There are so many products out there for babies and toddlers, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options. It’s also easy to have many different versions of something before finding the right one for your family. I’m not an expert or minimalist—but I am a full-time working single foster mom of two little ones under two. And when I say these are the things I reach for constantly? I mean it. These baby and toddler essentials have been lifesavers in the everyday chaos, both at home and on the go.
I’m sharing them here in case they’re helpful to someone else. Whether you’re a fellow foster parent, a first-time (or third?) mom, or helping love on littles in your life, maybe something here will make your days a little easier too.
A quick note: These are affiliate links, which just means I earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only ever share what we genuinely use and love.
Levoit Mini Air Purifiers (and Filters)
I have one of these in each of the kids’ rooms as well as my own and the living room. They’re quiet, compact, and give me peace of mind. I’ve even used the third and highest setting as a sound machine to soothe the kiddos as they sleep. The amount of dust that is on the filter when it’s time to change it out always amazes me!
Portable Booster Chair with Tray
I cannot tell you how many times this little seat has saved the day. Whether at family friend’s house, small group, out of town, or at a restaurant, it’s been a go-to for meals and snacks. Easy to clean and truly portable. You’ll also get plenty of “aww, what an adorable chair!”, because it’s essentially a mini camping chair.
NoseFrida + Saline Spray
The NoseFrida is as magical as it is gross (if you know, you know). Add a couple sprays of saline, and it makes a huge difference when they’re stuffy or sick. Enough said.
Chargeable, Dimmable Night Light
I use this almost every single night. It’s soft, portable, and has enough brightness for middle-of-the-night diaper changes without waking everyone up. It’s dimmable, so you can choose the best brightness for you, as well as long lasting charge!
Favorite Bedtime Books
These are on heavy rotation at our house. I couldn’t just choose one. Some are sweet and calming, others silly and fun—but all are well-loved. The toddler asks for them with his one word association of the book and I know which one he’s talking about. It’s part of our bedtime routine, and it’s the last thing we do before lights out. Plus, reading to them is so beneficial for their brains and well-being!
- Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
- How to Tuck in Your Sleepy Lion by Jane Clarke
- The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton
- Pajama Time by Sandra Boynton
- Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? by Brianna Caplan Sayres
- Wherever You Go… by Melissa B Kruger
I know every child is different, but these are some baby and toddler essentials I’d pick again and again. If you’ve found something that’s been a game changer in your routine, I’d love to hear about it, too. We’re all figuring it out as we go.
Thanks for being here—and for loving kiddos well.