18 Month Old Essentials (18-24 Months)
Eighteen to twenty-four months is a busy, independent stage. Many toddlers run, climb and say no with conviction, and the gear list grows to include early art supplies, building toys, outdoor play and sometimes the first potty.
This page gathers everything useful in this window. Plenty of it lasts well into the preschool years, so these picks tend to get a lot of use. If you're deciding where to spend, choose items that work across several years, like building toys, a step stool and a sturdy water bottle, and skip anything with a narrow age window.
Many toddlers at this age run, climb, start combining words and enjoy simple pretend play like feeding a doll. Some show early interest in the potty, though many aren't ready yet. Every child develops at their own pace, so there's no need to rush any of it.
Strollers & Walks
- Baby CarrierSoft structured carrier or wrap for hands-free soothing, naps and errands.Essential
0-2 years - Stroller Mosquito NetBreathable netting shields baby from bugs without trapping heat.Essential
0-3 years - Stroller Rain CoverWaterproof cover keeps baby dry and cozy during surprise showers.Essential
0-3 years - Stroller Travel SystemCompatible stroller and car seat combo for easy transitions from car to sidewalk.Essential
0-3 years - Stroller Cup HolderClamp-on cup holder keeps coffee or water steady while pushing the stroller.Nice to have
0-4 years - Stroller FootmuffInsulated sleeping-bag liner that keeps baby warm in the stroller in cold weather.Nice to have
0-3 years - Stroller HooksSturdy clips that hang shopping bags and diaper bags off the handlebar.Nice to have
0-4 years - Stroller OrganizerHandlebar caddy or diaper-bag attachment for wipes, phone, keys and snacks.Nice to have
0-4 years - Stroller Umbrella AttachmentShade canopy that clips onto stroller handles to block harsh sun on walks.Nice to have
0-3 years - Ligashka (Hip Seat Carrier)Hip seat carrier with a waist belt and shelf seat, so a toddler can sit on your hip without straining your back.Nice to have
6 months-3 years - Travel Cabin StrollerLightweight stroller that folds small for city trips and airplane overhead bins.Nice to have
6 months-4 years
Car & Travel
- Backseat Car MirrorShatterproof mirror that lets you glance at a rear-facing baby without turning around.Essential
0-2 years - Convertible Car SeatSeat that stays rear-facing longer, then turns forward-facing as your child grows.Essential
0-4 years - Car Window SunshadesCling or roller shades that keep direct sun off a napping baby in the back seat.Nice to have
0-5 years - Gate Check Stroller BagDurable bag that protects your stroller or car seat when you check it at the gate.Nice to have
0-4 years - Travel CribLightweight folding crib for hotels, grandparents and holiday rentals.Nice to have
0-3 years - Airplane Tray Table CoverStretch cover that turns a grubby tray table into a clean play and snack surface.Nice to have
6 months-4 years - Airplane Harness (CARES)Aviation-approved belt-and-shoulder harness for toddlers in their own airplane seat.Nice to have
12 months-4 years - Toddler BackpackSmall backpack sized for little shoulders, for daycare spare clothes or a flight toy stash.Nice to have
18 months-5 years - Rear-Facing Car CameraDash screen and camera with a clearer view of rear-facing riders than a mirror.Splurge
0-2 years
Feeding
- Absorbent BibsSoft bibs that catch drool and milk to keep outfits dry between changes.Essential
0-2 years - Baby Dish DetergentFragrance-free dish soap that rinses milk residue off bottles and pump parts.Essential
0-3 years - Bottle Cleaning BrushBrush with a nipple cleaner for hard-to-reach bottle corners and pump valves.Essential
0-2 years - High ChairStable seat with a footrest that brings baby to the table for solids.Essential
6 months-3 years - Open & 360 Training CupsSmall open cups and spill-resistant 360 cups for learning to drink from a cup.Essential
6 months-3 years - Silicone Pocket BibsWipe-clean bibs with a food-catching pocket for messy first meals.Essential
6 months-3 years - Silicone Suction PlatesDivided silicone plates that stay put and survive drops during self-feeding.Essential
6 months-3 years - Toddler Water BottleLeak-proof straw bottle sized for toddler hands and on-the-go sipping.Essential
9 months-5 years - Travel Booster & Hook-On ChairPortable booster or table-clamp seat for restaurants, hotels and grandparents.Nice to have
