Essentials for 18-24 months?

[Anonymous]

A friend finally, after years of waiting, got the call that she can adopt a sweet 18 month old. She has basically nothing for him--just a few outfits, a stroller, a car seat. My kids are a lot older and I am totally forgetting what she needs! Clothes I can figure out, but what else am I not thinking of? They're past bibs, right? Pre-potty training? Ahh cannot remember anything...would be grateful for any ideas!

[Anonymous]

Toys, books, toiletries (tear free shampoo etc), toothbrush, toothpaste, a toddler bed and sheets, a changing pad, a diaper bag, sippy cups, plastic plates and cutlery…a high chair, is the car seat a convertible one, an 18 month old will have outgrown the infant one, an anti slip mat for the tub and or one of those kid tubs…

[Anonymous]

Some still need bibs, and even the cleaner eaters may need them for tomato sauce dishes that stain.

[Anonymous]

They want you to rear face in the car for as long as possible nowadays, that will definitely be new to you.

Nightlight, baby proofing supplies, boogar sucker, baby tylenol, xylitol baby tooth paste and baby flossers, white noise machine, balance bike?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Toys, books, toiletries (tear free shampoo etc), toothbrush, toothpaste, a toddler bed and sheets, a changing pad, a diaper bag, sippy cups, plastic plates and cutlery…a high chair, is the car seat a convertible one, an 18 month old will have outgrown the infant one, an anti slip mat for the tub and or one of those kid tubs…

This is a great list. Crib and crib sheets, sound machine / baby monitor

Diapers and a changing pad, diaper bag

Simple toys like a bouncing ball and pull cars are fun at that age

[Anonymous]

I'd tell your friend to check on buy nothing, a lot of people are cleaning out their kids toy bins before the holidays and you can get toys that way

18 months definitely need bibs and most are not ready for potty training.

Get her some Sandra Boynton books, they tolerable to read on repeat

[Anonymous]

I have a 20mo and here are some things we can’t live without:

Dining - Silicone bibs (for messy meals), snack cups, Munchkin silverware, 360 cup, plates, bowls, and weighted straw sippy cups. Costco was selling a great 18-piece set for the plates, cups, bowls and silverware.

Diapering - Butt paste, booty brush, OXO refillable diaper wipe holder, Skip Hop portable changing pad, Munchkin diaper on the go bags, Diaper genie and bags

Health - Thermometer, nail clipper, tooth brush & paste (we like Dr. Talbot’s), brush

Bathing - nonslip mat, faucet cover (highly recommend the Skip Hop bath set, the knee pad is a lifesaver), water thermometer, some toys, Munchkin toy scoop. We just use regular towels now, the infant towels are too small. We usually use J&J wash but babyganics has a nice starter set we liked too

Sleeping - Cloud Island crib sheets (4, baby will get sick), a lovey for them to sleep with, sound machine, black out curtains

Out and about - warm small throw blankets for in the stroller or car (TJ Maxx has good fleece ones cheap)

Toys - balls, small basketball hoop, Lovery block set, wind up cars (Melissa and Doug has a cute set), play cleaning broom set

Misc - if the baby uses a pacifier have several of their preferred brand, pacifier carrying cases, pacifier clips

If your friend is in DC make sure to sign baby up for Imagination Library, Dolly Parton’s charity, they’re partnered with DC Public Library and send an age-appropriate book each month

[Anonymous]

These are GREAT lists!!! I will send these to her. Thank you all!!

[Anonymous]

Just adding that many 18 month olds are still in a crib vs a toddler bed. Every one I know. My 2.5 year old is still in a crib!

Diaper bag for mom & dad, check with foster parents to have some preferred snacks and food on hand because a big transition can even make the most adventurous kid picky in an effort to control something, stroller or wagon still definitely a must at that age for outings, baby gates for stairs, aquaphor for everything

[Anonymous]

22 month mom here - these lists are great! Also adding:

- booster seat - Summer makes one that is like a folding chair concept that is great for travel
- pack n play - again, if planning to do any travel
- puzzles - Melissa & Doug
- lift-the-flap books
- stickers/sticker books
- if buying crayons, get the washable kind!
- water bottles - we like the Contigo ones that have the flip top
- spill proof sippy cups
- vtech first 100 words books and/or learning tablet - these keep us sane in the car when traveling
- pouches and Pirates Booty

For a bigger purchase, my son loves his Nugget couch/playmat/climbing toy. Little Tykes slide too! He’s also getting into a play kitchen.

Second the recommendations to check out buy-nothing groups and FB Marketplace.

So happy for your friend and this child, and your kindness with supporting her is really wonderful. Wishing everyone much joy ahead!

[Anonymous]

Also a step stool for hand-washing and brushing teeth!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also a step stool for hand-washing and brushing teeth!

This is key! Little step stools for any sink they use frequently.

I’m trying to think of the less obvious things -

A small/jewelry screwdriver set and AA’s for all the trains, etc that always need batteries. I never see this on lists, but I also had a couple yards of vinyl backed fabric (picnic tablecloth material) from the fabric store to use as a mat for playdoh, painting, any type of messy play. Also a toddler sized table and chair will be helpful. I kept a pack of acetaminophen suppositories on hand in case there was a vomiting illness to deal with. Think about looking for used balance bikes, scooter etc to use once the weather warms up again. It’s so nice you are doing this for your friend!