• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Marissa Vicario

  • Home
  • About Marissa
  • Blog
  • services
  • Book
  • TRIM Macro Coaching for Women
  • Contact

Search

Toddler Must Haves (1-3 years)

03/31/22

Toddler must haves | Marissa Vicario | mom and toddler walking with  scooter

It seems like forever ago I wrote out my list of baby registry must haves (because it was!). Now that I’ve been raising a toddler, it seems only only right that I follow up with my list of Toddler must haves.

These are some items that have either worked for us or that I can’t live without. However, when it comes to toddlers there are a million items in any one category. I’m usually a less-is-more person so I’m sure there are plenty of items and options out there I haven’t included or explored. Use this list as a starting point to manage the overwhelm.

Travel

Stroller

We’re still using the stroller we bought for Valentina before she was born and it has held up wonderfully on the city streets. I would 1000% recommend it to anyone. I’ve gotten many compliments on it over the years and I’m a huge fan of the rose gold. This is the exact stroller we bought.

Car Seat

Valentina graduated from her infant car seat at around 18 months (we worked with a car seat consultant to not only determine the right car seats for us but also to know when to switch out to a toddler car seat. Based on her recommendation, we ended up with the Clek Foonf. It’s heavy and stays in the car but it’s the safest option on the market and will last her until she’s about 7 years old. I’m not kidding.

Diaper Bag

With a toddler I found I had different needs for a diaper bag than I did for an infant. After an extensive search I settled on this one by 7 AM Enfant and I love it. Keep in mind, I only have one child. This probably wouldn’t work for a toddler and an infant or more than one child due to the size.

Umbrella Stroller

For easy travel, we’re still using and love a lightweight our compact stroller because it easily folds with one hand and can easily be stored in the overhead of an airplane. We also use it for trips back and forth to daycare and it has held up well.

Feeding

Cups

I truly feel like I tried ALL the cups and these are the ones that have worked well for us:

  • Straw cups for milk
  • Clear cups for water
  • Smoothie cups

As she’s gotten older, Valentina has liked experimenting with different cups but I typically use one cup for one purpose (i.e. smoothie, water, milk. Also, none of these cups leak!

Tableware

For tableware, I bought this cute Munchkin set which included everything – two plates, a bowl, a cup, fork, knife and spoon. A couple of these and you’re good to go!

Booster Seat/ High Chair

We started with a Lalo High Chair because we loved the look of it, however, as soon as Valentina started resisting the chair we got rid of it because it took up a lot of space. If I had to do it again, I would have bought this high chair which lasts through toddlerhood. I may still get it because it’s certainly not too late.

I also think it’s good idea to have a booster seat. We like this booster seat which we used in lieu of a high chair many times since she was an infant. It firmly straps to any dining or kitchen chair and is easy to clean.

On the Go

If you travel to the beach or the pool frequently, this pop and sit chair was a lifesaver for us last Summer and we plan to use it as long as she fits.

I’m also a big fan of this Bento Box for snacks and meals. We send it to daycare and also take it on flights. Whenever we won’t have access to a refrigerator, I use this freezable lunch box to keep everything cold. It fits the Bento Box linked above perfectly. I still use this Thermos container for hot food.

Bathtime

Toddler must haves bath | Marissa Vicario

Towels

I’m partial to a thick, good-quality hooded towel like the ones from Pottery Barn.

Bath Products

After meeting with our pediatric allergist, we switched up our bath products. We use baby Dove Sensitive skin body wash and this after-bath moisturizer for sensitive skin.

Because Valentina has curly hair, we use this shampoo and this leave-in conditioner.

I like this brush and comb set that took us from infancy to toddlerhood (and we’re still using it) and for wet, tangled hair, this brush is the best.

Bedtime for Toddlers

Sleep Sacks

We lived in these bamboo sleep sacks for as long as we could. They’re soft, roomy and kept Valentina warm but not too hot. Sadly, Valentina gave them up right around 2 years old so we moved on to the toddler blanket by the same brand.

Sound Machine

We’ve been using this sound machine since Valentina was a baby. It plays lullabies, white noise and has a built-in ok to wake clock that we started using when Valentina was 16 months. You can program it to turn on and off at designated times. It packs easily so we take it with us when we travel.

Crib

We kept Valentina in her mini crib as long as possible and then transitioned to Bloom Alma Papa crib which eventually converts to a toddler bed.

Pillow

Not necessarily a toddler must have but at some point your toddler will show interest in a pillow. You’ll know when it’s the right time to introduce one. Usually when they ask, transition to a bed or if they start making a pillow out of stuffies or comfort items in the crib. We got the Avocado non-toxic toddler pillow and pillowcase for Valentina’s first pillow and she loves it and having her own pillow.