6 months-3 years - Spill-Proof Snack CupSnack cup with soft flaps so little hands can reach in without spilling.Nice to have
9 months-4 years - Kitchen Helper TowerEnclosed step stool that brings toddlers safely up to counter height.Nice to have
15 months-5 years - Toddler Metal UtensilsSmall stainless cutlery with dull edges and chunky handles for confident eaters.Nice to have
18 months-5 years - Porcelain Character PlatesFun real dishware that makes mealtime feel grown-up for older toddlers.Splurge
20 months-5 years
Bath & Care
- Gentle Baby WashMild, tear-free cleanser for hair and delicate baby skin.Essential
0-5 years - Hooded Baby TowelsSoft towels with a hood to keep babies warm after baths.Essential
0-3 years - Soft WashclothsGentle cloths for sponge baths and quick cleanups.Essential
0-3 years - Foaming Hand Soap for KidsGentle foaming soap that makes independent handwashing easy to learn.Essential
12 months-5 years - Baby LotionFragrance-free moisturizer for dry patches after bath time.Nice to have
0-5 years - Bath Rinse CupSoft-edged cup that rinses shampoo away from the eyes.Nice to have
6 months-5 years - Bath ToysCups, boats and pourers that turn bath time into water play.Nice to have
6 months-5 years
Diapering & Potty
- Contoured Changing PadWipe-clean pad with raised sides for a changing table or dresser top.Essential
0-2 years - Diaper BagOrganized backpack or tote with changing essentials and insulated pockets.Essential
0-3 years - Diaper Rash CreamBarrier cream that protects skin from redness between changes.Essential
0-3 years - Folding Changing PadPortable, foldable mat for clean diaper changes on the go.Essential
0-3 years - Fragrance-Free Baby WipesGentle wipes that clean sensitive skin without perfume.Essential
0-3 years - Wet BagWaterproof zip bag for soiled clothes, swimsuits and cloth diapers.Essential
0-5 years - Floor PottyChild-sized potty that sits on the floor for the first stage of potty training.Essential
18 months-4 years - Toilet Step StoolNon-slip step for reaching the toilet and the bathroom sink.Essential
18 months-5 years - Diaper CaddyPortable organizer that keeps diapers, wipes and cream in one spot.Nice to have
0-2 years - Diaper Disposal BagsSmall sealable bags for dirty diapers when there's no bin nearby.Nice to have
0-3 years - Diaper PailSealed bin that contains odors between trash runs.Nice to have
0-3 years
Sleep & Nursery
- Convertible CribFull-size crib that later converts to a toddler bed.Essential
0-4 years - Crib MattressFirm, flat mattress that fits the crib snugly with no gaps.Essential
0-4 years - Fitted Crib SheetsSnug sheets that stay put on a firm sleep surface.Essential
0-4 years - Waterproof Mattress ProtectorThin waterproof layer that protects the mattress from leaks and spills.Essential
0-5 years - Sleep SacksWearable blankets that keep babies warm once swaddling stops.Essential
3 months-3 years - Blackout CurtainsLight-blocking curtains or blinds that help with early mornings and daytime naps.Nice to have
0-5 years - Changing Table or Dresser TopperWaist-height changing station that saves your back.Nice to have
0-2 years - Muslin BlanketsLarge breathable cotton squares for burp cloths, shade, tummy time and cuddles.Nice to have
0-2 years - Night LightDim, warm light for night feeds and toddler reassurance.Nice to have
0-5 years - Nursery Glider or ReclinerComfortable rocking chair for night feeds and bedtime stories.Nice to have
0-2 years - PacifiersSoothers that satisfy the natural sucking reflex.Nice to have
0-2 years - Portable Sound MachinePocket-size rechargeable white noise for car seats, strollers and hotel rooms.Nice to have
0-4 years - White Noise MachineSteady soundscape that masks household noise for naps and nights.Nice to have
0-5 years - Front-Facing BookshelfLow shelf that displays book covers within a child's reach.Nice to have
6 months-5 years - Toddler BedLow bed with side rails for the move out of the crib.Nice to have
18 months-5 years
Smart Monitoring
- Audio Baby MonitorSimple sound-only monitor with long battery life and range.Nice to have
0-3 years - Room Temperature & Humidity SensorSmall sensor that shows nursery temperature and humidity at a glance.Nice to have
0-5 years - Video Baby MonitorCamera and dedicated parent screen on a local connection, no app required.Nice to have
0-4 years - AI Baby CameraWi-Fi camera with app alerts, sleep tracking and remote viewing.Splurge
