Seeing your baby grow from baby to toddler is an exciting time. Not only do you have one of the most interesting times in child development to watch, but it’s amazing seeing your child slowly increase in their independence, even just a little. This is truly a time to treasure. This is also probably the time in their life where they’re likely to start having tantrums for no reason. They don’t call this age the ‘terrible twos or terrible threes’ for nothing.

But how can you best prepare for this age? This will be a much different time to looking after them when they were a baby. You can’t just place them on a playmat or in a cot, give them some food and make sure they’re burped to keep them happy. It’s likely your child is starting to toddle about on their own, and using your entire house as a climbing frame.

This is natural, but it’s also something to watch out for. Your safety considerations need to be more focused, and doing a quick checklist of things to buy to protect your child is instructive. Here are just some of the things you might want to consider purchasing throughout this time.

Booster Seat

Once your child grows out of their baby car seat, you’re legally required to purchase a certified booster seat for your car. It’s a good idea to never buy these second hand (just in case they’ve been in an accident), and instead, fork out for a brand new piece of equipment for peace of mind. Ensure that the belt clippings are sturdy and that the child can sit in it comfortably.

The seat you’ll need at this stage will have a seating area and a backrest, but as they get older, you’ll be able to detach the backrest. Using a booster seat is unavoidable. If you don’t, you can be fined for negligence, so make sure you tune the seat to the needs of your child. Also make sure the belt isn’t too tight or too loose but fits against your child’s chest with firm yet slightly flexible security.

Stroller

The baby stroller just won’t be as useful as it once was. If your child is learning to walk, there’s a likelihood that they’ll try to be as independent as possible and flat out refuse to use your expensive old travel system. This affords you an opportunity to purchase a collapsible stroller, which can be useful for a plethora of reasons.

It will not only fit in the car’s trunk easily, but it’ll be lighter to manoeuvre around when in use. It’s still important to carry blankets and rain covers with you dependent on the weather. Even with this addition, the stroller is likely to be incomparably lighter than your first pushchair.

Again, it’s a good idea to get a stable, new model, as opposed to one second hand. Kids are notorious for finding the weaknesses in anything they’re exposed to, so ensure the structural integrity of your stroller upon purchase and you can be sure it’ll last the whole of your child’s toddler years.

Closed Cups

As your child gets older, they move away from breastfeeding or milk solutions and instead prefer a wider range of drinks. With their increased strength and growing maneuverability, they’re likely interested in handling the cup themselves. For reasons I needn’t insult your intelligence with here, handing them a standard cup or glass isn’t a great idea, and neither is an open topped plastic cup. Toddlers just aren’t as careful as they think they are.

You can get around this eternal problem by purchasing a few closed cup bottles. These allow you to close the top with a rubberized security feature that will allow them to feel grown up without throwing blackcurrant juice all over your white carpets. Be sure to wash them often and regularly, preferably in a dishwasher that steams the rubber, as this is the most hygienic method of bacteria removal.

Potty

Once your toddler is starting to potter about and walk semi-independently, this will be a great time to begin potty training. Help them onto the potty at first, and help them keep upright. This will allow them to understand the basics of posture and keeping themselves upright during the process.

However, not every toddler can get this right first time, which is why it’s wise to also purchase:

Training Pants

Training pants are used similarly to nappies, except these are less focused on having a tight seal and more focused on the easy removal and donning of the pants. This allows your child to get to grips with the basics of underwear and removing them akin to an adult for trips to the loo, except if an accident happens, they’re equally easy to rip off. It’s worth buying these in the same quantity you bought your nappies… for all too obvious reasons.

Shoes

If your toddler is now walking independently, no matter how successfully, it’s time to buy them their first pair of shoes. This is a fantastic and historical moment, so celebrate it! Find shoes online or take them to get fitted to help build their excitement. Remember, as their feet grow, this will end up being an all too regular purchase, so use a Schuch voucher code to help you cut the cost. Providing your child with a comfortable and secure mode of walking needn’t be expensive! Also be sure to assess the clothes they need regularly because you can expect growth spurts quite often if you’re feeding them well.

Art

With a subheading like that, you might be thinking “why should I buy a renaissance painting for my toddler?” What we actually mean is buying art crafting tools for them to use, simplified in a way that reduces the mess around your house. They’re too young to begin playing with paints, and they’re like to use crayons to write on your walls. Every parent has a similar story of this happening.

Instead, try opting for mess-free watercolour options. There are now many products on the market that allow your child to draw on a wipeable canvas with pens designed to work on that surface and no other. If they colour outside of the bounds of the picture, you won’t get a marker pen on your carpet. This is a great compromise for your child’s enjoyment and your peace of mind.

Sink Booster

Just like a potty, your child should learn the entirety of the toilet training process. If they’re walking around, you’ll need a sink booster that raises them off the floor by around 8/10 inches. This should allow them to get a height advantage and reach the sink themselves. Be sure to teach them the difference between hot and cold so they don’t burn themselves, and attend them for the first few months of them using the taps.

Toddler Toiletries

Despite the fact that your toddler is growing, you can’t yet give them your toiletries to use and save money. The ingredients used in these products are harmful if they get in your toddler’s eyes, and can be irritating to their skin. Instead, much like you did when you were taking care of a baby, shop around and find washing solutions that have a neutral PH and are eye-friendly. Also, if they’re starting to grow their first teeth, buy a small toothbrush and some child’s toothpaste that has a nice taste. Help them slowly learn to brush their teeth bit by bit, one at a time as they grow.

Seeing your baby grow into a toddler is a beautiful time. Not only do you have many developmental milestones to witness, but here is where you’ll get a taste of the personality that your child has. Enjoy these times, because they’re often over faster than you’d realise.

… Finally, be sure to take plenty of pictures to embarrass them with in front of their first boyfriend/girlfriend as they get older! It’s the circle of life.