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16-04-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
42 Products To Help Parents Trying To Survive In The Trenches Of Toddlerhood
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. We'll get by with a little help from our friends (our friends = these products). 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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). 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. 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. 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?!?) 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. 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, 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. 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! 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. 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." 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. ✨ 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, 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.
Buzz Feed
09-04-2025
- Buzz Feed
37 Products That'll Make You Feel Like The Smartest Parent You Know
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. You'll want to high-five yourself after testing out the sand removal bag for the first time. 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. 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). 3. 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. 4. 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). Amazon 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). 5. 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). 6. 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). 7. 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). 8. 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). 9. 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. 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). 10. 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 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). 11. A battery-operated stroller fan with a flexible handle so you can adjust it as needed to keep your mini-me at the perfect temperature while heading out on a springtime stroll. Honestly, buy two so you can *also* enjoy some sweet relief — you're the one pushing that stroller uphill, after all! Amazon Reviewers have also attached it to their little one's cribs and car seats for extra airflow. I personally used one on my stroller during my son's first summer (he was about three months old at the time) and bought a second one when my daughter was born. Now, both kids enjoy a nice lil' breeze when we walk in warmer weather. Promising review:"This little fan has changed my life! I bought this for Disney, and now I use it all the time. I had gotten this fan for the stroller and four little handheld fans. If I had the space, I would have bought four of these. It is lightweight, easily attached, has flexible legs, a powerful fan, and Bluetooth, too! I set it up as a phone stand for the kids while they waited for food, cooled everyone off all day, and charged it at the end of the day. We used it off and on daily, not continuously. Now I use it in my girls' room when it's stuffy and set a timer if needed. It has speed controls, too. It's a great product 100% recommend to every parent or anyone needing a portable fan." — Robert Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in six colors). 12. A dual cup holder that'll ensure you always have a spot for your emotional support coffee *and* your phone — attaches easily to strollers, bikes, wheelchairs, and scooters (one reviewer even attached it to their lawn mower!). It's so sturdy your drink won't go flying even if you absentmindedly roll over a HUGE bump in the sidewalk. One of my mom besties had this on her stroller and I immediately was like, "Welp, NEED." I ordered one and never looked back — it attaches tightly and can be adjusted to any angle. In a desperate attempt to keep both my baby and my toddler content, I spent the majority of my maternity leave on walks around my neighborhood — it was ESSENTIAL to have a solid spot to put my drink and also my phone (we needed music, of course). This one was so great I've already ordered a second one for our other stroller. Promising review: " I ordered this with low hopes because I feel like stroller cup holders are always so flimsy. I'm extremely impressed with the quality of this cup holder! You can attach it to any bar, no matter the direction it goes as it is adjustable. It was easy to attach. It holds my large 42-oz cup with no problem. I do have to remove my wallet from my phone to put in the phone compartment. I'll be ordering another for our leisure stroller!" — Jeanette Rojas Get it from Amazon for $9.98 (available in 26 colors). 13. 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). 14. 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). 15. 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). 16. Some reusable pouch tops that'll fit any you've purchased from the store — yes, even that VERY specific brand that's the only one your kiddo will seemingly CONSIDER eating. It has a no-spill control valve, so when your tyke eats one in the car, they won't be able to squeeze it with all their might and create an apple sauce volcano in your backseat. ChooMee is a small business based in Northern California, owned by a mom, that specializes in innovative products that solve everyday feeding challenges. Promising review:" A MUST-HAVE FOR TODDLERS. My son is a little over 1-year-old and I wish I got these sooner! He gets moments of extreme excitement when it squeezes the crap out of his pouches, and it gets EVERYWHERE. Since having these, I have had zero messes! I ended up buying four more because I wanted to keep one in every possible place I'd need one. It seems pretty darn secure if you do it following the directions. It fits Plum Organics, Earth's Best, and Happy Baby pouches for sure." — Amazon Customer Get a pack of two from Amazon for $9.99 (available in five color combos). 