What To Pack - Toddler Daycare Check List

If you are like me and your child is going to daycare soon, you are faced with the scary daunting task for figuring out what they need to bring with them.

Below is a list of items that many daycares require and our recommendation on which one to get - there are a million options. Some are items that were polled from moms with kids in daycare already and others are based on own experience.

Sleeping bag: http://amzn.to/291gKma

• 100% cotton, light and folds well

Slippers: http://amzn.to/29kM5Pj

• Some daycares require a change of shoes. I do not believe in rubber crocs, feet will sweat. Something comfy and easy on is best

Potty: http://amzn.to/28Y1vHz

• Ask if this is allowed first but offer to bring your own potty. The child might be used to a certain type and it may be an easier transition

Sunscreen: http://amzn.to/294TDaS

• If your child goes to daycare or camp in summer months, they require sunscreen. Some daycares will request spray sunscreen. If your daycare allows for lotion sunscreen (which I personally think is better) - grab this one: http://amzn.to/295pYel

Clothing labels: http://amzn.to/291vrEL

• If you want to get back the clothes that are yours.No need to iron them on, just stick it on and it lasts through washes

Diaper Spray: http://amzn.to/28Y2eZj

• I love Aquaphor for every day but I’d rather have the childcare provider use a spray. They will (hopefully) use it more frequently and its mess free

Bibs: http://amzn.to/290q0sB

• These are the only bibs I found that are 100% cotton and extra long to cover the full torso. Helps that they are super cute! Get 2-3

Water Container: http://amzn.to/290qVJp

• We love this cup, easy to open and close, keeps temp regulated

Backpack: http://amzn.to/29kP9eg

• Tons of fun designs, light and durable.

Hand Sanitizer: http://amzn.to/290qUoO

• All natural, no chemicals, and no dry skin!

Other popular items on a daycare list:

• Paper Towels
• Tissue boxes
• Pack of Wipes (1 box per week)
• Two full changes of clothes (including socks, underwear)
• 5-10 underwear if potty training
• Diapers/Pull Ups (if child still uses) - 1 pack a week at least
• Plastic bags
• Zip lock bags
• Medications, if needed - note: be sure to ask your daycare about their policies and if they have a nurse on staff. Many daycares will not administer anything, even over the counter meds for fear of overdosing a child/liability.

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Cruising With Kids: Travel Packing Tips

**This post contains affiliate links

If you’ve followed our blog for a while, we’ve mentioned that we’ve traveled with our daughter to Aruba, Dominican Republic, and Mexico. We’re about to embark on our next adventure to Bermuda, only this time, we’re taking a cruise.
Packing for a cruise to a tropical destination is somewhat similar to any beach vacation there are some big distinctions:

• During ports of call, if you leave the ship, you need to take more with you
• If you do not need to fly to the port, you can take MORE (which isn’t always better)
• You need different items for Sea Days vs. Port Days

Tips:

1. Most ships do not allow non-potty trained kids in the pool. Make sure you check with the cruise line before you book! Bring swim diapers (disposable and reusable)
2. Keep in mind, unlike a hotel with a balcony, there won’t be much space to dry your swimwear. Bring extras and towel clips!
3. Bring walkie-talkies! You’ll thank me later. Best to get one with many frequencies that work across more distance. The best way to communicate when you and your family need or want to split up.
4. On the ship, get a few green apples and cans of ginger ale. They really help if your child gets seasick.
5. Always. Buy. Insurance. Especially when traveling with children. (Why have travel insurance)

Below are musts in your Cruise packing list:

• Puddle Jumper or Inflatable infant float
• Rashguards and Full Coverage hats
• Baby bath toys - unlike the beach, there’s no sand. Bring “bath” toys for maximum entertainment
• Warm Bathrobe - it gets cold when you exit the outdoor pool and go through air conditioned hallways
• Hooded towel - great as a cover up or after a dip plus they are adorable
• Sunscreen - pack extra unless you want to pay premium prices
• Zip lock bags (different sizes) - you’ll need it for just about everything. Snacks, toys, dirty clothes, wet bathing suits - the list goes on!
• Funtainer thermos to keep water/milk cool in the hot sun
• First Aid Kit with multiple seasickness meds such as Ginger Candy, Wristbands and Kid-safe medications

