Let’s be honest: there’s no shortage of “must-have” baby and toddler products out there, and as a mom, you can quickly get overwhelmed by all the options. I remember Googling my heart out before my first baby arrived, trying to figure out what was actually worth spending money on. Spoiler alert: I bought a LOT of stuff I didn’t need, never used, and realized wasn’t worth the hype at all.
But after six years and two kiddos, I can confidently say there are a few key investments that have truly made life easier, more enjoyable, and just a little bit more manageable. There are a handful of things I found myself recommending to new parents over and over again, saying “If you get ANYTHING, get this!!” So, if you’re a mom, or someone looking to gift thoughtfully for a parent-to-be, wondering whether those “splurge-worthy” items are worth it, I’m here to share the five products I swear by—and how they’ve saved my sanity.
My Top 5 Toddler Essentials
1. Tonies Box
Okay, first things first—if you haven’t heard of the Tonies Box, it’s wildly fun and a big staple in my kids’ daily routines. We started using this when my first daughter was around 2 years old, and it’s been a staple in our home ever since. It’s a screen-free audio storytelling device, and it’s as simple as it gets. You pop a Tonie figure on top (characters from their favorite shows and movies!), and the stories, songs, or learning content start playing. My daughter, Coco, absolutely loves it. We’ve used it at bedtime, during quiet time, and—let me tell you—when she would wake up at 5 AM, I’d just set her up with a few stories and get myself a few extra hours of sleep (which, as a mom, feels like a luxury!).
Why is it worth it? It’s screen-free, which means it’s a great alternative to tablets and phones. And the best part? It helps build listening skills and fosters independence. Not to mention, it’s easy for little ones to use on their own. No complicated settings or apps—just pure, imaginative play.
Bonus: The Tonies Box is a great way to avoid the overstimulation that often comes with screens. Plus, it’s perfect for on-the-go travel! We bring ours whenever we leave because it’s such a staple to our evening routine.
2. The SlumberPod
Oh, how I wish we had invested in the SlumberPod sooner. This portable sleep pod has been a game changer for us, especially as a family who travels a lot. It’s basically a pop-up blackout tent for your little one’s crib, and it creates a cozy, consistent sleep environment—whether you’re in a hotel room or visiting family. One time, we even popped it up in a quiet spot in the airport to let Coco nap during a crazy long layover. It’s the size of a shoebox when disassembled so it’s so easy to pack… I’m telling you, this thing is genius.
We’ve used ours for over five years now, and Quinn loved it so much, that she insisted on having it set up in her room for a few months as her “special sleep tent.” It gives my kids the pitch-black darkness they need to sleep well, and as a mom who’s obsessed with bedtime routines, this has been a lifesaver.
Why is it worth it? A consistent sleep environment is crucial for good-quality rest, and the SlumberPod gives my kiddos that no matter where we are. It also helps us avoid the awkward dance of tiptoeing around the room while the kids sleep (because, let’s face it, we’ve all been there).
Bonus: It’s incredibly easy to set up and take down, which makes it perfect for trips. Rest easy (literally) knowing you have a good environment for your kiddos so your trip feels more like a vacation.
3. The Doona Liki Trike
If you’re looking for a stroller alternative that’s fun, versatile and gets a ton of use, the Doona Liki Trike is a must. We’ve used this for both of my girls, and it’s honestly been one of the best investments we’ve made. It starts as a stroller, then easily transitions into a trike that your kids can pedal on their own as they get older.
Why is it worth it? Well, this trike is so much more than a stroller. It’s a hybrid of a stroller, tricycle, and bike all in one. We’ve used it for everything from neighborhood walks to outdoor playdates, and it’s super easy to maneuver. Plus, as your child gets older, they can learn to pedal on their own—so it grows with them through every stage!
Bonus: The trike folds up small enough to fit in your trunk, which makes it perfect for trips or even just a quick afternoon outing.
4. Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor
When it comes to baby monitors, I learned that you really don’t need anything fancy— even when you’re dealing with keepin’ an eye out for two kids and need something constantly reliable. Enter the Infant Optics DXR-8. We’ve been using this monitor for years, and what I love about it is that it doesn’t require Wi-Fi to be and stay operable. In a world full of internet-connected devices, this little guy gives me peace of mind knowing it’s safe from hacks or privacy breaches.
Why is it worth it? It’s super easy to set up, has a great range, and the picture quality is fantastic. I also love that the monitor comes with interchangeable lenses, so I can zoom in or widen the view depending on what I need to see. And no Wi-Fi means it’s EMF-safe, which I love for my kids.
