The Best 2 Year Old Must Haves
What are the best 2 year old must haves?
Having a two year old at home can be a rollercoaster ride.
On one hand, you have an adorable, curious little one who loves exploring the world around them.
But on the other hand, you also have an emotional child who’s stuck between their baby years and becoming a big kid.
That means you and your toddler need a few items around the house that can make them happy and help you simplify your daily life.
These 27 2 year old must haves are some of the best products to have around when you have a toddler at home.
Two Year Old Must Haves
Having a two year old at home means you need to stay on your toes.
Keeping your child safe and happy is probably your number one priority.
These must-haves will make life a little easier for you and safer for your toddler.
1) Baby Gates
Once your toddler becomes mobile, it’s important to protect them from getting hurt. I’ve heard many horror stories about 2 year olds that open the front door and get lost or wander into a room they shouldn’t be in.
To ensure this doesn’t happen, one of the best safety measures you can take in your house is the use of baby gates.
Gates are great for blocking off stairways or keeping your 2 year old corralled in one room so you can keep an eye on them.
Attaching a baby gate to a doorway is a good permanent solution.
But it may also be a good idea to have a few mobile baby gates you can move from room to room to make it easier to block off areas of your home from your toddler as you move around your house.
Here are 2 mobile gates (can be converted into a playard) we have and love:
- Summer Infant baby gate (expands to fit openings of up to 143″)
- Regalo baby gate (fits openings up to 192″). While it can also work across a room, it works particularly well for spaces where you need the gate to be angled e.g. around a fireplace.
If you don’t want to put up a gate, an alternative option is getting childproof door locks.
2) Furniture Anchors
Having a curious 2 year old can be so much fun. But it can also be so dangerous.
Make sure your 2 year old is safe when playing around large pieces of furniture with the help of furniture anchors.
These safety features allow you to anchor all your furniture to the wall to keep each piece from falling over on top of your child.
Just screw the anchor to the wall, then attach it to the back of large furniture, like dressers, bookcases, and freestanding cabinets.
3) Outlet Covers
For some strange reason, 2 year old toddlers love trying to stick their fingers in outlets.
Make sure your child stays safe while they’re playing by covering all the outlets in your home with outlet covers.
These simple covers plug right into your outlets, keeping your toddler from curiously sticking their fingers where they don’t belong.
They also block out the draft on exterior walls so you save on heating!
4) Stroller
While your 2 year old probably loves walking and running, when you’re out running errands or going for a long walk, you’ll be glad you have a stroller on hand.
But since your toddler is bigger now, a full-size stroller probably isn’t necessary.
An umbrella stroller is a great choice for 2 year olds because it allows them to sit and ride, but doesn’t take up much space in your trunk.
With less storage capacity than a full stroller, you can make it work by putting a mommy hook on the handlebar.
That way, you can put your purse on the hook, a diaper bag, or grocery bags.
You can also use the hook on your shopping cart.
When your 2 year old starts throwing a temper tantrum in the middle of the grocery store, you can have toys ready.
5) Toddler Toothbrush
Making sure your 2 year old toddler understands the importance of oral hygiene early on is essential.
With a great toddler toothbrush, they may even have fun brushing their teeth. You can make brushing a fun game with the LED lights and vibrating reminders to keep moving their toothbrush around their mouth as they brush their teeth.
Must Haves for Feeding Your Toddler
Since your toddler is growing up, they’re probably ready to move on from their high chair and baby bottles.
That means you’re going to need to upgrade your feeding supplies to allow them to eat more independently.
These must-haves for feeding your two year old will allow them to eat on their own while also minimizing the mess they make during each meal.
6) 360 Degree Sippy Cup
Learning how to drink from a regular cup is a big step for your toddler.
With the help of a 360 degree sippy cup, your little one can practice drinking from a cup without worrying about spilling their drink.
These cups feature a lid that automatically seals when your toddler is done drinking while also allowing them to sip from the rim like they would when drinking from a regular cup.
That means they can practice drinking, and you don’t have to worry about spills throughout the day.
My little one has had this cup since she was 6 months old, but she still uses it at 2 years old. While she can now use a regular cup, having the lid ensures that when she brings it around the house, there are minimal spills.
7) Suction Plates
Drinks aren’t the only thing you need to worry about when it comes to feeding your toddler.
If your two year old is used to eating their dinner directly off their high chair tray, they’ll need to adjust to using a plate.