Flying to the cruise port? Taking an excursion to the beach? Check out our other posts for packing and entertainment ideas:
What To Pack For Vacation With An Infant
Family Trip to DR - What To Pack For Kids
How To Travel Light With Your Family To the Beach
Road Trip With Kids: Survival Kit
Travel Kid Entertainment Kid
Travel Toys & Gear for 4+
Top 8 Family Travel Space Saving Tips

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Top 8 Family Travel Space Saving Tips

**This post contains affiliate links

The fees to check in luggage have skyrocketed lately! When traveling with children, especially young ones, luggage space is super limited and there’s so much to pack. Below are top 10 tips:

#1. Tech Gear: I have two words for you: Anker charger - If your child loves your phone or tablet, which, let's face it, they do! Make sure you take it and pre-charge. We absolutely love this Anker because it is super light for the amount of power it has. It has charged our horrid iPhone batteries 3-4 times on one charge!

*BONUS TIP* Don’t load up tons of travel tech gear. Stick to a few essentials. Do you really need a tablet, phone, laptop, camera, tripod and selfie-stick for a 3-day trip plus all the charges/wires? Pair down based on the itinerary.

#2. Neck Pillows: Go for an inflatable - we love this one with a hood. Packs up really small and easy to inflate: http://amzn.to/2kymhUj

*BONUS TIP*: For your kids: this 3-in-one is super cute and works as a neck pillow, backpack, and iPad holder! Comes in several designs: http://amzn.to/2kycopx

#3. Baby Gear: For kids under 2, you need tons of bottles/sippy cups. Stack them inside each other, nipple inward for more compact space, or get these adapters and save a ton of space! When you get to your destination, either order ahead or get a case of plastic bottles and use the adapter, then toss the bottle!

*BONUS TIP*Diapers: Pack sealed unopened packs, they are much more tightly packed

#4 Luggage: Invest in medium sized luggage (24”) with extender. If you get a large size, it's easy to over-pack and exceed the allowed size/weight limit. We swear by Samsonite. Get a spinner suitcase, it is so much easier to roll! Also, look for lighter luggage. Hard case luggage looks nice but adds more weight.

*BONUS TIP* When traveling with younger kids, make sure to get them identifying tags in case they are lost! Tattoo or bands work best so that they are discreet.

#5. Diaper Bag: Leave the bulky shoulder bag at home. It is a total waste! Bring this backpack. It's hands-free, has a built-in cooler, a mesh top and a ton of pockets. Bigger than an average diaper bag so you can take MORE on the plane for FREE (Diaper bags are not counted towards your luggage)

*BONUS TIP* Pack meds in clear Ziplocks and store them in the cooler of the diaper bag along with food/snacks. Easier to get through security by unzipping the bottom.

#6. Clothing: Get EBags and Space Saving Bags. I use space bags for bulky clothing, for example traveling to Mexico in January from NYC, our jackets go into Space Bags for a couple of reasons. Obviously to save space but also to ensure moisture from the warm climate does not seep in. Ebags are really great for organizing and packing outfits or separating itty-bitty kids clothing that can be super hard to fold and pack. Plus they go into drawers so they work as a liner and organizer.

*BONUS TIP* If you are potty training, bring 2x as many bottoms just in case!

#7. Beach Gear: Bring foldable beach bags and mesh sacks. They do not take up much space but you’ll need multiples for all of the toys, inflatables, towels, etc. Also, the mesh sacks help shake out all of the excess sand!

BONUS TIP* Get these clips and keep the towels from blowing away in the wind

#8. Airplane entertainment: Kids want a lot of toys and you want to entertain them during your travels. Below are good space saving options:

For the plane:

• Activity To go packs: Come loaded with stickers, markers, coloring books in a zip lock bag.
• Water Wow: Reusable for hours of fun. Just fill with water and your kiddo can color and re-color as soon as the water dries.
• Sticker Activity books: these are TINY but have several pages of activities. Get a couple!
• Triangular Crayons: they do not roll off the table, which can be especially terrible on a plane!
• Window decals - if you are sitting next to a window on a plane these are a great way to “decorate” space and not get dirty looks from the crew since they easily come off!
• Magnet activities: Comes with 50 magnets and a lot of options to play house

On the ground:

We take some smaller toys to the resort so that there’s some entertainment for our kiddo besides TV while we get dressed for dinner/lunch. Not the best picture but our child loves drawing, stickers, and water wow. Plus we took tiny books for bedtime reading and small puzzles. All fits into this Brica backpack that she carried herself.

