Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Toddler Must Haves

We are in full toddler mode and are needing and using different things to get us and Logan through the day as flawlessly as possible. Right...far from flawless BUT these items are serious life-savers. What are your toddler must-haves? (click all photos for source)

1) Sleep Sheep

Cloud B Sleep Sheep On-The-Go Travel Size Plush Sound Machine

This sweet, soft sleep machine is just what Logan needs to help him fall asleep. I know a lot of mamas use this for their infants, however I never thought to buy one and ended up being gifted it by my Grammy. Since Logan was a wee one we have always tried to lay him down to awake but sleepy so he could learn how to self soothe. Even without the Sleep Sheep he is pretty darn good at talking or humming himself to sleep. The sheep just adds and extra dash of comfort which Logan melts over. We leave it in his crib and allow him to press the buttons. He is especially fond of the singing whales. Every mama, whether she has a newborn or a toddler, should invest in this little sleep gem.

2) Paci & Clip

Product Image Munchkin Pacifier Clip

Ahhh yes. My 16 month old son has a more-than-mild obsession with his paci and the clip it hangs on. I tried not to even start giving Logan a paci when we first brought him home but after a super fussy night my mom talked me into it and ever since it has been a life saver for both Logan and everyone around him. Be it a melt down, not feeling good, falling asleep, or just needing something to suck on the paci is like gold in our home. About the clip: we used to clip the paci to him so he wouldn't lose it, which is exactly what it's designed for, however Logan loves just rolling the clip end around his fingers while he sucks on his paci. It's so comforting that I have seen him fall asleep doing just that. When will we get rid of it? I don't really think that is up to us. For now he is still so young and it's such a meaningful thing to him that I cannot take it away. I will say that we do our best to limit the time he has with it during the day unless he's sick or super fussy and leave it special just for naps and night time.

3) Water Play

The surest way to put a smile on Logan's face, even with a fever (when this photo was taken) is water play. This kid loves playing in the pool, the dog dishes, tubs, you name it. I snapped this photo on Sunday when he first began feeling pretty crummy and on a hot day there was nothing more soothing to him than plopping his hot little body into cool water. Plus, it's a great way for him to explore his senses.

4) Sunblock

Product Image California Baby SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion

Since Logan happens to be entering toddlerhood in the summer sunblock is a must have. And I don't buy just any kind. This stuff is expensive, but well worth every penny. I first bought it last summer and knowing that Logan has sensitive skin I had to find something that would not irritate him from tons of crap and chemicals.

5) Room to Run!

I don't know about you, but my toddler cannot sit still. He is constantly moving, dancing, jabbering, picking things up, opening cabinets, hiding remotes, taking CDs off the shelf, pulling toilet paper all over the place, and generally harassing the dogs. He goes from 100 to 0 super fast. When he tanks he's down for the count and sleeps a good 3 hours to charge up for his next round of running. And we love chasing him. We love walking with him outside while he picks up sticks and rocks and throws piles of cotton every where. Seeing the world through his eyes is the most rewarding, most important thing we have learned as parents. And we're still learning.

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