Recommended Supplies for Infants & Toddlers
For Teething:
Bibs with Teething Attachments
Babies drool incredible amounts when they are teething, and these cute little bibs will do double duty as both drool catchers and teething toys that your little one can pick up and gnaw on as needed.
Sophie the Giraffe
Most of us have seen little ones gnawing on the ever popular rubber giraffe named Sophie. These are a huge hit with teething babies, and light enough to easily grab and go when you need to take your teething baby out into the world.
Most of us have seen little ones gnawing on the ever popular rubber giraffe named Sophie. These are a huge hit with teething babies, and light enough to easily grab and go when you need to take your teething baby out into the world.
Cactus Teether
These are very similar to the bananas many of your friends may be giving their kids. I like keeping the toys unique enough that you know whose is whose at the end of the playdate, and I appreciate that these have more surfaces for baby to chew on and explore. The long arms area also great for when they're bringing in their molars!
These are very similar to the bananas many of your friends may be giving their kids. I like keeping the toys unique enough that you know whose is whose at the end of the playdate, and I appreciate that these have more surfaces for baby to chew on and explore. The long arms area also great for when they're bringing in their molars!
Little Twig Feeder & Teether
I love this type of silicone feeder for starting babies on foods that can't be safely offered on their own (berries, etc). The older style of feeder has a plastic mesh that can scrape up baby's gums and be pretty harsh, so these are a huge improvement. All the better that it comes with a silicone freezing system so that you can freeze those foods, or even breastmilk, to make popsicles that will also ease their teething pains!
I love this type of silicone feeder for starting babies on foods that can't be safely offered on their own (berries, etc). The older style of feeder has a plastic mesh that can scrape up baby's gums and be pretty harsh, so these are a huge improvement. All the better that it comes with a silicone freezing system so that you can freeze those foods, or even breastmilk, to make popsicles that will also ease their teething pains!
Calmies Rubber Teether
This was my son's favorite teething toy! He loved that he could hold it so easily, and it really encouraged him to explore his hands and bite more. I loved the natural rubber texture and smell - it's not scented at all, but has a naturally sweet, comforting smell to me.
This was my son's favorite teething toy! He loved that he could hold it so easily, and it really encouraged him to explore his hands and bite more. I loved the natural rubber texture and smell - it's not scented at all, but has a naturally sweet, comforting smell to me.
Teething Tincture
This stuff is amazing at taking the edge off of the teething pain, so that your other efforts and remedies can have a chance of succeeding. Some days, you just need that extra layer of help, and it's helpful to have this in your cupboard for just those times.
{Do make sure you review and follow the instructions for infant dosing, as it is a much smaller amount than what the bottle says!}
This stuff is amazing at taking the edge off of the teething pain, so that your other efforts and remedies can have a chance of succeeding. Some days, you just need that extra layer of help, and it's helpful to have this in your cupboard for just those times.
{Do make sure you review and follow the instructions for infant dosing, as it is a much smaller amount than what the bottle says!}
Tummy Tincture
This is a fantastic remedy for resolving digestive upset during pregnancy, as well as settling baby's tummy when they're gassy or uncomfortable. Teething causes them to swallow excessive amounts of saliva, which can give them bellyaches, cause gas, and make for some truly funky poops. This can be a game changer!
{Do make sure you review and follow the instructions for infant dosing, as it is a much smaller amount than what the bottle says!}
This is a fantastic remedy for resolving digestive upset during pregnancy, as well as settling baby's tummy when they're gassy or uncomfortable. Teething causes them to swallow excessive amounts of saliva, which can give them bellyaches, cause gas, and make for some truly funky poops. This can be a game changer!
{Do make sure you review and follow the instructions for infant dosing, as it is a much smaller amount than what the bottle says!}
For Play:
Snail Hand Puppet
My toddler LOVED this snail! It was perfect for hugging and cuddles when he was upset, is much easier to make talk than many others, and is adorable. He requested it on a daily basis, and it's soft and light for bringing out and about.
Walk 'n Roll
This deceptively simple toy is another huge favorite. It makes a comparatively pleasant sound when it rolls, making it an excellent pretend vacuum cleaner, lawn mower, etc. Toddlers will come back to this one again and again, finding new ways to use and explore it.
This deceptively simple toy is another huge favorite. It makes a comparatively pleasant sound when it rolls, making it an excellent pretend vacuum cleaner, lawn mower, etc. Toddlers will come back to this one again and again, finding new ways to use and explore it.