Brica By-My-Side Safety Harness Backpack

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Rub a dub dub: Best Bath Toys

**This post contains affiliate links

My daughter loves the water but bath time can sometimes be a little boring for her. Check out these really bath time toys!

The first thing I ever bought was, you guessed it, rubber duckies and their moldy friends. About 2-3 baths in, they became gross, and not that fun.

TIP: For new rubber bath toys, hot glue the holes and they stay mold free.

We soon discovered tons of other types of bath toys that do not mold and provide a lot more fun.

Gone fishing! There are many but I love this particular brand. They do not mold and easier to catch since they have magnets: http://amzn.to/2amtPHW

Doodling - bath crayons: For the little artist like our girl, bath crayons are so much fun and doodles rinse with water: http://amzn.to/2aj2xyy

Letters and Numbers - Bath time can be a good time for the educational time including learning letters and numbers as well as spelling. We love these and have used them since she was one: http://amzn.to/2amtKUv

Puzzles: We have animal and letter puzzles they stick with water to tiles and are loads of fun: http://amzn.to/2aj4IlC

Bath books: We bought a variety. She loves to “wash” the animals on every page and flip the pages to learn different sea and land animals and objects: http://amzn.to/2aj563n and http://amzn.to/2aAxlPk

Build a scene water toy - I love these different sets by Alex Toys. Fuels the imagination and gives our toddler plenty to do while we wash and comb her hair: http://amzn.to/2amwtgL and http://amzn.to/2anukyE

Don’t forget storage for all these toys. On our wall, we have this storage which also lets water drain: http://amzn.to/2a5tivd

In the tub, we have a divider with easy access to toys chosen for the bath: http://amzn.to/2awIhwi

What toys does your little one absolutely love? Share with us in comments.


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Working Mama - Tips and Products

**This post contains affiliate links

I came across a really good article about returning to work – read more here: http://www.thebabycorner.com/page/2674/ and started reflecting about when I returned to work. It was a very nerve racking experience. Being away from the baby, pumping (aka lugging huge amounts of supplies), needing a lot more coordination both at work and at home to make sure I have everything each day. It was hard but it is doable with the right products and services.

Breastfeeding Mom’s Work Kit (If you are not breastfeeding, skip down to Working Mom’s Sanity Services)

• Hand Pump – they are not expensive, keep one at the office just in case you forget a piece or the whole electric pump at home
• http://amzn.to/2asbECy

• Medela Double Pump (be sure to check with your insurance to see if its covered) – if buying used, always buy new parts (tubes too) Pumping Bra – I didn’t use one but I can totally see how comfy this would be!
• http://amzn.to/2ab6oxA
• http://amzn.to/2a26dVC

• Milk Bottles ( I’ve taken the pump and forgotten the bottles on several occasions: hack – keep some Ziplocks at work and tape - in case you forget bottles to pump into)
• http://amzn.to/2aqUbsU

• Small Cooler
• We have this one: http://amzn.to/2a26ibK

• Nipple Cream
• http://amzn.to/2ai2bN9
• http://amzn.to/2ab6S6V

• Photo of your baby! It helps milk production
• Breast pads – keep a stash at your desk as well
• http://amzn.to/2aHANFw

• Snacks! If your office doesn’t provide, bring snacks for pumping. Almonds, oatmeal, cereal bars, and coconut water really help. You can get them shipped to your office too to drag less
• http://amzn.to/29X19GF
• http://amzn.to/2asdF1y

• Sanitizing Paci Wipes – I did not feel comfortable washing my pumping parts at work so I brought wipes – you can buy several types. I used the Medela wipes and Pacifier Wipes (whatever I had) - if you have space at work to wash, I used Dapple
• http://amzn.to/2ac58NJ
• http://amzn.to/2ac57cZ
• http://amzn.to/2ac5nZk

• Buy two sets of Shields so you always have a clean set (if you are really pressed for time, get a gallon zip lock, put your used pump parts and put it in the fridge/freezer so that they are not collecting as much bacteria until you can wash them) - Make sure you get fitted correctly for the valve!
• http://amzn.to/2aHANVT
• http://amzn.to/2ab7qtc
• http://amzn.to/2ai3Im2

