42 Products To Help Parents Trying To Survive In The Trenches Of Toddlerhood

Buzz Feed

16-04-2025

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Helllooooo parents, my name is Heather, and at the time I'm writing this, my son is 3 and my daughter is almost 1 (so you know I get *it*). So, a lot of these items I've personally tested out! I can happily tell you *all* about what has worked for my family, but kindly wanted to note that I'm aware every kid is different! So, what worked for me may not work for you. But hey, it's worth a shot. Right?
1. A diaper bag–friendly Welly first aid kit packed with anything you might need in case your tot takes a tumble. It includes fabric bandages in various sizes and fun colors kids will love, triple antibiotic first aid ointment packets, 1% hydrocortisone cream packets, and cleansing wipes. You'll be a shoo-in for Parent of the Year when you break this out to fix a scraped knee.
Amazon
I've used Welly products for years and will not shut up about them. Yes, their bandages come in many fun prints and styles, but more importantly, they *actually* stay on and protect cuts and scrapes! The waterproof ones are also fantastic. I love that this kit comes in a tin, so everything stays nicely sorted. Definitely a must-have for parents hitting up the playgrounds.
Promising review:"Absolutely love this little emergency kit! I keep one in the car and one in our pool bag. Great to have for the inevitable scrapes and boo-boos that happen with kids. I love that it comes with cleaning materials, and the bandages actually STICK, which is great." — John
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
2. An over-the-door stuffed animal organizer, because somehow at the age of two, your child has accumulated a concerning amount of plush pals. This will *attempt* to keep 'em contained and hopefully save your back from lots of bending to put them back in a basket on the floor.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Honeyera is a small business that sells items specifically designed to keep kids' toys organized.
Promising review:"This holds a ton of stuffed animals. I bought it for my two girls, who share a room, and their beds are overrun with stuffies. This holds so much so they can still be on display; it's easy for them to get them in and out except for the top basket, and it matches their room colors. Great quality and easy to use." — The Word Of A King
Get it from Amazon for $28.95 (available in nine colors).
3. A travel urinal — a saving grace for when your child, once again, has to pee while you're out and about enjoying the refreshing springtime weather even though you *JUST* asked them 10x if they had to go.
Watch this mom's review on TikTok.
Promising review:" I purchased this for my son and our long car trips. How many times can we pull over to potty on a three-and-a-half hour car trip? Ask my 4-year-old. When I saw this, I couldn't resist. We brought it along, and when he had to pee, no problem. It's only a little gross when you dump it later. Well designed, definitely recommend." — Evan
Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in eight colors).
4. Or a Frida Baby fold-and-go potty seat that'll bring you peace of mind, knowing your toddler's tush never has to touch a grime-filled public toilet. It comes with a travel bag that'll fit easily in your diaper bag or regular tote bag if you're just running a quick errand with your toddler.
We're in the midst of potty training my toddler, and the hardest part has definitely been his need to pee whenever we're out of the house. I ordered this seat, and it's become an essential item in any bag I carry. It folds up nice and small; it's not bulky to toss in a tote bag or the diaper bag. I can whip it out quickly (ideally before he has an accident) and pop it onto any toilet seat. So far, we've used it in the airport, at my parents' house, and in several stores and restaurants. I wipe it down with a disinfectant wipe after we use it and move on to the next chaotic moment of our day.
Promising review:"My toddler loves her little training potty but would not sit on regular toilets at home or elsewhere. I purchased this foldable potty seat and started using it at home so she would get comfortable with it, making her comfortable using it outside of the home. I love that it puts a barrier between her and public bathroom seats. It is a very good quality design. It's easily foldable and stable. It has a rubber lip around the edge to keep it from slipping on the toilet seat when my toddler sits on it. No leakage or complaints. It's easy to clean or wipe down on the go. Would 100% recommend to all my mom friends." — Jess
Get it from Amazon for $10.48.
5. And a portable pack of soap sheets, because entering a public bathroom is grime-y enough without having to worry "will there be soap left in the dispenser???" These will melt away in your hands and ensure they'll be squeaky clean (very important after changing your kiddo's diaper or helping them wipe their adorable little butt).