17. A food and juice box holder for any parent who has made the grave error of handing their toddler a pouch or juice box only to watch them squeeze the contents all over — this holder lets them feed themselves without the mess. Watch this mama's review of the flipping holder in this TikTok. Flipping Holder is a small business! Promising review:" BEST THINGS EVER!! My little one is 10-months-old and a little Miss Independent. She HATES when I have to help feed her. She LOVES the applesauce pouches, but always squeezes them and makes the biggest mess ever! I thought these would be worth a shot. I was right!! Works awesome for her with juice boxes, too! AND she's happy because mommy doesn't have to help!! I would definitely buy them again, and I told EVERYONE with littles how much they need to buy these!" — Kaila Get a pack of two from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in eight combos). 18. 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. 19. A Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller 2.0 for anyone who is currently in the baby/toddler trenches and starting to sweat thinking about trekking around in the warmer weather with both kiddos. Parenting several littles is not for the weak, but if you're in the same boat as me, you'll want a reliable double-stroller option! I have this stroller at my parents' house and recently tested it out in single and double mode — it's, honestly, awesome. So many double strollers are bulky and cumbersome, but this one has an easy one-handed folding option, making it a cinch to stow away when we're not in town. I love that it can be easily changed back and forth between a single stroller and a double when my toddler isn't coming along for a walk. It's also super easy to clean, has a deep basket for storage (blankets, snacks, etc.), and had a very smooth ride throughout the bumpy streets of my parent's neighborhood. It comes in a bunch of colors, which is great when taking it somewhere like Walt Disney World (where it meets their guidelines!), so you won't lose your stroller in a sea of similar-looking ones. Promising review:"Literally did so much research on a double stroller that was affordable and worked with my life! Couldn't have asked for a better stroller. Love that there are different positions for the seats and how much you can carry in the basket!" — Sarah O. Get it from Mockingbird for $450 (available in five colors, two patterns, and two frames). 20. A Munchkin Night Owl Stroller featuring a built-in light that'll guide you through nighttime adventures — perfect for anyone who travels often but has a kiddo that doesn't fall asleep easily (fact: on a trip to Maine, my husband had to bundle my son up and walk him to sleep in the hotel parking lot every night). It's easily folded up, comes with a carrying case, and fits in the overhead compartment of a plane (and, of course, your trunk!). BuzzFeed writer (and mom!) Samar Hadri is a big fan, "As someone who takes over a dozen trips a year, this stroller is absolutely perfect for my family. After traveling with a baby and suffering through the pain of having to juggle a child and a suitcase while walking to baggage claim — this stroller, which fits in the overhead compartment, was perfect. I can carry it in it's accompanied carrying case, and when it's time to use it, it can easily unfold! Plus I love the lil' lights, which comes in handy when I'm trying to take nightly walks and don't feel like carrying up my phone in flash mode to see the road ahead of me." Get it from Amazon for $254.13. 21. And a lightweight Veer All-Terrain Cruiser stroller/wagon with a ton of practical accessories and configurations that'll make it an integral part of all your outdoor excursions from now through the fall! Load it up and hit the playground like you would have the *~clurb~* back in the 2010s. Veer Veer is a small business that sells awesome, parent-friendly wagons and other outdoor family products. This specific wagon (which also comes in a four-seater style) has so many incredible accessories you won't believe it. We're talking adaptable beach wheels, customizable colored siding, coolers, fans, and canopies (just to name a few). Promising review:"We are so excited to have this Veer Cruiser XL for our little one. It is perfect for the outdoors, and we love its portability and ease of setting up and closing. It's also super easy to clean and will last a very long time." — Veer Customer Get it from Amazon or Veer for $699. 22. 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. 23. 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. 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). 24. 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 $15.99+ (available in six styles). 25. An outlet light for anyone who has accidentally walked into a wall one (or two) times too many when getting up in the middle of the night with a sick tyke or a kiddo asking for a zillionth cup of water. This lil' gadget will subtly light your way without the need for a bulkier option. Amazon Promising review:"I don't like night-lights because they take up the wall outlet, so this was the perfect solution. I put it in the guest bath, and at night, with the bathroom door open, this provides just enough light to guide a person to the bathroom without blinding them. I ended up putting two on my hallway switches as well. What a great product." — LMK Get it from Amazon for $22.98+ (available in four colors and three sizes). 