Pull Along Snail
Another favorite, this snail is super cute when it moves. (Obviously we're fans of snails around here!). You can use it like a puppet if you lift the head by the string, and toddlers are encouraged to walk to get the middle rolling up and down with the wheels.
Food, Knife & Cutting Board
These are for the older toddlers, and are amazing for pretend and practice play. My kiddo will cut these over and over, as quickly as I can put them back together. The variety gives him opportunity to practice with lots of different shapes, angles and sizes, and the size of the food is compatible with his other play food so we can mix and match for more interesting meals.
These are for the older toddlers, and are amazing for pretend and practice play. My kiddo will cut these over and over, as quickly as I can put them back together. The variety gives him opportunity to practice with lots of different shapes, angles and sizes, and the size of the food is compatible with his other play food so we can mix and match for more interesting meals.
For Sleeping & Soothing:
Zipadee-Zip Swaddling Transition Blanket
As your baby approaches the age when they'll be able to roll over and may get stuck on their stomach, it is important to begin weaning them off their swaddle. There are a few options out there that help you do this, this one is breathable and super functional.
Zipadee-Zip Swaddling Transition Blanket
As your baby approaches the age when they'll be able to roll over and may get stuck on their stomach, it is important to begin weaning them off their swaddle. There are a few options out there that help you do this, this one is breathable and super functional.
Aden + Anaïs Muslin Sleeping Bag
I recommend transitioning to these or something like them well before babies are old enough to begin to roll over. They are much more breathable than the average sleep sack, making them a safer choice as your babe begins to move more at night. They zip from below for easy diaper changes, and just get softer with age.
I recommend transitioning to these or something like them well before babies are old enough to begin to roll over. They are much more breathable than the average sleep sack, making them a safer choice as your babe begins to move more at night. They zip from below for easy diaper changes, and just get softer with age.
Ninni Pacifiers
If you are aiming for exclusive breast/chestfeeding, then we recommend that you avoid pacifiers, if possible, until your preferred feeding method is well established (generally plan on 4-6 weeks).
That said, if you do need one at any point, this is the best pacifier I know of. It's the only one that encourages a wider mouth at the base, and doesn't apply pressure to the palate that could encourage unhealthy shaping. This is the most human-like, but is also optimal for bottle feed babies (I encourage this wider base for bottle nipples as well).
If you are aiming for exclusive breast/chestfeeding, then we recommend that you avoid pacifiers, if possible, until your preferred feeding method is well established (generally plan on 4-6 weeks).
That said, if you do need one at any point, this is the best pacifier I know of. It's the only one that encourages a wider mouth at the base, and doesn't apply pressure to the palate that could encourage unhealthy shaping. This is the most human-like, but is also optimal for bottle feed babies (I encourage this wider base for bottle nipples as well).
Kids Books:
Grumpy Monkey
We literally read this every day. Many. Many. Times.
We loved it so much, with the opportunities for various voices and development of characters, it didn't get boring the way many kids books can. The illustrations are great (and hilarious), and the book explores how kids can feel, how they can recognize feelings in others, and how it can be okay to feel grumpy for a while.
Grumpy Monkey
We literally read this every day. Many. Many. Times.
We loved it so much, with the opportunities for various voices and development of characters, it didn't get boring the way many kids books can. The illustrations are great (and hilarious), and the book explores how kids can feel, how they can recognize feelings in others, and how it can be okay to feel grumpy for a while.
The Way I Feel
I absolutely love the illustrations in this book, and the feelings are clearly conveyed for small children to begin to understand. I do adjust some of the wording to fit our parenting approach, but (at least until he begins to read and object) it is easily done. We often refer to the feelings or concepts in the book, referring to the images and rhymes he remembers to help him understand his feelings as we go.
I absolutely love the illustrations in this book, and the feelings are clearly conveyed for small children to begin to understand. I do adjust some of the wording to fit our parenting approach, but (at least until he begins to read and object) it is easily done. We often refer to the feelings or concepts in the book, referring to the images and rhymes he remembers to help him understand his feelings as we go.
It's Okay to Be Different
When a friend gifted us with two of Todd Parr's books, I was dubious at first. She swore by them though, as seeing as she is a child therapist, I went with it. Oh my goodness, was she right. We're collecting as many as we can find, and he loves all of them! We always read the letter from Todd at the end, and look at the picture of him with his dogs, and I suspect that our toddler thinks of Todd as a family friend. Any book by him is well worth checking out!