Bonus: You don’t need an app or complicated setup—it’s just a simple, reliable monitor that gets the job done; even Grandma can use it!
5. WonderFold Wagon
Okay, this one is a bit of a splurge, but if you’re looking for a way to make family outings more fun (and more organized), the WonderFold Wagon is totally worth it. I’ll be honest—I love this wagon. It’s easier to juggle than a double stroller, has tons of storage space for your gear, and it’s even fun and easy to push around. I never feel like I’m just doing more work by bringing this wagon on any kind of out.
Why is it worth it? First off, it’s perfect for hauling multiple kids (and all their stuff). Whether we’re going to the park, on vacation, or just around the neighborhood, this thing makes it way easier to transport everything (and I mean everything). It’s been a lifesaver for airport travel, too—we gate-checked it when we flew, and it made every single trip with it worlds easier. Whenever we don’t bring it, which is rare now, we always regret it!
Bonus: It has an easy-to-use fold and comes with removable seats, so you can customize it based on your needs. It’s honestly one of those things I didn’t realize how much I’d rely on until we had it.
Toddler Essentials That Are Not Worth It:
1. Wipe Warmers
While they sound like a great idea in theory (who doesn’t want a warm wipe for diaper changes?), most moms find that wipe warmers are more of a hassle than they’re worth. The wipes can dry out quickly, they require constant refilling, and, honestly, most babies don’t seem to care whether their wipe is warm or cold. And what’s going to happen when you’re out and about and your wipe isn’t warm? Plus, it’s just one more thing to keep plugged in and maintain.
2. Straw Bassinets
From an aesthetic standpoint, these are beautiful. In reality, we used ours a handful of times and usually just for photographs. These trendy bassinet alternatives, often marketed as stylish and space-saving, are not as practical as they seem. The design can be uncomfortable for babies, especially when they outgrow them quickly, and some parents report they don’t offer the firm support recommended by pediatricians. Not to mention, they’re a pricey investment for something that won’t last long.
3. Baby Shoes (Before They Walk)
I know, I know, I’m a sucker for cute shoes. I mean, we bought a pair of Nikes for our future child before we had even conceived. There’s a big market for adorable baby shoes, but shoes just aren’t necessary until babies actually start walking. Soft socks or booties are much more practical and comfortable for babies, and there’s no need to spend extra on shoes that will just be kicked off. Babies can’t walk yet, so these are more about style than function, and I figured all that baby shoe money should go toward warm, cozy clothes for them instead!
4. Bottle Sterilizers
While the idea of keeping bottles germ-free sounds appealing, many moms find that a good, old-fashioned wash and rinse (with soap and hot water) does the job just as well. A bottle sterilizer can be bulky, expensive, and a bit of a hassle to clean and maintain. Do you want more clutter on your already busy countertops? Do you want to get a machine that ends up adding more work to your to-do list? Probably not. Plus, most bottle manufacturers say hot water and soap are perfectly sufficient for cleaning.
5. Fancy High Chairs
Take it from a mom who swears by an Ikea high chair and an Amazon one that hooks on to the kitchen island.. You really don’t need a fancy high chair. Those high-end, multifunctional high chairs that convert into toddler seats and look like they belong in a designer home are often overhyped and don’t make the ‘feeding your kid’ part any easier or more comfortable for them. It’s honestly really hard to justify the high price tag. A simple, easy-to-clean, and durable high chair gets the job done just fine. Plus, some of those fancy features are often unnecessary and can be difficult to adjust.
Wrapping It Up
Being a mom of two means expert-level trial and error—figuring out what’s worth the splurge and what’s just another dust collector. I’m here for anything that keeps life smoother, more fun, and a little less chaotic (because let’s be real, we’re juggling work, snacks, tantrums, and maybe a tiny bit of sleep). And I’m a huge fan of making this journey much more easful for first-time parents who are staring down into the depths of the internet, wondering what’s really needed and what isn’t? The advice out there feels bottomless and ever-changing. Becoming a parent is so extremely humbling, vulnerable, and transformative – and you deserve to spend your time actually being a parent and not spending another hour researching strollers.
These five toddler essentials? Total game-changers for our daily rhythm. They’ve saved my sanity, added more giggles to the day, and even helped us sneak in a few extra Zs. What’s your ride-or-die kid essential? Share the scoop—I’m always hunting for those magic mom hacks that make this wild ride a little easier (and more fun)!