Suction plates are a great way to help your toddler practice using a plate without the risk of them dumping their food out and making a mess.
These plates feature suction cups on the bottom that hold them in place so your two year old can’t lift the plate off the table while they eat.
8) Snack Cups
Snack time can get pretty messy when you have an active two year old at home.
Having good snack cups is a must to ensure your little one doesn’t make a mess while they’re snacking.
Suction bowls are a good choice to keep their snack cups firmly in place on the table.
Or you could use snack catchers, which have a lid on top that opens when your toddler sticks their hand in it. Either option is great for helping keep your toddler’s snack in place while they eat and play.
We also love this snack catcher because it has a lid.
9) Booster Seat
While your two year old may be ready to transition out of their high chair, they’re probably not tall enough to sit in a regular dining room chair, either.
With this Fisher Price Booster Seat, your toddler can start out using the seat with the tray to get used to sitting in their new chair.
And as they grow, you can easily remove the tray and allow them to sit at the dining room table thanks to the adjustable seat.
The seat is also easily portable. You don’t have to bring along the legs.
Two Year Old Sleep Must Haves
Getting your toddler to sleep and helping them stay asleep is essential for a happy home.
But sometimes, helping your toddler sleep is easier said than done.
With these two year old sleep must-haves, you’ll be well on your way to a good night’s sleep every night.
10) Sound Machine
One of the best ways to help your toddler sleep well is with a sound machine.
A white noise machine can help sooth them to sleep each night and block out external sounds that may wake them up throughout the night.
And when you purchase a sound machine with a project or light, the sleep aid can also serve as a nightlight for your little one.
11) Sleep Training Alarm Clock
Does your toddler struggle with sleeping through the night?
Or maybe they like to wake up extra early every morning.
Help them know when it’s time to get out of bed with a sleep training alarm clock.
This handy clock uses color clues to let your two year old know when it’s OK to get up.
Simply set the clock for your child’s sleep and wake-up times.
When your child should be sleeping, the clock glows red. And when your child can get up, the clock turns green.
12) Bed Rails
When it’s time for your toddler to transition from their crib to a big bed, you may be worried they’ll fall out.
With the help of toddler bed rails, you can keep your child protected even when they’re in a full-size bed.
These soft rails are made of breathable mesh, ensuring they’re comfortable and safe next to your child while they’re sleeping.
And since they easily fold up and down, your toddler will have no problem moving the rail when they’re ready to get out of bed in the morning.
13) Convertible Car Seat
As your child gets bigger, it will soon become evident it’s time to upgrade your car seat.
Purchasing a convertible car seat is a great option because it will last until your child no longer needs a booster seat.
A 4-in-1 car seat will allow your child to go from rear-facing to forward facing, then transition to a high-back booster and backless booster as they grow.
And that means there’s no need to buy another car seat again.
14) Waterproof Mattress Cover
If you plan on potty training your toddler after they turn two, adding a waterproof mattress cover to their bed is a good idea.
The cover will protect their mattress against accidents.
Just cover the mattress and remove the cover if your child has an accident during the night.
The covers can be washed and replaced, making them a great choice for potty training.
15) Kitchen Stool
Your 2 year old is probably ready to start doing things on their own.
But their small size keeps them from being able to reach things up high.
With the help of a kitchen stool, your toddler can easily climb up to grab a snack off the kitchen counter or wash their hands in the kitchen sink.
They can even start helping out during dinner time if they want.
Potty Training Must Haves for Two Year Olds
When your toddler reaches this the age of two, you’re probably starting to think about potty training.
That means you’re going to need to have all the must-have potty training gear on hand when your little one is ready to start training.
These potty training essentials are perfect for introducing your toddler to the potty.
16) Potty Chair
One great way to introduce your two year old to the concept of potty training is by getting them a child-size potty chair.
These chairs are designed with toddlers in mind, making them a great way to help your child get used to going in the potty in comfort.
Using a toddler sized potty seat will also give your little one a chance to practice sitting on the potty even before you start potty training.
17) Potty Seat
Another option for potty training your toddler is to use a potty seat that fits on top of the full-size toilet.
This will allow your child to get used to going on the toilet from the get-go, helping you avoid the need to retrain your toddler when they’re ready to transition from the potty chair to the toilet.
We started with the potty seat (because our daycare uses it and we wanted to be consistent with the daycare). We ended up getting the potty chair as well because our daughter felt more comfortable with it.
