Our favorite go-to gear for home, travel, and outdoor play. Some favorites for life with littles.
Life with two under two is full — in the best and busiest ways. Whether we’re playing in the backyard, heading to a family gathering, or just getting through the bedtime routine, I’ve learned what’s worth it for us to keep close by (and what’s just taking up space).
Here are some of the everyday items that have made our days easier, smoother, and a little more peaceful — all things we use and love regularly.
Prime Days are happening July 8-11, 2025, and many of these products are on sale (I’ve been checking them pre-Prime Days as well)!! Grab them at these discounts while you can (many are actually discounted from what they usually go for).
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to purchase through them. I only share what we truly use and love!
Travel & On-the-Go Favorites
- Portable Booster Chair with Tray
This has saved us so many times while out and about — perfect for meals away from home, visiting family, or just in the backyard. - Compact Changing Pad
It fits in almost any bag and makes diaper changes on the go much more manageable (and clean). - Wet/Dry Bag
Perfect for containing messes, wet clothes, or surprise blowouts — I keep ours in the diaper bag or just in the car. - Snack Container
Easy for little hands and saves so much mess. - Water Bottle for Toddlers
High quality and fun — spill-resistant and easy to clean. - Clip-On Stroller Fan
A game-changer for walks on hot days or even just keeping cool in the car seat. How cute is this color? - KAVU Rope Crossbody Bag
My everyday mom (and pre-mom) bag! Lightweight, organized, and comfy to wear. - Duffel Bags for the Kids
Great for packing their things for overnight stays or organizing in the car. - Single Stroller & Car Seat Combo – Smooth ride and super convenient for one. This was the first stroller and car seat combo I bought. I still use it depending on if the infant is asleep and I need to just transfer the one car seat.
- Double Stroller + Car Seat – Great for two littles, especially when one is still in an infant seat. I love this for being out and about with both kiddos.
- Wagon for Two – Comfy, practical, and makes outings with both littles much easier. It’s great for some bigs too!
Backyard & Outdoor Favorites
- Water Table
A hit every time. So good for sensory play and keeping busy little hands entertained. - Water Table Cover
To keep the water clean and bugs/leaves out between uses. Worth it. - Slide Play Set
Ours gets used frequently. It’s sturdy, fun, and gives us a safe outdoor play option. - Car Cover for Cozy Coupe
Protects it from sun damage and unexpected rainstorms so it lasts longer. If you have a cozy coupe in any version, check this out! - Playtime Patio Set
Fun covered play area for littles and some bigs. - Cover for Patio Set
Keeps it in good condition and ready to use. Ours has withheld some 60-80 mph winds during a storm and is still in fantastic condition. - Toddler Basketball Toy
Fun and great for hand-eye coordination.
Sleeping & Soothing Essentials
- Chargeable Nightlight
I use this most nights — during bedtime, late night wakeups, and diaper changes. Soft, comforting light and no cords to worry about. - Portable Sound Machine
We’ve used this during naps, road trips, and overnight visits. It drowns out background noise so they can sleep more soundly. - Levoit Mini Air Purifier & Full Size Levoit Air Purifier
I have one in each bedroom and one in our main living space. These have made a noticeable difference in keeping the air clean and allergies at bay.
Books & Comforts
- Llama Llama Red Pajama
- Wherever You Go, I Want You to Know
- Pajama Time
Some of our most-read bedtime stories. - Favorite Blanket
It goes with us if we travel and gets lots of snuggles.
Health & Diapering
- NoseFrida & Filters + Saline Spray
I was skeptical at first — but now I won’t go without these during cold or allergy season. I even had to buy a new one when the arose during an out of state trip. I learned my lesson to pack it next time! - Favorite Wipes
We’ve tried several, but these are gentle, effective, and hold up well. - Baby Carrier
Sometimes you just need two free hands. It’s supportive and comfy for both of us.
Toy & Entertainment
- Itzy Ritzy Spiral Activity Toy – Rainbow – A soft, colorful spiral toy that wraps around a car seat or stroller handle. With crinkles, textures, and dangling toys, it’s perfect for keeping little ones entertained on the go.
- Itzy Ritzy Spiral Activity Toy – Farm – Possibly the cutest of the spiral options. Adorable farm animals and sensory features make this a playful favorite for car rides and walks. This is my personal favorite!
- Itzy Ritzy Dino Car Seat Activity Toy – This soft dinosaur toy crinkles and has fun tags to explore. Easy to attach and even easier to love.
- Nuby Teether Ball Activity Toy – Lightweight, easy to grip, and great for teething. This toy comes almost everywhere with us and has saved many moments of fuss.
- Melissa & Doug Water Wow Reusable Painting Pads – No mess, just water. These are perfect for travel, restaurants, or quiet time. Watch the pages come to life and dry back to blank for reuse.
- Silicone Pull Toy – Simple but so effective. Toddlers love pulling and exploring the textured cords, and it doubles as a quiet sensory toy.
- Pop Tubes Sensory Toy Set – These colorful tubes stretch, bend, and connect. Great for building coordination and just plain fun to play with. They held their attention for a while on our long car ride!
- Ride On Car
The toddler loves to put things in the seat storage and has pushed it around the house more times than I can count. - Graco Soothe ‘n Sway LX Baby Swing and Bouncer – A versatile 2-in-1 with both a gentle swing and a removable bouncer. For a quick hands free moment to do a load of laundry or play with another kiddo for a little bit.
- 4moms mamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing – This swing mimics real-life bouncing and swaying motions—five settings to find what your little one likes best. I was skeptical at first, but we were thankful to have it.
Final Thoughts
These are just some of my favorites for life with littles — the ones I find myself reordering, tossing in the diaper bag, or recommending to others. Whether you’re prepping for a trip, refreshing your outdoor play setup, or just looking for ways to simplify life with littles, I hope this list helps.
And if you have a favorite toddler or baby essential I should try, let me know in the comments!
Read about some other favorites here.