Toddlerhood Essentials

Let’s be honest…toddlerhood is beautiful chaos.

It’s sticky fingers and belly laughs, sudden meltdowns, endless questions, and the magic of watching a tiny human become their own person. It’s equal parts heartwarming and hard. And if you’re anything like me, you want to do it with intention, but without overcomplicating things.

When I think about raising a toddler, my mind wanders back to the 1990s. A little more unplugged. A little more hands-on. Less noise, more nature. And I know I’m not alone with that. Fewer plastic flashing toys, more imagination and open-ended play. So today, I’m sharing my must-have toddlerhood essentials. Think Montessori-inspired, gentle routines, and timeless pieces that feel like home.

Let’s get into it.

Montessori Inspired Play

You don’t need a toy aisle explosion in your living room. A few well-chosen toys can go a long way. We love:

-Wooden stacking arches and shape sorters
-Simple peg dolls and animals for storytelling
-Puzzles that encourage fine motor skills
-A play kitchen stocked with felt and wooden food
-Real child-sized tools for sweeping, pouring, and helping around the house

It’s not about “less is more” for aesthetic’s sake…it’s because fewer, open-ended toys invite deeper play and creativity.

Real Clothing

Nothing beats soft, breathable fabrics when it comes to dressing your toddler. My favorite items:

-Cotton ribbed basics
-Linen overalls and bloomers
-Cozy wool layers in cooler months
-Soft-soled leather or barefoot-style shoes
-Organic sleepers for slow mornings

Think natural fibers, hand-me-down friendly, and easy to mix and match. Because toddlers will go through three outfits by noon.

Books, books, books.

Books are a huge part of our daily rhythm. Some of our most loved:

–The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
–Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey
–Little You by Richard Van Camp
–Whose Tracks in the Snow? by Alexandra Milton
-Any board books with real-life photos or nature themes

We keep a small rotating collection at their level, Montessori-style, and let them choose.

Get them outside!

Back in the 90s, we were outside all the time. I remember my mom telling us to come inside once we saw the street lights turn on…I try to recreate that (supervised though!) by embracing daily outdoor play:

–A small basket with tools for digging and gathering
–Water-safe boots and a rain suit for muddy puddle days
–A vintage-style trike or balance bike
-Chalk, bubbles, and a worn-in picnic blanket

We don’t need a perfect backyard or curated setup. Just space to move, discover, and breathe.

Independent Snack and Mealtime Setup

Encouraging independence in small ways builds confidence. A few things that help:

A child-sized weaning table or learning tower
Small cups and bowls they can handle on their own
Easy snack baskets in the fridge or pantry
Bibs and utensils they can manage (some days, that’s debatable…)

Letting them pour their water and scoop their yogurt might be messy, but it’s also magical.

Slowing down the days

There’s something sacred about a soft start to the day and an unhurried rhythm. We don’t follow a strict schedule, but our typical day includes:

Morning cuddles and music while we make breakfast
Loose “play, rest, explore” flow throughout the day
Quiet time after lunch, even if it’s just books and soft light
Bath and stories as signals to wind down

Structure without pressure. Predictable but flexible!

Nostalgic Touches

I find myself leaning into things that feel familiar, like growing up in the 90s

Hand-me-down wooden toys from grandparents
VHS tapes and cassettes (yes, really!)
Classic children’s clothes with little embroidery details
Homemade playdough and finger paints
Polaroids and memory books

It’s not about recreating the past, just bringing that warmth into the present.

Some Personal Tips

Because while we’re going for gentle and intentional, sometimes we just need things to work…

A quality, no-fuss stroller
A diaper bag with room for snacks, wipes, and a matchbox car or two
A good sound machine for naptime (worth its weight in gold)
A cozy blanket that works as a play mat, nursing cover, or cape depending on the day

Toddlerhood doesn’t have to mean an endless list of “must-haves” or chasing trends. It can be slow. Intentional. Grounded. It can look like the magic of mismatched socks, peanut butter smudges, and a child discovering their world in real time.

If you’re in this season too, I hope you feel less alone. You’re doing enough. You are enough. And there’s no one right way to do this, just what works for you and your little one.

If you found this helpful, I’d love for you to share it, save it, or send it to another mama navigating this stage.

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