle is also better for young children’s teeth development. I really recommend using a trainer cup without a spout so your child’s teeth won’t be displaced, which can cause the need for expensive orthodontic visits later! Trust me….I made this mistake with my first daughter who now wears an orthodontic appliance at age 10.
Whether you’re using them at home, in the car or at grandma’s house, these training cups are handy and priced right.
Munchkin Miracle Trainer Cup
- Two toddler training cups with dentist recommended spoutless design
- 360 degree edge allows drinking from any side of the cup- tilt the cup and suck on the edge
- Cup automatically seals when child stops drinking to eliminate spills
- Handles are easy for little hands to hold
- Easy to clean with no extra parts
3. Faucet Extender
If your toddler is like mine, then she is very interested in using the bathroom sink. To help your two-year-old gain more independence with washing up, add a faucet extender to your must-have list. Faucet extenders work to extend the flow of water so your child can easily wash his or her hands.
Animal Faucet Extenders
- Make’s handwashing fun for children with an adorable elephant and duck sink faucet extenders
- Conserves water by making it easier for kids to reach the water
- Safe & durable – no harmful chemicals (BPA, PVC and phthalate free) and no sharp edges
- Easy to assemble. No tools are necessary. Works best on faucets with cross-section of spout between 25mm – 40mm
4. Toddler Booster Seat
When your baby outgrows her high chair, help her feel like a big kid with an elevated booster seat. The Ingenuity™ SmartClean™ Toddler Booster features a 3-point harness to keep kids (ages 16 months to 5 years) safe and in place. It includes another strap to ensure the booster doesn’t leave the adult chair….pretty important!
This portable booster seat is the perfect toddler gear for use at home or for dining out. It is dishwasher safe and the seat cushion can be removed for easy cleaning.
Ingenuity SmartClean Toddler Booster Seat
- Wipeable and washable design for quick cleaning
- Foam insert easily removes for cleaning
- 3-point harness is removable without foam insert
- Lightweight and easy to take on-the-go
5. Toddler Bed
Toddler beds are also one of the main items on my list of essentials for 2-year-olds. However, in my opinion, there is no need to transition your child from a crib into a bed right away.
What worked with my kids, was setting-up a toddler bed in their bedrooms and allowing them to try it out when they became interested. For months, my daughters would go back-and-forth between spending a night in their crib and the next in their bed. I found this strategy helped them become comfortable out of their crib….and led to a better night sleep for all of us.
Delta Children Toddler Bed
- Fits full size crib mattress
- Strong and sturdy wood construction
- Low to the ground for easy access for your child
- Tested to meet or exceed government and ASTM safety standards
6. Bed Rail
If you already have a bed for your toddler, it is important to get them a bed rail. The rail forms a secure border around your child as they sleep and protects them from rolling over and falling out of bed.
I like this extra long Regalo bed rail with steel clamps because if fastens securely to the bed and provides protection for your child.
Regalo Swing Down Extra Long Bed Rail
- The swing down feature allows this bedrail to pivot down and out of the way when getting in and out of bed or removing sheets
- 54-inches long and 20-inches tall for added security
- Easy to set-up and rail cover is machine washable
- Anchoring strap that secures the bedrail to the bed. Designed with all steel frame
- Fit for use with a twin to queen size bed
7. Potty Training Toilet Seat
Don’t feel pressure to potty-train your two-year-old right away! I’m a firm believer in waiting until your child is physically and emotionally ready to leave diapers behind!
However, you may find that your toddler is interested, and perhaps ready, to give the big-kid toilet a try.
To help them adapt (and not fall in) it is essential to get a potty-training seat. There are a variety of potty-training seats available – most come with comfortable seats and splash guards that avoid spills. I like this one because kids can climb onto the toilet themselves using the step stool.
Potty Training Toilet Seat With Step Stool Ladder
- CPSIA Certified to ensure your babies safety when potty training
- Fits 99% of standard-sized toilets ( V shape, U shape, O shape). Doesn’t fit toilets over 16.5″ high or a square shape toilet
- Adjustable footrest suitable for 1-7 years old kids. The toilet training seat is very sturdy and holds up to 75.5KG (166lb)
- Easy to assemble and folds-up to store along the wall
- Double handrail and wide pedal to help baby climb up and down, turn around, and sit down by themselves
8. First Aid Kit
If your girls are like mine, the toddler years are full of tumbles and scraped knees!
A First Aid kit will prepare you for whatever cuts and scrapes the day’s adventures may bring. This mini first aid kid for kids comes stuffed full of 21 useful items – such as latex-free bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads and medical tape.
These first aid toddler must-haves come packaged nicely in a handy case that’s perfect for tossing into a diaper bag, stroller, or purse.
Mini First Aid Kit For Kids
- Mini first aid kit for kids contains 21 pieces
- Contains 2 gauze sponges, 12 band aids, 4 cleansing wipes, 2 moist wipes, 1 medical tape
- Strong and compact box for small size first aid supplies
9. Childproofing Kit
When there is a curious toddler exploring every nook and cranny of your house, you want to prevent any possible safety hazards. Make your home a safe place for your little one learn and play by making child safety a priority.
The Kidco 50-Piece Childproofing Kit provides you with everything from door knob covers and cabinet locks to finger guards and outlet caps.
Kidco 50-Piece Childproofing Kit
- Finger Guards prevent doors from slamming on little fingers
- Swivel style drawer and cabinet locks can be side mounted and disengaged when not needed
- Outlet Caps protect children from inserting fingers and objects into electrical outlets
- Door Knob Covers prevent kids from opening doors – snaps tightly around door knob
10. Books for Toddlers
Learning to read starts at a young age. Many two-year-old’s are ready to begin identifying letters and counting numbers.
Help your toddler love reading by sitting down together with a book written especially for him or her.
A good option is a book with vivid pictures, a text that can help your child learn new concepts, and added fun features like lift-up flaps.
Lift The Flap First 100 Words Book
- Entertaining board book that encourages children to lift the flaps and learn first words
- Topics include pets, toys, food, clothes, out and about, things that go, farm animals, wild animals, bath and bed, numbers, colors, and opposites
- Extra words and visual surprises encourage children to lift and learn
- An ideal book for young toddlers to enjoy
11. Building Blocks
Two-year-old’s love to build! Not only is building (and taking apart) a fascinating activity for toddlers, but it helps them improve their fine motor skills and learn cause and effect. Stacking, connecting, and disconnecting blocks in order to build the perfect creation will keep your child occupied for hours.
This set of large blocks is just right for this age group.
Mega Bloks First Builders Big Building Bag
- 60 brightly colored blocks
- Perfect for little hands
- Storage bag for quick and easy cleanup
- Compatible with all Mega Bloks sets
- Ideal for ages 1 to 5
11 Essential Items For Two-Year-Old’s Conclusion
Whether you are a new parent, or an experienced mom like me, I hope this list of 11 essential items for two-year-old’s gives you some great ideas about what products can help you out at this fun stage of childhood.
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