The toddler stage brought a new set of changes + challenges. We began potty training. We moved Em out of her crib and into a toddler bed. She began day care.
These are the little things that helped us with the transition.
1] Name Bubbles - Essential for day care. All of her clothes + shoes need to be labeled. These fabulous stickers go through the wash over and over and can be removed very easily when needed.
2] Crib rail – Em started climbing out of her crib very early. We decided to convert her crib to a toddler bed. However, although Em’s crib converted it wasn’t ideal at all. She was so young that we knew she would easily roll out of her converted crib. So, we put the mattress on the floor instead but she spent most of her nights on the carpet after she’d roll off the mattress. Finally, we discovered this crib rail. Now, she’s in her converted bed. This rail keeps her from falling out and helps her to climb into bed on her own.
3] Built-in toilet seat – There are a ton of potty options out there. We opted for a small floor potty to begin the training process. Then, we moved to this built-in seat. It’s made of wood so it’s very sturdy. It’s has a quiet + slow close lid. And it keeps our bathroom a little more clutter free.
4] Travel cot – Once Em outgrew her Arm’s Reach Co-sleeper, we looked for another alternative and found this travel cot. It’s awesome. Inexpensive. Lightweight. Folds up. Has a cover/sheet. And best of all? It’s very low to the ground in case she were to roll out.
5] Toddler pillow + pillowcase – Once in her toddler bed, we figured she was ready for a sheet + pillow. Finding a set was not easy. I stumbled upon this toddler pillow + case at Pottery Barn. It’s the perfect size.
6] Aden + Anais swaddlers – These muslin swaddlers are still getting lots of use. They make the perfect lightweight + breathable sheet/blanket for her toddler bed.
7] Aden + Anais bib – I love these bibs. They are big to catch the food mess. And, they snap instead of velco which means less hair tangling.