Promising review:"I'm thrilled to have purchased these! Amazing soap sheets. The scents are not overwhelming. I have sensitive skin and, does not irritate my skin. Hands feel soft, clean and smells great. My 6-year-old son loves these. With pretty much everything still closed down, due to COVID-19, we have been doing a lot more outdoor activities. It's nice to have soap handy when in middle of hiking or biking and, need to wash hands before eating lunch. I would strongly recommend these soap sheets." — Ann
Get three packs of 100 sheets each from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in lemon, orange, lavender, a variety pack of the three scents, or unscented).
6. Sink extenders so you won't need to muster up Herculean strength every time your surprisingly dense toddler wants to wash their sticky little paws.
We're working on potty training my toddler, which comes with the added routine of constant handwashing. He's itching to be independent in all ways (yay) so I knew it was time to add these to my cart. They slip over the two very different faucets in my bathrooms and have truly made it easier than ever for my son to wash his hands (with the help of a step stool, of course). These should be mandatory in every toddler's home!
Promising review:" Must-have for toddlers and small children! LOVE this! My 1- and 3-year-old love washing their hands now and my back gets a nice break. Adding the faucet extenders and a stepstool to our bed time/morning routine has been a godsend. Great bargain for the price." — TeaBea21
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $6.59.
7. And a pack of brilliant light switch extenders that'll let tykes turn them on all on their own! Don't be surprised if you catch them humming Kelly Clarkson's "Miss Independent" soon.
These install in minutes on standard light switches. When we turned our son's crib into a toddler bed (aka giving him freedom to come/go) his biggest complaint was that in the morning it was "dark." He is only tall enough to turn his light OFF but not on! So, we ordered this product and it was the perfect solution. Took two minutes (literally) to install and now he's happy as a clam (most of the time).
Promising review:" Must-have for toddlers! Perfect solution! As my toddler's independence soars, so do frustrations. This light switch extender pack was a great buy. He can now turn on the lights in his room and bathroom. Installation was easy and works as expected." — AW
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $13.99.
8. Ms. Rachel's "Potty Time With Bean" book — a must-have for toddler parents who are in the midst of tackling potty training. The book features a sweet, motivational story about a little bear who is learning to use the potty (with Ms. Rachel for support, of course). It has reward stickers in the back and tips/tricks for parents!
We're in our potty training era here, and this board book has been an integral part of our process. My son adores Ms. Rachel (who doesn't?) and recognized Bean when we passed the book in a store. So, we tossed it in the cart and took it home to start this ever-stressful endeavor. Anytime my son sits on the potty he asks me to read "The Bean book" and whenever he successfully goes he gets rewarded with one of the stickers from the book. There's even a handwashing song in it that he's taken to heart and sings every time he washes up after using the potty. If you want to take things to the next level there's also a Potty Time with Bean toy!
Promising review: " The quality of this is great, and the books are nice and tough, so littles won't be able to rip them or anything. It's very good quality, and it is a book made to last! It's also fantastic and is really helping with teaching the littles in your life how to use the potty. Thank you, Ms. Rachel!" — End Up Here
Get it from Amazon for $6.99.
9. A massive 160-piece pack of sidewalk chalk they'll be *so* excited over they might just forget to pester you about extra screen time — encourage them to create all kinds of art at the playground or leave funny pictures for passersby.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
I can confirm my toddler will happily plop down and play with chalk for longer than you'd think. A set as big as this one will help entertain the entire block's worth of kiddos!
Promising review:"If there's one thing kids love, it's drawing and unleashing their creativity! This chalk box is perfect for turning any sidewalk or backyard into a giant canvas. The colors are vibrant; the chalks are durable, and best of all — hours of screen-free fun! It helps develop motor skills while encouraging imagination and outdoor play." — Familia Black Belt
Get it from Amazon for $27.99.
10. A custom name-stamp tool to label your tyke's coat in hopes it'll stop getting mixed up with their daycare bestie's jacket that just so happens to be the exact same color. Their teachers will thank you too.
Amazon
It'll also work great on lunchboxes, backpacks, and water bottles! The ink is nontoxic, odorless, and will stay put on clothing being put through the wash several times. Label Land is a small business!
Check out Amazon reviewer's video review to see the stamp in action here!
Get it from Amazon for $11.95 (available in nine styles).
11. A sunscreen applicator that'll make covering your mini-me from head to toe a whole lot easier — especially if they're squirmy! Pour the lotion inside this travel size container, flip it upside down, shake it, and apply. No mess and no stress.
