1. A Crib Soother<>
Both of my kids have their own and it has helped so much with sleep training. I can just put her in the bed, turn it on, and she will watch it as she goes to sleep. It plays for about twenty minutes, just enough time for her to fall asleep. Peyton used to wake up in the night and use it to lull him back to sleep, so we would wake to the music playing over the monitor. I started using it with her when she was teeny tiny to make it part of her sleep routine.
2. Gerber Sippy Cups
This is a great starter cup, and then you can move into the cups we use for Peyton. (below) Great for families with multiple kids because the parts are pretty much all interchangeable. This is the ONLY cup I use for Peyton. Only three pieces so easy to wash, they really don't leak, and come in multiple sizes. We started Mallory on the ones with the handles but now she can do all of his without problem.
3. Activity Table
Great to help them learn to pull up and stand on their own. Plus 2-3 babies can play with it at once so fun for playgroups.
4. Toys with Balls (Busy Ball Popper) or Busy Ball Train
5. Marpac Sleep Machine (or any white noise machine)
All of my children will have one of these and we use it every nap, every bedtime, every time we travel. It is just white noise and drowns out dog barking, crying, talking, tv, etc. and is just another way to develop a consistent sleep routine. The Marpac has been around forever and has a great warranty program and is just simple white noise. no fancy buttons, no nature sounds, just white noise.
6. Exersaucer or Activity Center
Mallory didnt use hers as much as Peyton but this is a lifesaver for when you need to take a shower or want to have some time to yourself while they are plenty entertained. It confines them :) I like the Baby Einstein one because it has plenty of well made toys without being too overwhelming. We put her in as early as 3 months old and just put a pillow behind her to support her.
7. Inch bug Name Labels
Best invention ever! These labels go over bottles or sippy cups so you always know which cup is yours (good for when you leave them behind at playgroups too!) and they go straight into the dishwasher, label and all. No more marker washing off with every washing! And unlike the sticker labels you can easily move them from cup to cup.
8. Laugh and Learn Play House
If I could only have ONE toy in my house for the rest of their toddler hood, THIS would be it. Mallory loves it. Peyton loves it. We love it. They play with it each and every day in multiple ways. It is a house, a drum set. a jungle gym, they drive cars on it, they use the clock, they sing to it. BEST TOY EVER.
9. Push Toy (Shopping cart, stroller, etc
Both of my kids love their shopping carts and now Mallory has a stroller too. They will play with this one for many years. Peyton still uses his all over the house and to move his play food around. Also helps them as they learn to walk.
10. Any and all of Big Brother's Toys
(especially taking apart his train table!, play kitchen, big building blocks, etc.) Drawers filled of sippy cups. Kleenex boxes, things in the baby bag, my purse or wallet, and the laundry hamper. :)
(Add Blue Marker to the list!)
I have been amazed at what Mallory will play with by simply being exposed to it. She loves all of his toys, especially his train table. She also LOVES drawers of kitchen items so I have a special drawer at her level that is totally baby proofed with Tupperware and baby cups so that she can feel like she is pulling apart my kitchen.
Of course this isn't everything, but hopefully will help someone! Other Moms- what did I forget that you love?
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