26. 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 $17.96+ (available in three sizes). 27. Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray you'll be very glad you bought after you let your kiddo eat spaghetti in public for the first time — trust me. 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. 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. 29. 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. 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. 30. A baby butt spatula you'll either laugh or cringe at but will thank your lucky stars that you thought to purchase it when you see how much nicer it is to apply diaper cream to your baby's booty with it instead of your finger. It has incredible suction on the bottom, so you can keep it right next to your changing pad without fear of it being kicked over by your unruly tot. Both my mom and my mother-in-law poked fun at me for getting this lil' spatula but I have ZERO regrets. I love my kids more than life itself, but I am more than pleased to not have to put my finger in their butts after they've recently pooped and I think that is OKAY! I'd like to think they're also happier to have a lil' spatula do the job ANYWAYS! That being said, this lil' tool is fantastic as it's super easy to clean, doesn't waste any product, and suctions onto my changing table with ease. Promising review:"If I could give this little tool 10 out of 5 stars I would!!! It makes the whole process of applying diaper rash ointment SOOOOO much easier. And this thing cuts down on how much diaper rash ointment is wasted because your fingers are not getting covered in ointment. I HIGHLY recommend this product to anyone with a baby!!!" — Hazel-91 Get it from Amazon for $6.99. 31. 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, 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. 32. 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. 33. An Oogiebear tool that's confusingly kinda cute even though its purpose is *a bit* gross — to remove earwax and boogers safely from your little one. Does my daughter fight us like she's starring in Gladiator when we try to use this on her? Yes. But does it get the job done faster and more easily? Also, yes! I use this little tool to remove boogers from my kids' noses (which they absolutely hate). It's not an easy task because babies are VERY squirmy, but the Oogiebear definitely helps make the process go a bit more seamlessly. Absolutely recommend. Promising review:"I mean does my child love it? No. But does it take less than a second to use and get the boogers I'd expect Shrek to possess and not my 3-month-old baby? Yes it does! He's happy as soon as it leaves his nostrils, which again only takes a second. And it's easy to clean!" — Kaitlyn Spires Get it from Amazon for $9.98. 34. A Magnetic Me bib older tykes can put on themselves and relish in their newfound independence while you enjoy 1. doing *one* less thing during mealtimes and 2. knowing their clothes won't be covered in yogurt or peanut butter. Magnetic Me I recently snagged one of these for my toddler, and he calls it his "magic bib." He's in that fun phase where he wants to do everything independently but is surprisingly level-headed enough to recognize he needs a bib when eating messy foods. He loves this bib so much that he insisted we take it on vacation with us! It's easy to clean (yay, silicone!) and can even be thrown into the dishwasher. I'm going to have to order one in another color for my daughter! Get it from Magnetic Me for $20 (available in three colors). 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. 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 $8.38. 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! Promising review:"Good for anyone who cares for children! I love this thing! Makes preparing 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. And a steering wheel desk for anyone who often finds themselves trying to quickly catch up on some work while being nap-trapped in the car after desperately driving around in circles in hopes their cranky toddler will *finally* get some rest. Don't you DARE wake that baby!!! Promising review:"Works perfect for a working mom!!! Picked this up knowing summer is around the corner and I will be no longer be utilizing a nanny. Figured I'd save money and work from the car as needed during sports and take calls when needed. Worked like a charm!" — Ashley Seitzer Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in five colors). Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Buzz Feed
06-04-2025
- Buzz Feed
38 Products You'll Want To Have On-Hand For Playground Adventures With Your Kids
1. First things first, 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. 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). 3. 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. Amazon, 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. 4. Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen, a must-have for parents and their littles — it's unscented, moisturizing, 100% mineral based, vegan, cruelty-free, and dye-free. It'll certainly get the job done! I've use this on my son and it's great! In a pinch, I've used it on myself as well. It rubs in easily (thankfully because putting sunscreen on kids is a TASK and a half) and smells nicely of coconut. I also use Sun Bum's Sunscreen Stick on my son's face, which is equally fantastic, because it's easier to apply in a pinch than a cream. Note: sunscreen is only made for children over the age of 6 months. Promising review:"This is the only mineral sunscreen I will use or put on my children. It's the only brand I've tried that goes on smooth and not super thick, and doesn't leave a white residue. Works great and no harmful ingredients, what's not to love!" — Natalie Anderson Get it from Amazon for $16.49. 