Camera

We’re still using our baby monitor and HD camera and bought this travel stand so we can take it with us on vacation.

Toddler Clothing

This is so individual and inevitably kids require a lot of clothes so here are some staples I recommend:

For the snow: A snow suit or snow bibs for a ski trip or just playing in the snow. Valentina wore these snow boots all winter – snow or no snow. They’re comfortable and easy to walk in and they kept her feet toasty warm.

If you live in a cold climate, buy the warmest coat you can. I loved this winter coat from Patagonia. It runs big and lasted us two seasons which is a win in my book!

This winter hat was on repeat all Winter. It’s too cute and so on trend.

Gloves: I have tried every glove on the market and can’t find a single pair that stay on her hands. If you have recommendations, please share!

For the sun: What we used for Valentina as an infant worked so well for us, I ended up re-buying it all in toddler sizes. The cutest rash guard swimwear, UPF 50+ adjustable sun hat and 100% UV protection sunglasses. Sunscreen.

Shoes: There are a million shoes for toddlers out there. So far, I’ve liked Ugg, Ten Little and Native for everyday shoes.

For ballet class: Also, not a toddler must have but you may find this helpful or a toddler girl in ballet class. I scoured the Internet to find a leotard with snaps on the bottom (this is key if you have a child who is potty trained) so she doesn’t have to pull the whole thing off to use the bathroom.

These ballet tights are soft and durable and this little dance skirt is not only precious, it should fit for a couple of years.

I added this twist-front ballerina sweater but Valentina refuses to wear it.

Playtime

Play mat

Our large and very chic play mat similar to this one is still in use. It makes it easy to clean up spills and keeps toys contained in one area.

Toys for Toddlers

There’s no end to the amount of toddler toys one can own and a list of toddler must haves wouldn’t be complete without a few ideas.

Some winners in our house:

  • Play kitchen (we have this play kitchen which is perfect for a young toddler, but we’ll be ready to upgrade soon)
  • Stuffies especially beanie babies
  • Anything by Melissa & Doug
  • Puzzles
  • Lovevery block set
  • Magnatiles
  • Her first doll
  • Duplo legos
  • Paint/ crayons/ stickers (we like these paint sticks)
  • Books (just about anything but the Lovevery books and Llama Llama series are long-time favorites)
  • Toddler Table
  • Toddler-friendly bookshelves
  • Scooter and helmet

Potty Training

Here’s a short list of toddler must haves potty training when you’re ready:

  • Travel potty and trainer seat (this is 2-in-1) + disposable liners
  • 3-in-1 toddler potty
  • Stand alone toddler potty (we had two toddler potties because we needed one in a separate space where there was no bathroom near
  • Squatty potty
  • Toddler underwear (these are cute, 100% cotton and also modest – I’ve seen some skimpy toddler underwear out there! ) Size up in these.
  • Waterproof crib mattress protector for night/nap training

Miscellaneous

If you love bows (Valentina is obsessed), these toddler bows are the best quality, come in lots of colors and they stay put.

What did I miss? Tell me what are the toddler must haves or can’t-live-without items on your list.

Leave a Comment
Motherhood// Uncategorized

« Best Meal Delivery Kits
Disney World with a Toddler »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About Me


Welcome! My name is Marissa and I’m a lover of all things health and wellness.As a NYC-based board-Certified Wellness Coach and Healthy Living Expert, I share my own health secrets, get-fit tips and the cooking expertise that has inspired countless women to change their relationship with food and turbocharge their health to become holistically hot in a way that’s fun and fearless.
Shop Sakara Life Today!
Sakara Review + Discount Code
Sakara 10-Day Reset Discount Code + Review
Sakara Recipes + A Discount Code {Zucchini Linguini}
Sakara Clean Boutique Favorites + A Discount Code
Sample Class Website Banner
How to Become a Health Coach + IIN Discount