Working Mom’s Sanity Tools and Services:

• Nest Cam – our baby stayed home with a caretaker and before returning to work, we purchased several of these and watched (still do!) cameras all day. Nest cams are one of the best on the market. I love that you can zoom the in, hear audio well and set timers for them to turn on and off. You can also record for an extra fee.
• This is a great deal! http://amzn.to/2asd9kg
• Amazon Family/Prime – this was my true lifesaver. Everything that was time sensitive I subscribed to and was able to check to ensure we have enough (Diapers, Wipes, Diaper Cream, Medicine, Formula (when we needed supplementation), Pouches and Puffs (when we hit the solids stage). They also give you deeper discounts than others - for example, diapers are 20% off! fiIt really kept me sane. We never had time to go to the store between working full time and laundry, cleaning and other errands. Same day delivery means if we don’t have enough bottles, blankets, whatever else, it’s there faster than most other delivery services. I’ve found that Diapers.com and Walmart still can’t beat out most Amazon prices, and continue to use it.
• http://amzn.to/2aqVI21
• Food Delivery Service – if you can afford it. Do it, at least for the first 3 months until you get into a good groove. Yes, it is more expensive than a local store, but on par with Whole Foods/Trader Joe. Not to mention, everything is delivered to your door. We like Fresh direct but Amazon Fresh is starting to look promising. We ordered a lot of Heat and Eat types of dishes to avoid unhealthy pizza deliveries.

Whatever your reason for returning to work, stay strong, it does get easier with time. Let us know – what’s in your Mommy Workbag? What keeps you sane?


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Diaper Bag Essentials

**This post contains affiliate links

Did you ever have that one day that you thought you have everything you need in your diaper bag and then realized that ONE thing missing that would have been so helpful?

Broken out into three categories: Infant, Toddler and Preschooler are what I’ve had in my diaper bag throughout the years.

Newborn/Infant Diaper Bag:

• Wipes
• Diapers (1 for every 2 hrs)
• Diaper Rash cream: http://amzn.to/29hGM1A
• Changing pad/clutch: http://amzn.to/29ummGP
• Muslin Blanket: http://amzn.to/29hGDLA
• super versatile - use it for covering the stroller from the sun, as a swaddle, breastfeeding cover
• Extra baby bottle
• Bibs/Burp cloth: http://amzn.to/29OGrFA
• best coverage and ultra soft! my favorite
• Hand sanitizer: http://amzn.to/29OGf9h
• Change of clothes (include extra socks, mittens, hat, shirt, onsie, footsie)
• Fleece blanket: http://amzn.to/29hHGej
• love this brand!
• 2 extra pacifiers (if used): http://amzn.to/29hI1Oa and http://amzn.to/29hHtrJ
• Mam and Avent are the most preferred by moms I polled
• Pacifier holder: http://amzn.to/29hHtrJ
• Bottle of water - just in case you cant find running water to rinse off a paci or bottle
• Formula (powder or ready feed)
• Ice pack: http://amzn.to/29wQUcJ
• Cooler or Backpack with Cooler which is what we always used: http://amzn.to/29qFvZH

1+ Toddler Diaper Bag:

• Sippy Cup: http://amzn.to/29OHLIw
• Change of clothes
• Disposable Bibs http://amzn.to/29OHUM4
• Disposable place mats: http://amzn.to/29hJiVr
• Pouch handles: http://amzn.to/29OJOfm
• Bibs (soft): http://amzn.to/29OGrFA
• Bibs (solids): http://amzn.to/29OJEF7
• at this age, I brought two types in case we ate something super mess
• Happybabby puffs: http://amzn.to/29upuCu
• Organic Yogurt Melts: http://amzn.to/29hKtnP
• Pack of tissues
• Hand sanitizer
• Phone stand: http://amzn.to/29idKE0
• for meltdowns at restaurants we guiltily admit putting a phone in front of our kid
• Diapers/Pull Ups
• Wipes
• Changing pad
• Coloring Book and Triangular Crayons: http://amzn.to/29hLzA8
• We had one in our back since she turned 1. It keeps her occupied and rectangular crayons don’t roll off the table. Win Win
• Backpack for a beginning walker with harness: http://amzn.to/29hL8pr
• We loved our Brica - its a regular back pack with a “leash” which we used at amusement parks, aquariums, airports - its piece of mind in case your child doesn’t want to hold your hand