5. And 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). 6. A car seat buckle release tool to save both your nails and your precious time! No one wants to struggle to open those (thankfully) extremely secure buckles while they're kiddo is hitting a pitch that could likely break glass because they've spotted the slide, and they MUST get to it immediately. Watch this mom explain why this tool has been a game-changer in this TikTok. This gadget doesn't attach to the car seat, so no need to fret about kiddo's 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 six colors). 7. 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). 8. A set of Crayola Ultimate Washable Chalk (it comes with 64 different colors!) 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 messages for passersby. Promising review:"We purchased this pack for our toddler, and it was so fun to see all our favorite colors from our crayons back in the day! All of the classic Crayola colors, as well as some neon and glitter pieces. A few pieces did come broken, but they still work great and are totally worth the money" — Bailey Get a pack of 64 from Amazon for $19.82. 9. 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. 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). 10. Plus round sunglasses for the parent who is constantly losing their favorite pair while chasing their kiddo up, down, and around the playground and is sick and tired of spending far too much money on replacements. These are stylish and *so* cost-effective you can stock up for the summer! Promising review:"The real deal. I bought the 2/$20 and couldn't be happier! Seemingly good quality for the money, with much better light protection, is polarized, and has a nice shape and fit. MUCH better than any name-brand glasses I've ever purchased — and I buy a LOT. I spend a lot too. Not anymore. I plan on buying more of them soon just because I love sunglasses. These are my new favorites! And, they don't have the nose piece that gets caught in your hair when you wear them on your head." — Lyndsay Marie Get them from Amazon for $10.39+ (available in 31 styles). 11. 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 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). 12. Binoculars kids will love using to get *up close and personal* with nature without actually getting all that close — a must-have for littles who are curious but a bit skittish about bugs and whatnot. The set also comes with a protective carrying case, a neck strap, a cleaning cloth, and a bird identification sticker book. Promising review: "These binocs are colorful, easy for small hands to hold, easy to adjust — and best of all, they are real binoculars. I got them for a lively, curious kid on her 5th birthday, and they were clearly a hit. She got piles of other presents (a lot on Barbie themes), but when the present opening finished, these were what she grabbed to go play with her friends at the party. I'm hoping she'll graduate to a more sophisticated set in the future, but in the meantime, these are a wonderful, alluring starter set." — rosepetal Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in two colors). 13. And a bug catching kit for curious kiddos who would love nothing more than to get a closer look at some creepy crawlers then set 'em free. The set comes with a mesh critter case, a smaller critter case, tweezers, and a handheld magnifier. Promising review:" My son loves catching bugs and studying them. He caught a huge centipede, and this kit let him see its colors closely so he could research it. I love that there is a magnifying glass included and tweezers. The tweezers make it much easier for him to catch the bugs. The small bug catcher also has a magnifying glass on the top. This little container also helps transfer the bugs into the bigger catcher. Overall, I am very impressed with this kit, and so is my 7-year-old!" — Natalie Get it from Amazon for $10.99. 14. A battery-operated stroller fan with a flexible handle so you can adjust it as needed to keep your mini-me at the perfect temperature while heading out on a springtime stroll. Honestly, buy two so you can *also* enjoy some sweet relief — you're the one pushing that stroller uphill, after all! Reviewers have also attached it to their little one's cribs and car seats for extra airflow. I personally used one on my stroller during my son's first summer (he was about three months old at the time) and bought a second one when my daughter was born. Now, both kids enjoy a nice lil' breeze when we walk in warmer weather. Promising review:"This little fan has changed my life! I bought this for Disney, and now I use it all the time. I had gotten this fan for the stroller and four little handheld fans. If I had the space, I would have bought four of these. It is lightweight, easily attached, has flexible legs, a powerful fan, and Bluetooth, too! I set it up as a phone stand for the kids while they waited for food, cooled everyone off all day, and charged it at the end of the day. We used it off and on daily, not continuously. Now I use it in my girls' room when it's stuffy and set a timer if needed. It has speed controls, too. It's a great product 100% recommend to every parent or anyone needing a portable fan." — Robert Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in six colors). 