Amazon
Check out how easy it is to apply sunscreen with this clever gadget in this TikTok.
Solar Buddies is a small business based in the UK, founded by two moms, who set out to develop a product that would make applying sunscreen on kiddos easier. As a parent myself, I can confirm this gadget is fantastic. During the summer I'd keep one in my diaper bag to ensure my son was protected from the sun at any given moment. He loved being "painted" and I loved knowing applying sunscreen wasn't going to be a fight.
Promising review:" I hesitated, but I originally saw this item on TikTok and knew it would make life SO MUCH easier when it comes to putting sunscreen on myself and my kids, and I have to say, I am NOT disappointed!! The sunscreen goes on so smoothly and evenly, and I feel like I will be saving so much sunscreen now that I'm not just squirting a huge glob in my hands and spending so much time trying to rub in a ridiculous amount into mine and my children's skin. My only regret with buying these is that I wish I would have bought a couple more so that I could have different ones for each of the sunscreens we use! But I will be recommending these to everyone!" — Carmen
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $23.98+ (available in four colors and in three-packs).
12. A bug bite suction tool invented by a mom that sucks the irritating part right out of an insect bite with a pull of the plunger — it's so easy your kiddo can definitely do it themselves (if they stop screaming long enough because, duh,, they got bit by a bug).
See it in action on TikTok. Bug Bite Thing is a small business.
Promising review:"I saw this product on TikTok and had to get it. I'm super glad I did. My daughter and I always get a ton of mosquito bites, and this helps alleviate the itching as soon as you pull the suction back. It's great." — Rebekka Talley
Get it from Amazon for $9.95+ (also available in two-packs and three-packs).
13. A car seat buckle release tool that'll save both your nails and your precious time! No one wants to struggle to open those (thankfully) extremely secure buckles while their kiddo is hitting a pitch that could likely break glass.
This gadget doesn't attach to the car seat, so no need to fret about kiddos unbuckling themselves while you're driving. UnbuckleMe is a small business!
Promising review:"Love that my kindergartner can unbuckle himself. It makes morning school drop-off SO MUCH EASIER! And he likes the independence of being able to do it himself!" — Lauren
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in seven colors).
14. A sand removal bag filled with a talc-free, reef-friendly powder to help remove the pesky particles your kiddo will likely have all over them after rolling around in the local playground's sandbox....lovely.
Amazon
See it in action on TikTok.
Shakalo is a San Diego–based small business that started to figure out a way to help people, especially parents remove sand before leaving the beach. The soft fabric pouch allows the powder to remove the sand without scattering everywhere.
Promising review:"We recently moved to a beach area, and we are constantly there. This item has changed our entire lives! It lasts decently long (depending on how much you use it), it smells super good (not at all like baby powder), and it's super effective. It has saved me from vacuuming my car at least 1x–2x a week. I even use it on my dogs' paws and bellies to make sure they're taken care of. I will definitely be buying the refill and another bag to have exclusively in the car." — Gabbs Uresti
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in two sizes).
15. Polarized toddler sunglasses that fold up super small so when your tyke decides they no longer want to wear them, you can stash them in your pocket or diaper bag without accidentally snapping them in half.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"We purchased the foldable sunglasses for our 7-year-old grandson, and they've exceeded our expectations. The foldability is incredibly convenient, making them easy to store in a small bag or even his pocket. The sunglasses are very well made, with a sturdy frame that has stood up to quite a bit of rough handling. They're also very comfortable, and my grandson loves wearing them. The vibrant colors are a big hit, and he enjoys to wear each day. Overall, the sunglasses are a fantastic purchase, combining convenience, durability, and style in one package." — Victor X.
Get them from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in sets of two and a variety of colors).
16. A Bentgo kids lunchbox with an excellent seal and separate compartments to ensure the orange you carefully peeled 1. won't mix with the pretzels *you* also packed and 2. won't leak out into your kid's backpack.
My son has this lunchbox! It's SO efficient at sealing shut that, honestly, sometimes I have a hard time closing it. The compartments are big enough to fit several snacks and an apple sauce pouch (most of which he *does not* eat. That being said, it's sturdy and has held up to being toted around for nearly a year!
