The Hottest Toddler Gear
Lightweight Stroller
Once your kid is on the move, it can be tough to keep him still. Of course, walking a whole amusement park or zoo might be too much right now. This is why you’ll want a lightweight stroller that’s easy to fold and carry when you’re not using it. Try the Quinny Yezz. $69, Amazon.com
Convertible Car Seat
Once baby has outgrown her infant car seat, you’ll want a seat that can take her from rear facing (the recommendation says she should face backward until around age 2!) to forward facing and fits your child as she grows. Try the Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 Convertible Car Seat (it goes up to 70 pounds!). $217, Buybuybaby.com
Portable Potty
Once you start potty training, you’ll want to be prepared for anything at any time. So find an on-the-go potty you can stash in your car or take along to grandma’s house. Try the My Carry Potty. $32, Diapers.com
Push Toy
Got a new walker? He’ll love showing off his new skill with a toy that moves and has some other cool feature as he pushes it. Try the Melissa and Doug Chomp and Clack Alligator Push Toy. $40, Target.com
Toddler Bed
Not every toddler has to sleep in a toddler bed. A crib or a twin bed with rails can work just fine. But many parents like to buy this transitionally sized bed, since you can use it with a crib mattress, and it’s usually low to the ground and has built-in rails to keep your kid from rolling out. Try the P’kolino toddler bed. $300, Pkolino.com
Booster Seat
If your headstrong toddler rejects any and every high chair, you may have better luck getting her to sit in a big-kid booster. Try the OXO Tot Seedling Youth Booster Seat. $30, Amazon.com
Mini Backpack
Suddenly, you may realize you’re not carrying around five bottles, 10 diapers and a pile of baby blankets any more. Since your tot needs much less stuff now, ditch the huge diaper bag and get a little backpack to hold a few essentials and toys for outings. Try the Skip Hop Zoo Pack. $20, SkipHop.com
Sippy-to-Straw Cup
Bye bye bottles! Why not choose a cup that can make the transition as baby switches from sippy to straw? Try the Boon Swig Sippy Cup. $13 for two, Walmart.com
Sippy Cleaning Set
Now, for how to clean all those sippy and straw cup parts. You’ll be glad you have some little brushes to get into all the crevices. Try the OXO Tot Cleaning Set for Straw and Sippy Cups. $5, OXO.com
Balance Bike
Yes, a two-year-old can ride a two-wheeler! That’s the concept behind the balance bike craze. Special mini bikes are just the right height to let a toddler scoot along and eventually coast on two wheels. No training wheels necessary! Try the FirstBike. $160, Firstbike.us
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