15. A dual cup holder that'll ensure you always have a spot for your emotional support coffee *and* your phone — attaches easily to strollers, bikes, wheelchairs, and scooters (one reviewer even attached it to their lawn mower!). It's so sturdy your drink won't go flying even if you absentmindedly roll over a HUGE bump in the sidewalk. One of my mom besties had this on her stroller and I immediately was like, "Welp, NEED." I ordered one and never looked back — it attaches tightly and can be adjusted to any angle. In a desperate attempt to keep both my baby and my toddler content, I spent the majority of my maternity leave on walks around my neighborhood — it was ESSENTIAL to have a solid spot to put my drink and also my phone (we needed music, of course). This one was so great I've already ordered a second one for our other stroller. Promising review: " I ordered this with low hopes because I feel like stroller cup holders are always so flimsy. I'm extremely impressed with the quality of this cup holder! You can attach it to any bar, no matter the direction it goes as it is adjustable. It was easy to attach. It holds my large 42-oz cup with no problem. I do have to remove my wallet from my phone to put in the phone compartment. I'll be ordering another for our leisure stroller!" — Jeanette Rojas Get it from Amazon for $9.98 (available in 26 colors). 16. A stroller caddy in a variety of stylish colors — it has adjustable straps to ensure it'll fit basically any stroller you've got, and you can use it to store your keys, sunglasses, your own bev, and whatever other necessity you can think of when going to the park with your kiddo. Promising review:"Fits TWO STURDY 40oz Stanley cups! So pretty and elegant. It is smaller, but my daughter is a toddler, so I don't need wipes or diapers. With both cups it can still fit my phone, wallets, keys, sunglasses, etc. The Velcro strap goes down into the pouch, making support that doesn't slide down the stroller handles like other pouches. So great! Highly recommend." — Sydni Get it from Amazon for $29.49+ (available in eight styles). 17. A portable MyBaby white noise sound machine you can attach directly to your baby's car seat or stroller in hopes they'll *fingers crossed* get an excellent nap in while their older sibling runs amok at the park. Maybe if you're REALLY lucky, they'll enjoy the soothing sounds on the way home and take a rest, too. Amazon Promising review:"Our newborn photographer had one at my son's newborn shoot, and it calmed him down, so we bought one and started using it. He's now 19 months, and we use it for every nap and every night at bedtime. There are several sounds on it, including a lullaby, a heartbeat, white noise, and, I believe, the ocean. We only use the lullaby on it because it works for my son. The great thing about it is that it has a setting where you can choose to have it on continuously (basically until you turn it off or the batteries die), or you can click a button to change it so that it goes off after 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or 45 minutes. So, if your LO only requires the sound to actually fall asleep, you don't have to try to sneak into their room to turn off the sound. And you also don't have to try to sneak into the room to turn it back on. I simply love this thing and can't say enough good things about it. I have recommended it to friends as well. And for the price, you can't beat it!" — NurseBS88 Get it from Amazon for $15.99. 18. 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 bag. It'll ensure your freshly packed playground snacks stay exactly that: fresh! 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). 19. 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). 20. 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). 21. Some reusable pouch tops that'll fit any you've purchased from the store — yes, even that VERY specific brand that's the only one your kiddo will seemingly CONSIDER eating. It has a no-spill control valve, so when your tyke eats one in the car, they won't be able to squeeze it with all their might and create an apple sauce volcano in your backseat. ChooMee is a small business based in Northern California, owned by a mom, that specializes in innovative products that solve everyday feeding challenges. Promising review:" A MUST-HAVE FOR TODDLERS. My son is a little over 1-year-old and I wish I got these sooner! He gets moments of extreme excitement when it squeezes the crap out of his pouches, and it gets EVERYWHERE. Since having these, I have had zero messes! I ended up buying four more because I wanted to keep one in every possible place I'd need one. It seems pretty darn secure if you do it following the directions. It fits Plum Organics, Earth's Best, and Happy Baby pouches for sure." — Amazon Customer Get a pack of two from Amazon for $9.99 (available in five color combos). 22. A food and juice box holder for any parent who has made the grave error of handing their toddler a pouch or juice box only to watch them squeeze the contents all over — this holder lets them feed themselves without the mess. Watch this mama's review of the flipping holder in this TikTok. Flipping Holder is a small business! Promising review:" BEST THINGS EVER!! My little one is 10-months-old and a little Miss Independent. She HATES when I have to help feed her. She LOVES the applesauce pouches, but always squeezes them and makes the biggest mess ever! I thought these would be worth a shot. I was right!! Works awesome for her with juice boxes, too! AND she's happy because mommy doesn't have to help!! I would definitely buy them again, and I told EVERYONE with littles how much they need to buy these!" — Kaila Get a pack of two from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in eight combos). 