Promising review:"The perfect lunchbox! It has a compartment for everything my children need for lunch and fits perfectly in their lunch bags, leaving room for drinks and snacks. The durability of these is great. My son has been using his for four years and is still in perfect condition. It's easy to use, and my toddler can open and close it herself. Highly recommend it if you're looking for a kid-friendly lunchbox that holds up over time!" — Hillary Combest
Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in 28 styles).
17. A pack of spill-proof Munchkin snack catchers so your kiddo can take their fave snack with them while venturing to different areas of the playground or enjoy a lil' nibble of something while en route to a playdate.
I swear by these! I rarely leave the house without one of these filled to the brim with Cheerios to stave off my tykes' endless need for snacks. My son can typically be found with one of these in hand while hanging out in his car seat. And now that my daughter is also a snack fiend (but doesn't yet understand how to reach into the cup and take a snack out) I fill one for her as well and toss it into my bag, knowing nothing will spill out of it while we're on-the-go.
Promising review:"After having my 18-month-old crush her graham crackers in the bag and then toss it all up in the air covering herself and everyone and everything in graham cracker powder (including the interior of my car), I had enough. These cups are a godsend! They are the perfect size for her hand and she can't just yank the top off. She likes the independence they grant her and my husband likes not having to strip her car seat and have the car detailed over cracker crumbs." — Shawny
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $5.96+ (available in three color combos and in two count sizes).
18. Or a snack spinner with five compartments for kids who like to diversify their palate when on the go, and by "diversify," I mean they want Goldfish, graham crackers, cereal, yogurt bites, *and* fruit all at once. Why is it so hard to satiate a toddler?!
GoBe is a small business!
Promising review: "A friend told us about this and it saved us on our first flight with our 1-year-old. Not only is it great for holding a variety of snacks, it served as great entertainment also. He loved watching it spin and pressing the button, and opening and closing the door. It entertained him for a lot longer than any other toy we had. A must have for traveling with a toddler, we won't go on another trip without it." — Nicole A.
Get it from Amazon for $27.95+ (available in two sizes and seven colors).
19. A portable car vacuum that'll help you battle the seemingly endless amount of dirt, sand, and cracker crumbs that have made themselves right at home in the hard-to-reach crevices of your toddler's car seat. Yuck.
Promising review:"I bought this product for my minivan and the messy little humans who ride in it. It does an EXCELLENT job cleaning up after them. This product can get in the little crevices and tiny places, and it comes with a brush that I used to be able to round up all the hair and random things that a normal vacuum would leave behind. It's easy to empty, easy to clean, and it does a great job." — Jillian Barr
Get it from Amazon for $34.99.
20. A Tushbaby hip carrier you may have seen across your TikTok travels — it's a must-buy for your back if you've got a Stage 5 clinger for a toddler (siiiiigh) but don't want to let that stop you from getting outdoors. It *also* has a ton of pockets for storage so you won't have to lug around an additional bag to hold your phone, wallet, and keys.
It's recommended for children between 8 and 45 pounds and can be used in four different holding positions — feeding/breastfeeding, side carrying, front facing, and face-to-face.
Tushbaby is a small business run by three California mamas and specializes in products that bring a little more ease to everyday parenting life.
Promising review: "My 1-year-old is super wiggly and so heavy. The TushBaby helps to solve that because I can't put her in a regular carrier for more than five minutes before she gets upset. Using this carrier, I can pick her up and put her down to explore and much as needed and it really helps alleviate all the weight off my back. I use it around the house as well as when we're out. Very convenient and quick to put on and adjust." — Nadia M
Get it from Amazon for $84.99.
21. A travel busy board packed with activities that'll keep your toddler from asking you a zillion questions like, "Is that a red light?" "Why are we listening to your music, Mom?" "Why is the sky blue?" while you're trying to drive. They'll keep their head down and their fingers busy so you can enjoy some peace.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"Perfect for a long car ride or desk play. My son was very entertained by it. Perfect for my 5-month-old and 4-year-old. Stuff for both of them to use and share. They've been playing with it for months, and everything remains intact." — Danielle Blackwell
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two styles).
22. And/or a Melissa and Doug On the Go Water Wow! Reusable Water-Reveal Activity Pad you'll want to tell all of your parenting friends about. Keep one of these with the pen filled in your tote or diaper bag, and you'll *always* have a way to keep your kiddo entertained when you're in a bind.