When a friend gifted us with two of Todd Parr's books, I was dubious at first. She swore by them though, as seeing as she is a child therapist, I went with it. Oh my goodness, was she right. We're collecting as many as we can find, and he loves all of them! We always read the letter from Todd at the end, and look at the picture of him with his dogs, and I suspect that our toddler thinks of Todd as a family friend. Any book by him is well worth checking out!
You're Here for a Reason
This book is so lovely, and the message is deep. As we follow the adventures of a kite, we see how one act of kindness can affect unknown, countless others. The art and simplicity of this book makes it one of my all time favorites. I think that the message will take root over time, as my toddler takes in different aspects of the story over the coming years.
This book is so lovely, and the message is deep. As we follow the adventures of a kite, we see how one act of kindness can affect unknown, countless others. The art and simplicity of this book makes it one of my all time favorites. I think that the message will take root over time, as my toddler takes in different aspects of the story over the coming years.
Otis
This is a board book, which continues to be a top fav with the kiddo. The messages of friendship and loyalty are sweet, and the illustrations are marvelous. (Growing up, I could never understand why my mom was so into talking about the art in my books. But now that I'm the adult having to look at them all day, I totally understand!)
There are other Otis books too, which seem to explore older topics such as fear of the dark, and bravery.
This is a board book, which continues to be a top fav with the kiddo. The messages of friendship and loyalty are sweet, and the illustrations are marvelous. (Growing up, I could never understand why my mom was so into talking about the art in my books. But now that I'm the adult having to look at them all day, I totally understand!)
There are other Otis books too, which seem to explore older topics such as fear of the dark, and bravery.
Made by Maxine
As Feminist parents, this book is at the very top of our list. Maxine is an amazing main character, with blue streaks in her hair, inspiring persistence and self confidence, and the fantastic motto of "If I can dream it, I can make it!". Make sure you look for the photos of real scientists on her walls, and other great hidden messages. Plus, who doesn't love a dancing fish?!
As Feminist parents, this book is at the very top of our list. Maxine is an amazing main character, with blue streaks in her hair, inspiring persistence and self confidence, and the fantastic motto of "If I can dream it, I can make it!". Make sure you look for the photos of real scientists on her walls, and other great hidden messages. Plus, who doesn't love a dancing fish?!
Possum Magic
Okay, so I'm not sure this one has any deep hidden message or emotional intelligence factor. But the story is so sweet, unusual, and touching, and the art really gets me. I bought this one before we ever met our son, and kept it on the shelf to motivate me to keep moving toward our eventual parenthood. Now that he's a toddler and old enough to enjoy it with me, this book has become even more special.
Okay, so I'm not sure this one has any deep hidden message or emotional intelligence factor. But the story is so sweet, unusual, and touching, and the art really gets me. I bought this one before we ever met our son, and kept it on the shelf to motivate me to keep moving toward our eventual parenthood. Now that he's a toddler and old enough to enjoy it with me, this book has become even more special.
Hello Baby
This is the most popular and well loved book for young children about a new baby entering their family. It tells a lovely birth story, attended by midwives at home.
What Makes a Baby
This is a great book to share with kids as a part of your conversation about their conception story. It breaks the process down into very accurate but simple terms, and works for every family model and identity, including queer, trans & genderqueer parents, solo parents, sperm and/or egg donors, adoption, and all the many various ways we can create and identify our families.
This is a great book to share with kids as a part of your conversation about their conception story. It breaks the process down into very accurate but simple terms, and works for every family model and identity, including queer, trans & genderqueer parents, solo parents, sperm and/or egg donors, adoption, and all the many various ways we can create and identify our families.
Recommended Reading
The No-Cry Sleep Solution
This is my favorite author on all things sleep-related! She has a book for newborns, as well as a book for toddlers and preschoolers. Her website is also chock full of great blog posts and tips, so she's a wealth of accessible information.
Kids, Carrots & Candy: A Practical, Positive Approach to Raising Kids Free of Food & Weight Problems
Hearthstone Midwifery is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I would never refer a client to an item that I didn't fully believe in, and offer these listings in order to better support clients in sorting through the overwhelming abundance of options as they prepare for this next important stage in their lives. If you have feedback about any item listed here, please let me know!
I am constantly updating these lists based on client experiences, as well as my own,
and would love to hear what you have learned.
|
c: 707.893.7877 |