Tried and Tested Products for Keeping Toddlers + Tots Happy and Healthy!

I’m that mom … that mom with a savage toddler. He drives me nuts with his strong personality and then melts my heart the next by saying, “Love You, Mommy”. I’m also that mom that will tell you that Moms need other moms. We also need mentor mom friends. We need other moms who have been there and can say “me too!” and gets it without any judgment. We need moms we can share our lessons and hacks with. Especially what things, products, and other stuff they have tried and would honestly vouch for.

Because raising a child in itself is hard, even more so for raising them well. It requires dedication, patience, time, and a lot of love. Having them close in age takes the difficulty to a whole new level -this is where tested and proven products help make everything more manageable. After all, being a parent also means we have limited time to keep trying out new things to see if it will work or not.

Through my parenting years with our oldest, I have grown to love quite a few products and learned quite a few hacks too. To the extent of using and doing them all over for our youngest as well.

FAVORITE CHARACTER
If your little one has a specific show they follow, then indeed, they have a character that they love. It’s a PLUS if both your kids love the same show! On that note … get the character’s toy version so your little ones have a physical version they can interact and imagine with.

Our youngest has been a fan of CoComelon. Whenever he hears the intro melody, you’d see a big bright smile across his puffy cheeks immediately. Our oldest, however, are into other things (vehicles and robots) but have grown into CoComelon because he sees it often being played on the TV through Netflix or Youtube Kids for his younger brother. Solution? Cater to both with the CoComelon Musical Yellow School Bus!

CoComelon Musical Yellow School Bus

The boys enjoy playing with this bus because it is easy to maneuver and navigate. With a button press, this also plays “The Wheels on the Bus” song just like what you hear from their show. Grab this CoComelon School Bus from Jazwares so you can bring to life their favorite character and sing along to the nursery rhyme! The bus comes with a JJ figure and can sit up to 6 more characters from the show (sold separately).

STUFFED LOVIE
Having a comfort toy goes the extra mile for the littles. It works the same as a security blanket but in the form of a squishy plushie. Long day? Restless night? Bad dreams? Or even when they’re under the weather … having a lovie helps them feel much better. Think of it as a pick me up!

Ever since we have discovered the world of Squishmallows from Jazwares, we can’t help but adore and recommend them to everyone.

Squishmallows® by Jazwares

Here’s the dealbreaker … aside from being super soft and plush, they are COLLECTIBLE! Please don’t tell my kids, but there are more than 500 Squishmallows® characters to collect and each one has a name with its personality written in its hangtag. The mini ones are great for little hands, lots of loving, and big personalities. I actually have my own too, just much bigger though. These Squishmallows® by Jazwares are available on every local retailers nearby.

FAVORITE BOOK
Before I gave birth to my kids, I used to read a book or a fairytale story out loud. I learned that this is one way to grow our bond and also help them get familiar with my voice. That’s also what I love about Reach Out and Read, an organization that promotes healthy child development by encouraging parents to read out loud to their kids. I found out about them while our youngest was in the NICU. They work directly with pediatric care providers to help reach as many children as possible.

Reach Out & Read Bookmark (Non-profit)

RELAXING BATH ROUTINE
Kids are naturally playful and loaded with lots of energy. I personally have struggled finding ways to wind down my little one until I have switched our bath routine at night. It is the perfect way to wind the kiddos down, relax, all while having some fun.

Baby Magic Calming Baby Bath & Baby Lotion

Make your kid(s) night time routine is calm and relaxing with Baby Magic bath and lotion products. Their Calming Baby Bath contains lavender as well as chamomile which helps little ones wind down for their sleep. Wrap it up with a light gentle massage while moisturizing with the Calming Baby Lotion which contains the same formula and keeps their skin hydrated and soft. Both products are tear-free (BIG PLUS!), hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, and free from sulfates, dyes, parabens, as well as phthalates. Overall, it is great for normal to dry skin.

NUTRITIONAL DRINKS
Believe it or not, toddlers can be VERY picky with a lot of things, especially their food. It’s a phase that majority of kids go through. Their developing taste buds makes them like one thing one day, then dislike it the next. This is where nutritional drinks help picky eaters receive complete nutrition for their growth and development.

Else Nutrition Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers

In case you missed it, we have have shared about Else Nutrition before. We personally love Else Nutrition because it is a great source of protein, calcium, iron, fiber AND also healthy fats (with less sugar than other formulas such as cow’s milk or plant-based milks).

Else gives us peace of mind from knowing that we are giving our kids ​the purest, cleanest, complete nutrition nature intended, to promote healthy growth and development. Get 20% off your first purchase here!

STRAPS / HOLDER
Having a strap for pretty much everything is a must for every parent. I didn’t know how much we needed it until Josiah started throwing everything everywhere. We have had broken cups, dirty pacifiers, and a crying toddler throwing a fit because he can’t have his cup or paci back. It was a disaster but I was more worried about germs, and sanitizing things. Then we discovered strapping things in could have saved us from those moments.

Lil’ Sidekick Sippy Cup Strap

We love Lil’ Sidekick Sippy Cup Strap, it keeps it from falling and breaking. It also eliminates the need to look for a place to wash, clean, and sanitize when we’re out and about. Their strap is universal and can easily adjust to safely secure sippys, spoons, phones, teethers, pacifiers, and more!

This product is so versatile and innovative! It literally saves things from dropping along with your sanity. Aside from strapping things, it is also made in the USA with FDA approved, toxin-free material making it a safe teether for those itchy gums!

This strap is available in blue, pink, charcoal, and green which can be purchased at local stores and online. Use the code YESPLEASE at https://lilsidekick.com/discount/YESPLEASE and receive 10% off until Feb. 7!

Do you know someone who could use these tips? Make sure to share the link to this post too! I would love to connect with them. It is always my pleasure to help make parenting less stressful. xx

XOXO