These activity pads have become one of my go-to parenting products! My son will sit and "color" for a decent amount of time, and I love that he learns while he does. All you have to do is fill the pen with some water, then securely twist the back onto it so it doesn't leak out all over (been there). I packed one as a surprise for a recent flight, and my toddler was *SO* excited. It kept him busy and didn't make a mess — big win for Mom!
Promising review: " This kept my little one entertained on a 5-hour flight. I especially love how it can be used over again once it dries back up! Great price!" — morenog
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in six styles).
23. A bottle of Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator to add to your shopping list even if you *don't* have a pet — it's a must-have for potty training parents with kiddos who are still having accidents left and right throughout the house.
Angry Orange is a small business!
Promising review:"This odor eliminator is truly amazing and a fantastic solution! With a toddler who is potty training, we faced challenges when she had accidents on the carpet. Toddler urine is notoriously hard to remove, and even after using a vac-style rug cleaner twice, the smell lingered. However, this product covered it up beautifully. Even after it dried, the odor was barely detectable unless you got really close to the carpet. I believe that a few more sprays over time will help eliminate it entirely. Plus, it has a pleasant citrus scent that doesn't smell harsh or chemical-like. All in all, I'm really impressed with its effectiveness; it's the only product that has worked this well for us!" — Collin M.
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in three sizes).
24. A jar of internet-beloved The Pink Stuff, which is an all-purpose cleaning paste that'll help you tackle all of your kid-made messes but make it *~pretty in pink~* at the same time. Your kiddo's attempt at Piccasso-ing your walls won't scare this cleaning product. 😅
Promising review:" A must-have for toddler moms! My 3-year-old recently decided to channel his inner Van Gogh on our stairwell wall, and red crayon was EVERYWHERE. I tried every possible cleaning solution, and nothing was getting it off. I heard about the Pink Stuff on TikTok and decided it was worth a shot. This stuff is a miracle worker! With a sponge and some elbow grease, I was able to remove all the crayon within 10 minutes. There's absolutely no trace of the crayon left, and it didn't ruin my paint!" — Casey Blaine
" If you have toddlers, this is a MUST! This stuff is amazing. It gets out crayon, ink, permanent marker, literally whatever way your toddler decides to unknowingly destroy your home — this stuff cleans it up. Will be giving this to all expectant parents as a gift from now on. Forget that cute onesie. They need this. 10/10" — Diana
Get it from Amazon for $5.97.
25. Puracy enzyme-based spot cleaner that'll have your little one's clothes looking like you just pulled them off the rack in a store instead of out from under a car tire.
www.amazon.com
You can also use it on carpets, bedding, cloth diapers, etc.
Promising review:"I just purchased this. It took stains out of baby clothes and I used it on the fabric on a toddler chair and it looks brand new. I wish I would have taken before and after photos! Love it already! I had read some reviews about it leaking during shipping but I received it with a tight lid in a bag with a spray too lid separate so no leaking!" — Brianne
Get it from Amazon for $22.49.
26. A pack of Tide To Go pens, because even if you already own one you'd absolutely benefit from stocking up and keeping one in every bag you own — no more worrying about ruining your favorite pants when your toddler squeezes their juice box so aggressively it squirts out all over you (sigh).
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I used this on my daughter's doll that couldn't be put in the washer due to having a voice box. She's had this doll for a while, it's had juice applied on it, the dog has stolen it a few times, plus the material just attracts dirt and fuzz balls. Holy crap what a difference! Saved me from having to go buy a new one." — Chery
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $6.49.
27. Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray you'll be very glad you bought after your kid decides to perfect *slide into home base* during their T-ball game. No need to sweat those stains — you can just cheer 'em on, knowing this spray will get those clothes looking fresh again later.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"My 1-year-old has taco meat stains ALL over the sleeves of his shirt. The stains were 2–3 days old, too. I sprayed the shirt, let it sit for about 15 mins, and then washed the shirt with regular laundry soap. Almost every bit of the stains came out. Definitely buying bulk in this product!" — Sloan Avery
Get it from Amazon for $7.97+ (available in a variety of quantities)
28. Grandma's Secret, a spot remover to remind you of all the concoctions your own grandma used to whip up to banish stains from her home. It'll make blood (!!!) pet stains, oil, paint, and other pesky substances vanish into thin air.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This stuff is so amazing. I'm a witness. My 2-year-old baby wrote all over my white leather couch. I tried many different things and nothing worked but Grandma's Secret Spot Remover. I love this stuff." — L. Nix
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $9.99.