23. A Zak Designs BPA-free, leak-proof cup your kiddo will adore because of their fun designs and you'll love because they'll actually fit in a cup holder! They really and truly do not leak (phew) so when your toddler shakes it upside down (and they will) you won't have a fountain of water to mop up. Amazon I cannot even begin to tell you just how many toddler cups I've tried out for my son before settling on these. They really don't leak, he can't open/close it for fun like he does with flip-top cups, and he has no issue using the straw (I think because it's thicker than most!). I personally like that they come in a bunch of fun styles. My favorite feature, however, is that I can toss it into the dishwasher for easy cleaning! Promising review:"They don't leak or volcano everywhere! It's taken so long and so many different straw cups, but we finally found ones that don't make a huge mess, even when our son is trying to make a mess!" — A. Smith Get a set of two from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in 20 styles) 24. And a Java Sok to keep your drink chilled, perfect for any parent who is tired of drinking watered-down iced coffee because they got caught up in the morning chaos while trying to get their kids ready to head out for the day and didn't have a spare moment to sip on it. Java Sok is a small business that sells an array of reusable neoprene cup holders designed to keep drinks colder and eliminate condensation. Promising review:"Obsessed! Great stocking stuffers or a gift to yourself! Will be buying more. I'm someone who takes a while to drink their drinks (mom life) so it keeps my drinks from watering down! Love this product! Feels like a coooozy." — Thumbs up Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in a variety of prints and five sizes). 25. Plus a Brumate Era 40-ounce water bottle featuring a *genius* design with a metal straw inside but a silicone straw on top for drinking comfort that seamlessly locks in place so you'll never find yourself drenched after tipping it a bit too far. It'll also keep your drinks cold for 24 hours, so even if it takes you ALL day to hit your water quota, it'll still be as refreshing as when you first poured it. I recently tried one of these bottles for the first time and I am SOLD. I adore my Stanley cup, but it's not the *best* option for the gym (unless you're planning to do some bicep curls with it). The locking lid really does work! I can twist it, toss it into a tote bag, and move on with my life, knowing it won't spill. I fill it with ice before bed, and when I head out to the gym in the morning, it's still cold! This bottle is also BuzzFeed editor Maitland Quitmeyer' s go-to, "It claims to keep ice for over 24 hours! The tapered base is also cupholder friendly, and the whole darn thing is dishwasher safe, too! Let me tell you, this is my new favorite water bottle. I can lock the lid with a quick twist, and throw it sideways in any tote and not even think *twice* about it leaking at all!" Promising review: "I am so obsessed with this thing. I get an arm workout from how heavy it is. I drink way more water when I use it, and the leakproof straw is the real deal. I left it in a hot car for 6 hours, and the water was still cold. I bought them for my whole family; they are the only water bottles we use now." — Pen Name Get it from Amazon for $38+ (available in 18 colors). 26. A trio of Touchland hand sanitizer that'll make banishing germs seem trendy! Everyone on the playground is gonna want a spritz once they see you pulling this handy-dandy sanitizer out of your bag. I have so many of these hand sanitizers and am such a big fan. They all smell divine, leave my hands feeling nourished (and clean!) and don't dry out my hands the way other more liquid-y sanitizers do. They're a must-have for my car, my diaper bag, and my purse. Promising review:"Smells great, adorable packaging, and great for home, work, or on the go! I'm an elementary school teacher, so I use mine on the regular for all the little coughs and sneezes!" — Sarah Get a set of three from Amazon for $30 (available in a variety of scents and packs). 27. 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). 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. 28. 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. 29. A Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller 2.0 for anyone who is currently in the baby/toddler trenches and starting to sweat thinking about trekking around the playground with both kiddos. Parenting several littles is not for the weak, but if you're in the same boat as me, you'll want a reliable double-stroller option! I have this stroller at my parents' house and recently tested it out in single and double mode — it's, honestly, awesome. So many double strollers are bulky and cumbersome, but this one has an easy one-handed folding option, making it a cinch to stow away when we're not in town. I love that it can be easily changed back and forth between a single stroller and a double when my toddler isn't coming along for a walk. It's also super easy to clean, has a deep basket for storage (blankets, snacks, etc.), and had a very smooth ride throughout the bumpy streets of my parent's neighborhood. It comes in a bunch of colors, which is great when taking it somewhere like Walt Disney World (where it meets their guidelines!), so you won't lose your stroller in a sea of similar-looking ones. Promising review:"Literally did so much research on a double stroller that was affordable and worked with my life! Couldn't have asked for a better stroller. Love that there are different positions for the seats and how much you can carry in the basket!" — Sarah O. Get it from Mockingbird for $450 (available in five colors, two patterns, and two frames). 