2+ Preschooler Diaper Bag:

Everything in the toddler bag +

• Wet bag or zip locks for accidents: http://amzn.to/29OLoOJ
• Extra Underwear if potty training - because accidents will happen
• Change of clothes for said accidents
• Toilet seat covers: http://amzn.to/29ies47
• Travel Potty: http://amzn.to/29hMyAb
• Travel Toilet Adapter: http://amzn.to/29wU1kL
• its bulky but it doesn’t pinch or slide around. Worth the extra tote bag!
• On the Go WOW - color with water: http://amzn.to/29qIkdr
• This is such a brilliant idea. You fill the pen with water so there’s no mess, water makes color appear. Then it dries black and white and you start all over again.
• Grab and Go activity pack: http://amzn.to/295wGpm
• I always have at least 1 in my diaper bag. Not every place gives a child crayons and a coloring book so I always keep this handy to occupy my little one. Doctor visit, restaurant, anywhere really.

For more On The Go toys - check out our next post - coming soon!


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Trikes, Bikes and Cars!

**This post contains affiliate links

It's fun to move away from the typical stroller and get a push trike, bike or car.

Below are our top pics:

Best Trike: 1yr+ http://amzn.to/294YicG
- Grows with your child and is super comfy! A huge hit at our local park

Best Bike: 2yr+ http://amzn.to/28Y5iVr
- Amazing for a child learning. Everything is adjustable and the parent can help steer

Best Push Car: 1yr+ http://amzn.to/2a35EMB
- Another huge hit! Comes with a cup holder and a little storage bin for toys

Best Scooter: 2yr+ http://amzn.to/298Fzzc
- Best scooter on the market! Easy to use, lightweight

Best Scooter: 4yr+ http://amzn.to/2918l00
- Same brand but taller and higher weight requirement

It's very important that your child wears a helmet when riding a bike or scooter. Below are some of our favorites:

Helmet: http://amzn.to/29kTQoF
- This brand is truly the best. Durable, lightweight and cushioned helmet.

Knee, Elbow, and Wrist Pads: http://amzn.to/2953YDB

Sound-off: What do you think? Let us know below

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Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Baby Shower Gifts can be a daunting task, especially if the parents-to-be didn’t register or have no idea what they need for their new bundle. Whether a Shower or a Sprinkle, see below for some great “Basket” ideas. Some are quite unique - so check them all out!
A basket itself can be a useful item! Get a diaper organizer like this to place your goodies - http://amzn.to/28JLFUe
*this post contains affiliate links

Healthy Baby Care Basket

Road Trip With Kids: Survival Kit

Last weekend, we took a road trip to NJ to pick strawberries. On the way, my daughter got sick all over the car seat, my arm, herself, the doll - you get the picture. It was not pretty. It made me seriously re-consider what we stash in the car. Also, now that she’s getting older, she needs something entertaining. (Before she would just zonk out and it was glorious!)
Below is a quick survival kit that you can stash in the car or bring with you:

Toy Recommendations 0-3 yrs

I have put together a list of toys that I absolutely love.
We bought tons of toys for my daughter and below are the “winners’:

*this post contains affiliate links

Toys under 1

Toys for Math - Count Through Play

We’re excited - we’ve learned to count to 15! Throughout daily tasks, we try and teach our daughter counting. From berries to fingers to birds in the park, we make it fun to count. We also love these toys that help make counting fun:

Toddlers...

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3-4 Year Old Toy Recommendations

We're turning 3 soon and I've noticed a few things about my preschooler. Instead of reaching for loud toys, we're going for building sets and peg boards and art projects.

I have an "Open Tab" registry. I add toys I read about or that we encounter at various children's museums and classes. The ones that make the list are educational or develop a certain skill, bonus points if the set can be used for versatile play and grow with the child.
Below is my registry for her to continue her fascination with building and pretend play:

Board Games for 2 and up

It’s cold outside. Tired of crafts and loud toys? Grab some kid-friendly board games and have a family night!
I used to think that board games are for older kids but recently discovered some hits with my daughter. She is turning 3 soon but we’ve played a few