Order Today! Your Holistically Hot Transformation

 Holistically Hot Transformation

How I Turned My Passion Into a Business: Next Generation.TV

Memorable moments from the last EVER! @natprodexpo Memorable moments from the last EVER! @natprodexpo #expoeast From my first Expo in 2015 in Baltimore where I befriended my Expo Buddy, @ericaagran at the @newhopenetwork Influencer Summit to a new Summit experience this year with @foodwellnessequity, I've tried endless delicious and of course some crazy snacks in the name of research (like crickets πŸ¦—- no joke!), I've met and partnered with countless brands and shared them with my community and clients who want to make better choices for themselves and their families. It's been a fulfilling and wild ride! Thanks for following along with my content and recommendations over the years! I promise to keep finding and sharing in new ways! πŸ’šπŸ’‹βœŒπŸ»
When I started losing my pregnancy weight, I felt When I started losing my pregnancy weight, I felt like I lost it everywhere but my lower belly. At 6 weeks postpartum, I was cleared to workout and told I didn't have diastasis recti, but the truth is, I should have been doing deep core exercises to strengthen my pelvic floor and support my core anyway. Fast forward to June 2022, with most of my pregnancy weight gone, I was frustrated with the "mommy Pooch" that was left behind. I tried everything from changing up my macros to focusing on traditional abdominal exercises and even TRIM's 'Banish the Bloat' program thinking maybe I was just bloated. 

About a month ago, I started focusing primarily on the deep core exercises in my Deep Core Guide (free copy at the link in my bio and linked in stories). These are the only Ab exercises I've done for the past 4 weeks. I've done them consistently everyday - it takes about 6 minutes at the end of my workout and the photo on the right is a recent one where it's clear these deep core exercises are working!

They're designed to target your transversus abdominis (TA muscles) and train your tummy to lie flat. Not interested in aflatter tummy? That's ok! They're still great for strengthening your core which is important for the overall health of your muscles and joints. For example, a strong core can help eliminate low back pain. 

Download a complimentary copy of my Deep Core Guide at https://mailchi.mp/e77671278e93/deep-core - you can also find this link in my bio and in my stories today!
Get ready with me as I head into a new school year Get ready with me as I head into a new school year with @adidas at www.MarissaVicario.com/blog today to check out all my favorite Fall activewear picks for every activity. Everything is linked on my blog and my LTK at https://liketk.it/4j3ar πŸ’šπŸ’‹πŸ‚ #adidasbloggerscommunity #adidaspartner
The recipe for your best fall yet? Choose your ow The recipe for your best fall yet?

Choose your own adventure with @sakaralife Targeted Nutrition Programs. Choose from any one of these science-backed nutrition and wellness programs: 

The Signature Nutrition Program

The Metabolism Reset: Ignite your metabolism and boost energy

The Fresh Start Cleanse: Eliminate toxins and replenish your body with vital nutrients. Watch the Reel to see what's included

The Performance System:Take your mental and physical health to the next level. 

The Gut Health Reboot: Re-build your gut

The Fall Reset: Re-invest in your total well-being with 4 weeks of fully customizable, nutritionally-designed meals and exclusive gifts including 1-month of access to The @thesculptsociety and a Sakara-green @lalignenyc Sweater. Choose from two more start dates: September 25 or October 2. 

Choose your reset and order at https://www.sakara.com/discount/XOMARISSAV - use code XOMARISSAV for 20% off any program. #sakaralife #sakaracircle @sakaracircle
The @renttherunway Style Lounge - like walking int The @renttherunway Style Lounge - like walking into my dream closet full of all the latest Fall fashion trends. Get it all at your fingertips and dress like you're going to NYFW. Use my code RTRMARISSA for 30% off your first month (link in bio) #howyourunway πŸ’šπŸ’‹πŸ‘—
Protein is the foundation of sports nutrition, and Protein is the foundation of sports nutrition, and muscles need lots of protein to function and recover after exercise.

Whey Protein: Whey is high in. protein and BCAAs (branched chain amino acids) which play a key role in muscle protein synthesis for growth and recovery. Whey protein is easy to digest but does contain lactose (dairy). 

 

Pea Protein - a vegan/vegetarian option, Pea Protein is derived from yellow split peas. Also rich in BCAAs. Although absorption is slower than whey protein. Some studies show that pea protein is as effective as whey protein as part of an active routine for muscle growth and recovery. 

 

 

Bone Broth Protein - Bone broth is a natural source of protein. These protein powders are comprised mostly of collagen. They're ideal for those with food sensitivities to other protein powders. 

Egg White protein - Eggs are naturally high in protein adn are proven to help with satiety. For those who prefer an animal sourced protein but are sensitive to dairy, egg white protein may be a good choice. Use code MARISSA at checkout for 20% off your order. πŸ’šπŸ’‹πŸ’ͺ🏻
 #trimwithmarissa #trimbootcamp #nowfoodspartner #nowwellness
  • Home
  • About Marissa
  • Blog
  • services
  • Book
  • TRIM Macro Coaching for Women
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Copyright Marissa Vicario © 2023
Web Design by Grace + Vine Studios