29. A stainless steel cleaner you can count on to help you (temporarily) banish all of those sticky little toddler-sized fingerprints that have somehow made their way across your fridge and dishwasher....
This plant-based cleaner will remove streaks, smudges, and fingerprints from all stainless steel surfaces — sounds very therapeutic to me! Additionally, Therapy Clean is a small business!
Promising review:"This is by far the best stainless steel cleaner I have ever used. So easy to apply and I wipe it off with a clean microfiber cloth. It lasts months and I have twin toddlers that are always touching my appliances. No finger prints at all. I highly recommend. Completely safe , no chemicals. Great product." — martha
Get it from Amazon for $19.95.
30. A leave-in conditioning spray for curly hair free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates you can count on to revive your mini-me's precious curls after an eventful night of rolling around like a wild thing. (How do they get such intense bed head?!?)
www.amazon.com
Reviewers say this spray will leave wavy or curly hair (from 2a–4c hair) shiny, soft, and bouncy. SoCozy is a small business!
Promising review:"This leave-in conditioner spray has worked so well with my daughter's hair. It smells amazing after her showers! Definitely a must-have." — Diana Beger
" This stuff is fantastic for curly girls! I spray it in my daughter's dry hair in the morning, run my fingers through her ringlets (never ever comb or brush curly hair dry), then clip the top back. It smells amazing, and the price on Amazon is better than other national retailers I've found it at. The price is worth it. Minimizes frizz and keeps curls soft and natural-looking. My daughter has soft/fine thick hair." — Carolyn Smith
Get it from Amazon for $6.71 (also available in a two pack).
31. Plus a pack of hair bow ties in any color you might possibly need to transform your toddler from a terror into a tiny treasure (or, at least, their hair). It'll be a major upgrade from trying to twist minuscule rubber bands around their locks *and then* fastening a hairbow while their already-slim patience is wearing thin.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
I ordered these for my daughter because, as stated above, I'm tired of fighting with tiny rubber bands! She also is *not* a fan of having said rubber bands removed at the end of the day (I can't imagine why!). Anyway, I'm hoping these will make getting a bow into her hair (and keeping her hair out of her eyes) easier. I also purchased this container to keep track of her new accessories neatly!
Promising review:"For the price, amount, and quality, you should definitely get them. They are adorable; my daughter likes wearing these way more than little clip-in bows." — Mikayla
Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in various colors and sets).
32. A 3-in-1 Frida Baby Infrared thermometer with a built-in sensor that'll make taking your tyke's temperature a breeze. You can also remove the tip and use it as an inner-ear thermometer and use it to take your own as well! Perfect for any parents who err on the side of caution and find themselves checking their kiddo's temp anytime they look a bit flushed (ahem, me).
Amazon, www.amazon.com
My son is prone to getting *very* high fevers, so I've always needed to have a reliable thermometer on hand. I truly love the Frida Baby one (and, honestly, everything the brand makes), as it can be used in more than one way. I like having the option to take his temperature on his forehead and in his ear, then compare the two to feel like I have a pretty accurate reading. It lights up green if the temperature is good and red if it's a bit too high (or low!). It's so easy to use. My 2.5-year-old has learned how to use it on his own (he likes to check his stuffed animals for fevers, haha). I've literally never had to change the batteries, and I've had it for over a year!
Promising review:"So easy to use!! Popped it straight out the box and was able to use without instructions. In fact even my 3-year-old was able to use it on her own without my help. Definitely a must have!" — Nichelle
Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
33. Plus, Frida Baby Natural Vapor Bath Bombs filled with eucalyptus and lavender, so when your little one inevitably does get sick, you'll be ready to go with a soothing bathtime edition that'll help clear their sinuses and relax their little body.
Amazon
My poor kids visited the pediatrician basically weekly the past winter thanks to a variety of illnesses (you name it; we probably had it). I tried quite a few products to help get them feeling a bit better when they were feverish, snotty, coughing, etc, and these vapor bombs did the trick. I would toss one into a pre-bedtime bath and let the soothing scent open up my kids' nostrils/soothe their achy little bodies. My toddler wasn't a fan until I let him pop them into this " magic brush" and encouraged him to "paint" with the fizzy bubbles. Whatever works, amiright?!