Now we use both options depending on where she is in the house and which bathroom she’s closer to. It’s been worth it for us to have both options available.
18) Waterproof Car Seat Protector
When you first start potty training, you may be worried about your 2 year old having an accident in the car.
To keep your car seat protected in case of an accident, grab a waterproof car seat protector.
This handy item fits inside your child’s car seat, ensuring their accident doesn’t damage the car seat liner.
If they do have an accident, you can easily remove the cover and wash it.
19) Step Stool
From sitting on the big potty to washing their hands at the bathroom sink, your 2 year old will definitely need a step stool while they’re potty training.
A sturdy step stool will help them reach the bigger areas in the bathroom without the need for help while they’re learning how to use the potty.
20) Faucet Extender
Even with a step stool, your toddler may have an issue reaching the water coming out of the faucet in the bathroom sink.
Adding a faucet extender to the sink will help the water extend out further as it runs, giving your 2 year old a chance to easily wash their own hands when they’re finished using the potty.
Just remember – you have to wash it once every month because it can develop mold.
If there are any issues, you can rest assured because there’s a lifetime warranty!
21) Travel Potty Seat
When your toddler is ready to venture out without a diaper, you need to be prepared.
This foldable travel potty seat will fit inside your purse, allowing you to take it when you’re traveling or just not wanting to use public toilets.
One thing – don’t rely on the bags that it comes with. I just use small waste bags from the dollar store.
22) Flushable Wipes
Your toddler is used to being cleaned up with wipes, so using flushable wipes while potty training may help with the transition.
Wipes are softer than plain toilet paper and they make clean-up faster.
Make sure you choose wipes that are safe to be flushed to protect your plumbing while you’re potty training.
23) Hand Soap for Kids
Kid-friendly hand soap is another great thing to have on hand while potty training.
While traditional hand soap comes out as a liquid, hand soap for kids comes out as bubbles.
In addition to making it easier for your two year old to lather up after they go potty, this type of hand soap makes washing their hands a little more fun.
Best Toys for Two Year Olds
Toddlers love to play, so finding great toys for your two year old is a must.
But with so many different toys to choose from, it can be hard to find the best ones.
When looking for toys for your toddler, look for these types of toys to make the most of play time with your little one.
24) Open ended toys
Toys that provide your child with a variety of different uses are great for encouraging imaginative play.
Open ended toys, like blocks or cups, allow your toddler to use their imagination while they play to turn those plain toys into a variety of different objects.
These open ended toys are a great choice for your two year old:
25) Problem solving toys
Another great way to encourage your child to think outside the box when playing is by providing them with problem solving toys.
These toys give kids a chance to learn new skills and practice them as they play.
Problem solving toys, like puzzles, shape-sorters, and art materials are great for helping your two year old practice their fine motor skills and develop their spatial awareness.
Your two year old will love these fun problem solving toys:
26) Imaginative toys
Toys that help your two year old spark their imagination are another great option when picking toys for your toddler to play with.
Toys like dress-up clothing, play food and plates, action figures, dolls, and tools all provide your child with real-life objects they can use to imagine themselves in new places and situations.
These imaginative toys are perfect for toddlers:
27) Active toys
Toddlers love to be up and moving, so finding toys that encourage action is another great choice.
Active toys, like balls, pull toys, and wagons will encourage your child to move as they play.
And toys with wheels, like a tricycle, can also help them practice their fine motor skills while they’re playing.
Your two year old will have a blast playing with these active toys:
Related Articles about 2 Year Old Must Haves:
- Best Gifts For A 2 Year Old
- Unique Gifts For A 3 Year Old
- Best Playroom Ideas On A Budget
- Toddler Camping Essentials
- How To Do Montessori Homeschool On A Budget
Recap of 2 Year Old Must Have Products
- Baby gates
- Furniture anchors
- Outlet covers
- Umbrella stroller
- Toddler toothbrush
- 360 degree sippy cup
- Suction plates
- Snack cups like these snack catchers
- Fisher Price Booster Seat
- Sound machine
- Sleep training alarm clock
- Toddler bed rails
- Convertible car seat
- Waterproof mattress cover
- Kitchen stool
- Potty chair
- Potty seat
- Car seat protector
- Step stool
- Faucet extender
- Travel potty seat
- Flushable wipes
- Hand soap for kids
- Open ended toys
- Problem solving toys
- Imaginative toys
- Active toys
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