0-3 years
Play & Development
- Board BooksSturdy books for bedtime routines and early language.Essential
0-5 years - Teething RingsChillable rings to chew on as the first teeth come in.Essential
3 months-2 years - Sensory BallsSet of textured balls to squeeze, roll and chase.Nice to have
6 months-2 years - Soft BlocksSquishy fabric or silicone blocks for stacking and knocking over.Nice to have
6 months-2 years - Stacking CupsNesting cups for stacking, pouring, bath play and sand.Nice to have
6 months-3 years - Stacking RingsClassic ring-on-a-post toy for sizes and hand-eye coordination.Nice to have
6 months-2 years - Activity CubeCube with gears, beads and doors on every side.Nice to have
9 months-2 years - Airplane Busy ToysSmall, quiet, new-to-them toys saved for flights.Nice to have
9 months-3 years - Pop-Up ToyButtons and switches that make characters pop up.Nice to have
9 months-2 years - Toddler Musical InstrumentsShakers, drum and xylophone for banging out rhythms.Nice to have
9 months-4 years - Shape SorterBox with holes for matching shapes, a classic first puzzle.Nice to have
10-30 months - Walker WagonWooden push wagon that doubles as a block cart and toy hauler.Nice to have
10-30 months - Light-Switch Busy BoardPocket fidget board with switches, buttons and latches.Nice to have
12 months-3 years - Ride-On ToyLow ride-on car or bike that toddlers push with their feet.Nice to have
12 months-3 years - Stacking Balance StonesSoft stepping and stacking stones for balance games.Nice to have
12 months-4 years - Town & Road Play RugRug printed with roads and buildings for car play.Nice to have
12 months-5 years - Wooden Knob PuzzlesChunky wooden puzzles with knobs for first matching.Nice to have
12 months-3 years - CrayonsChunky, washable crayons sized for toddler grips.Nice to have
15 months-5 years - Convertible Balance Bike / ScooterRide-on that converts from a low trike to a balance bike or scooter.Nice to have
18 months-5 years - Large Building BricksBig interlocking bricks sized for small hands.Nice to have
18 months-5 years - Magnetic Tile SetTranslucent tiles that click together for open-ended building.Nice to have
18 months-5 years - Paper RollFloor or table paper roll (IKEA MÅLA style) for big drawings.Nice to have
18 months-5 years - Play KitchenChild-sized kitchen for pretend cooking and role play.Nice to have
18 months-5 years - Toy Doll StrollerMini stroller for pushing dolls and teddies around.Nice to have
18 months-4 years - Travel Busy BookFabric book with laces, clips, zips and buckles to practice.Nice to have
18 months-4 years - Water-Reveal Drawing BooksAqua books where a water pen reveals colours, then they fade to reuse.Nice to have
18 months-4 years - Pikler TriangleWooden climbing frame for safe, indoor climbing practice.Splurge
9 months-4 years
Outdoor & Sand
- Automatic Bubble MachineBattery machine that blows a steady stream of bubbles.Nice to have
6 months-5 years - Outdoor Baby SwingBucket swing with a high back and harness for little ones.Nice to have
6 months-3 years - Sand Bucket & Spade SetBucket, spade, rake and molds for sand and beach.Nice to have
12 months-5 years - Toddler SlideSmall freestanding slide for the garden or playroom.Nice to have
12 months-4 years - Turtle SandboxClassic covered plastic sandbox for backyard digging.Nice to have
12 months-5 years - Water Activity TableSplash table for scooping, pouring and outdoor play.Nice to have
12 months-5 years - Toddler Basketball HoopAdjustable low hoop with a soft ball.Nice to have
18 months-5 years - Covered Wooden SandboxWooden sandbox with lid or bench seats.Splurge
18 months-5 years
Beach & Swim
- UV Swimsuit / Rash GuardLong-sleeve sun-protective swimwear.Essential
0-5 years - Reusable Swim DiapersSnug swim diapers for pools and beaches.Essential
3 months-3 years - Mineral Sunscreen for KidsZinc or titanium-based sunscreen for older babies and kids.Essential
6 months-5 years - Pop-Up Beach TentShade shelter for naps and breaks at the beach.Nice to have
0-5 years - Hooded Beach PonchoQuick-dry towel poncho that warms kids after a swim.Nice to have
6 months-5 years - Toddler Swim VestBuoyancy vest for toddlers in and around the water.Nice to have
12 months-5 years - Swim Arm Bands (Floaties)Inflatable or foam arm bands for water confidence, with an adult in reach.Nice to have
18 months-5 years
Safety & Babyproofing