Promising review:"Will forever be keeping these on hand! My daughter loves her 'bath fizzy' and requests them now. Bought them originally when she was sick with RSV to help open her up before bed but they have become essential around here. She definitely seems to sleep better when we use them during bath/before bed! The smell is great and not overwhelming." — B Reese
Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $19.99.
34. A 10-pack of colorful unisex HonestBaby tees that'll refresh your kiddo's closet for spring with their latest size and without any extra stress for Mom or Dad. Apologies, though, I can't offer any advice on how to get them from rolling around like a feral creature when you try to get the shirt on 'em...
Heather Braga / BuzzFeed, Amazon
I bought these for my toddler in January 2024, and they have held up SO well! Lucky for me, he's on the smaller side, so when I first received the 2T size, they were a bit big on him. Over a year later, they still fit! They've washed beautifully over the last year or so, are soft, and my son loves that they don't have a tag. I love that they have so many colors in the set; they've been easy to match with other things he already owns. Will definitely order the pack again the next time he has a growth spurt.
Promising review:"I'm really impressed with this product! It's exactly what I needed and offers great performance for the price. The quality is solid, and it's very easy to use. Shipping was fast, and it arrived in perfect condition. Highly recommend if you're looking for something reliable and affordable!" — Jose
Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $29.87+ (available in sizes newborn–7Y and eight sets).
35. A grape cutter because who on earth wants to spend their precious time cutting grapes??? This lil' gadget will ensure your kiddo's favorite fruit is the perfect size without costing you an entire afternoon.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:" Must have if you have toddlers. Wish I knew of this sooner. Has made it so much easier to cut grapes for my toddler. Now can do it one-handed when my LO won't let me set him down to cut the fruit. I have also used it to cut blueberries and blackberries." — Crystal Albertin
"If your toddler loves grapes, this is a MUST-HAVE! So much easier than cutting into 4ths with a knife." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $9.59.
36. And an apple corer and cutter for when your oh-so-precious toddler says "I don't want grapes, I want apple!!!!!" It'll pop out 16 snackable slices with just a push — a must have for any apple lover, TBH!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Good for anyone who cares for children! I love this thing! Makes prepping lunches and snacks so much faster! It was hard to find this size, but my kids prefer the smaller apple slices and this works great. Just center over the apple and push down; when it gets close to the bottom flip the gray part under it, set it on the counter, and push down. Perfect apple slices pop out easily!" — mom of 3 busy kids
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four colors).
37. Classic Crocs, because there are few things as adorable and terrifying as a kid running at full speed in a pair of clogs. OK, but in all seriousness, they are the most effortless shoes to get on your mini-me when they're itching to get outside STAT.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Got my almost 2-year-old a size 8 (he's a big kid), and they're just a tiny bit big, but he'll grow. As soon as we got them, he didn't want to take them off. Love that I was also able to get my husband a pair." — Emily
Get them from Amazon for $30.48+ (available in toddler sizes 4–10, little kid sizes 1–13, big kid sizes 4–6 and a ton of styles). Plus, check out Crocs for the whole fam!
38. A quirky tape measure, level, and protractor all-in-one for kids who would love nothing more than to be able to lend a hand the next time you decide to take on a home improvement project. It measures up to eight feet (!!!) and has a built-in kid-safe retraction (no tears, please). Next, you'll have to teach them the age-old motto: "measure twice, cut once."
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Handy Famm is a small business!
My toddler is forever eager to help my husband build anything and everything, so this was a no-brainer stocking stuffer for him this past Christmas. The second he sees Dad's tools out, he runs to grab his own measuring tape to get involved. The bird's face on the measuring tape is funny to me because he looks as tired as I feel. All jokes aside, this little item has been great for quick measurements and showing my son how to use a level! It's super kid-friendly, and I'll absolutely keep it in mind to suggest to other parents with tykes who want to help/learn about building!
Promising review: "My grandson was forever playing with his dad's metal measuring tape, so I purchased this for his birthday. He loves it and it can't cut or harm him. Great purchase for curious kids who want to be like dad!" — Barb A.
Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in three colors and in dog versions).
39. A Toniebox Audio Player Starter Set, which is essentially a tiny stereo toddlers can control all on their own just by swapping out which character magnetically sits on top of it. Each individual figure tells different stories and sings different songs — it's a great way to keep kids entertained without a screen.