30. And a lightweight Veer All-Terrain Cruiser stroller/wagon with a ton of practical accessories and configurations that'll make it an integral part of all your outdoor excursions from now through the fall! Load it up and hit the playground like you would have the *~clurb~* back in the 2010s. Veer Veer is a small business that sells awesome, parent-friendly wagons and other outdoor family products. This specific wagon (which also comes in a four-seater style) has so many incredible accessories you won't believe it. We're talking adaptable beach wheels, customizable colored siding, coolers, fans, and canopies (just to name a few). Promising review:"We are so excited to have this Veer Cruiser XL for our little one. It is perfect for the outdoors, and we love its portability and ease of setting up and closing. It's also super easy to clean and will last a very long time." — Veer Customer Get it from Amazon or Veer for $699. 31. 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. 32. 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. 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 $33.74+ (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! 33. New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Running Shoes, ultra supportive sneakers you'll pat yourself on the back for purchasing the second you slip them on for the first time. They come in *so* many styles and are fantastic whether you're actually planning to run in them or simply wear them to *run* around the playground with your kids. Amazon I've been wearing these sneakers for over a year (in the super cute Sea Salt/Gray Violet color) and adore them. I had worn my previous white sneakers into the ground and was absolutely due for a replacement. These have been SO supportive and comfortable right off the bat — there was zero break-in period. I've worn them to chase my toddler around outdoors, strolling through Target, and even to the circus. They're my go-to, and I definitely recommend them for anyone in search of some new sneaks'. Promising review: " These are the most gloriously comfortable sneakers I've ever worn. I bought the wide, and they are the perfect width." — Amanda C Get them from Amazon for $163.14+ (available in women's sizes 5–13, in wide sizes, and 14 styles). 34. A mini belt bag you can wear across your body like a lil' fashionista when you're chasing your toddler around the park and don't want to leave your phone/keys in the stroller unattended. Reviewers love that it's similar to the cult favorite Lululemon belt bag 😉. Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed BuzzFeed editor Elizabeth Lilly (seen above, right) used this on a 5-day trip to Iceland (it was the only bag she packed!) and loves it: " I wear a size L/XL in clothing and sometimes waist bags just don't work out so well for me. With this one, I can confirm that it fit around my waist comfortably without outerwear, across my chest without outerwear, *and* over a thick coat and several layers. The pockets inside are so handy and I even had room to spare throughout my Iceland trip. This was the only purse I brought for the whole trip and it performed its job flawlessly. Just make sure that you zip the zipper ALL the way because the zipper goes down pretty far on the sides for easier access to contents. Having my hands free was wildly convenient for a number of reasons, including crawling around inside of an ice cave and putting out my hands for some extra balance while walking on sheets of ice along cliffs. Oh, and it comes in so so SO many colors." Get it from Amazon for $11.98 (available in 32 styles). 35. Bike shorts complete with pockets (!!!) because the warmer weather is just around the corner — my fellow parents and I will all be transitioning from scrambling after our toddlers in oversized sweatshirts/leggings to our elevated warm weather version of oversized tees/bike shorts. Promising review: "First time trying a pair of bike shorts and I am officially OBSESSED! The material these are made of is so soft. I'd say they are about medium compression. I did a workout in them and they didn't seem to roll or anything. So far, I am very happy with them!" — Bailee Dalton Get them from Amazon for $15.99 (available in women's sizes S–2XL and 16 styles). 36. Or high-waisted leggings if bike shorts aren't your jam — you'll adore because they don't have any side seams, making them extra comfy so they'll be perfect when you're playing tag with your kids at the park. Amazon Promising review:"These leggings are absolutely awesome. They are very stretchy and comfortable. They don't slide down at all throughout the day. I love the high waist and smooth, soft material. I have now bought three of them and wear them all the time!" — Alice Get them from Amazon for $29 (available in 16 colors, two inseams, and women's sizes 2XS–2XL). 37. A simple baseball cap with Mickey embroidered onto the front that'll shield your eyes from the sun as you try to keep tabs on exactly which slide your child is attempting to go down (I wish you luck). I've received this hat as a gift (I have it in light blue) and it's super cute! Fits great and has held up really well, as I typically wear it while running or walking around my neighborhood. Concept One is a small business! Promising review:"I absolutely LOVE this hat! It's so comfortable and a really great fit!!! I wear it all the though I'm not in Disney World anymore. Highly recommend!" — Anonymous Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in nine colors). 38. 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). Amazon 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). Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