- Baby GatePressure or wall-mounted gate for stairs and doorways.Essential
6 months-3 years - Cabinet & Drawer LocksMagnetic or adhesive latches for cleaning cupboards and drawers.Essential
6 months-4 years - Furniture AnchorsStraps that secure dressers, bookshelves and TVs to the wall.Essential
6 months-5 years - Outlet CoversPlug-in or sliding covers that keep fingers out of sockets.Essential
6 months-4 years - Window Stops & GuardsLimiters and guards that keep windows from opening wide.Essential
6 months-5 years - Playpen (Mesh Play Yard)Folding mesh play yard for a safe spot to set baby down.Nice to have
4 months-3 years - Bath Spout CoverSoft cover for the tub faucet to cushion bumps.Nice to have
6 months-3 years - Corner GuardsSoft bumpers for sharp table and hearth corners.Nice to have
6 months-3 years - Door Knob CoversCovers that stop little hands from opening doors.Nice to have
9 months-4 years - Stove Knob CoversCovers that stop toddlers from turning stove knobs.Nice to have
9 months-4 years - Toilet LockLatch that keeps the toilet lid closed.Nice to have
9 months-3 years
Health & Grooming
- Baby First Aid KitKit with plasters, dosing syringe, saline and basics.Essential
0-5 years - Digital ThermometerFast digital thermometer for fevers and routine checks.Essential
0-5 years - Infant Nail ClippersRounded clippers or an electric file for tiny nails.Essential
0-3 years - Nasal AspiratorManual or electric aspirator that clears tiny stuffy noses.Essential
0-3 years - Baby ToothbrushSmall soft brush or finger brush for first teeth.Essential
4 months-3 years - Baby ToothpasteFluoride toothpaste for little ones.Essential
6 months-5 years - Cool-Mist HumidifierAdds moisture to dry nursery air, especially in winter.Nice to have
0-5 years - Oral Medicine SyringeDosing syringe for giving liquid medicine accurately.Nice to have
0-5 years - Saline Nose DropsSaltwater drops or spray to loosen mucus before suction.Nice to have
0-5 years - Soft Baby Hair BrushGoat-hair or soft-bristle brush for fine baby hair and cradle cap.Nice to have
0-2 years
Clothing
- Bodysuits (Onesies)Snap-crotch bodysuits for layering and quick outfit changes.Essential
0-2 years - Footed SleepersZip-up sleepers that keep babies cozy overnight.Essential
0-2 years - Sun HatWide-brim hat with a chin strap.Essential
0-5 years - Non-Slip SocksGrippy socks for crawlers and cruisers on hard floors.Essential
6 months-4 years - Snowsuit or BuntingWarm outer layer for cold-weather walks.Nice to have
0-2 years - Soft Home ShoesFlexible, soft-soled house shoes that let feet move naturally.Nice to have
9 months-4 years - Rain & Puddle SuitWaterproof one-piece for rainy walks and muddy play.Nice to have
12 months-5 years
Laundry
- Gentle Laundry DetergentDye- and fragrance-free detergent for baby clothes and bedding.Essential
0-5 years - Stain RemoverEnzyme spray or bar for poop, milk and food stains.Essential
0-5 years - Foldable Drying RackIndoor rack for air-drying small clothes and swimsuits.Nice to have
0-5 years - Mesh Laundry BagsZip bags that keep tiny socks and bibs together in the wash.Nice to have
0-2 years - Nursery Laundry HamperSeparate hamper so baby laundry stays together.Nice to have
0-5 years - Wool Dryer BallsReusable balls that soften laundry without fragranced sheets.Nice to have
0-5 years
Momblet
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Moments at this age
Running & climbing
Plan safe spaces for scaling, sliding, and sprinting.
Language bloom
Feed vocabulary bursts with favorite books and prompts.
Eating with hands → utensils mastery
Guide the switch from finger foods to real utensils.
Early independence
Set up routines that let toddlers pitch in safely.
Outdoor fun
Keep outdoor play stocked for every forecast.
Questions parents ask
- What toys are good for an 18 month old?
- Large building bricks, magnetic tiles, crayons and a paper roll, a toy doll stroller and a play kitchen fit this age well. Balls, push toys and a ride-on toy help burn off energy.
- Should I start potty training at 18 months?
- Some children are ready around now, but many aren't until closer to 2 or 3. A floor potty in the bathroom lets your toddler get curious without pressure. Follow your child's cues.
- When should my toddler move to a toddler bed?
- There's no set age. Many families make the switch when their child starts climbing out of the crib or a new sibling is on the way.