Amazon, Heather Braga / BuzzFeed
This toy has bought me so much time. My son adores his — even though he's only 2 and he has had no problem understanding how to turn the Toniebox on, change the volume, and place different characters on top to tell various stories. He's a big fan, as am I! It can also be used while it's charging, so there's no need to worry about your toddler having a meltdown if they want to play with it while the battery is drained (phew). This specific kit comes with the Toniebox as well as Tonies figures of Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Playtime Puppy
There are so many different Tonies you can add to keep the fun going — check 'em out.
Get it from Amazon for $139.99 (available in two colors).
40. A Magna-Tiles set that'll surely be a big hit with any budding architect. They can use it to build all kinds of cool 3D structures, then knock 'em down and start again the next day. My son loves sorting all the tiles by color and then building rainbow-colored towers, in case you're in need of some easy-to-build inspo. ✨
www.amazon.com, Heather Braga / BuzzFeed
The set comes with translucent magnetic pieces to build 3D creations all day. Recommended for ages 3 and up.
My 2-year-old is a BIG fan of Magna-Tiles and, honestly, so am I. They're really fun to play with! There's so much you can build with them! You can choose to follow the guidebooks that come with the sets or go rogue and make your own masterpiece. We're also loving the new glittery Magna-Tiles castle (it comes with a dragon! My favorite thing about them is how easy they are to clean up. While we *also* love Lego, they are a serious pain to clean. The Magna-Tiles take seconds to clean up because you can quickly stack them all magnetically then put them away. I've made my life (and clean up) much EASIER by getting this Magna-Tile storage bin (which also comes with a cool play mat).
Promising reviews:"These magnets are great for independent toddler play! My 3-year-old loves building and creating with these. I suggest you buy a larger set. We have a set with over 100 pieces, but I bought this set as a Christmas gift! He is always wishing he had more pieces to finish his masterpieces." — Kayla M
Get it from Amazon for $49.99 for a 32-piece set or $119.99 for a 100-piece set.
41. A Boon folding toddler tower you can stow away when your tyke isn't begging you to use it. (So, never?) It's sturdy, has grippy nonslip feet, an adjustable height, and is exactly what your dying-to-always-be-hands-on kid needs to partake in nightly cooking or daily crafting.
Heather Braga/ BuzzFeed
My son is 2 and extremely interested in being involved and independent, which is a bit exasperating. We didn't have the right tools to let him help safely in the kitchen until this toddler tower was introduced to our lives. It's not bulky, which is great because we have enough kid stuff all over our home, and I love that at the end of the day, I can fold it up and put it aside. It's very sturdy, but I had my son practice climbing up and down on his own in a carpeted area for good measure (he did so like a pro). It can easily be wiped clean (love) and holds up to 50 lbs, so it'll be useful for quite some time!
Promising review:"The standing pad is large and slip-proof, providing a sturdy and safe place for toddlers to stand. The bar is great to keep toddlers secure and contained on the stand. The bar folds down, and the tower stores it conveniently. The white color is chic. The materials are high quality. I looked months for a toddler tower and I am extremely satisfied I purchased this one because of the quality, safety, and convenience to store." — Paige M.
Get it from Amazon for $129.99 (available in white or grey).
42. And a set of plastic knives, because if you give a toddler a tower they're going to want to help more in the kitchen. Exhausted parents might appreciate even the smallest bit of help prepping dinner anyways — and it'll keep kiddos entertained so you can get the rest of the meal ready.
Heather Braga / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com
Note: Children still need supervision while using them, of course.
Tovla is a small business that makes kid cooking products. My son has these and I'm honestly surprised at how well they cut. They aren't sharp to the touch, but they easily slice through fruits, veggies, and toast! He loves feeling like he's helping in the kitchen and it keeps him busy so we can get the rest of the meal done at the same time. He often uses them to cut bell peppers, which stain the knives a little bit. I simply toss 'em in the dishwasher and they come out good as new!
Promising review: "Highly recommend these for safety, sturdiness, quality, and life skill reasons. These have been amazing for practicing cutting for my daughter. She's been using them almost two years now since she was 2 years old. A must-purchase if you're looking to introduce a practical life skill especially to a young child!!" — Ciandra
Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.95 (available in two color schemes).
Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.