Baby gear can be SO overwhelming. How to decide what are actual necessities & what are just gimmicks. I’ve tried lots & curated these lists to hopefully save other mama’s from trial & error!
Here are my top picks for educational shows and channels for toddlers, available on YouTube, Prime, and Netflix. These recommendations are based on what has worked best for me and my daughter, but there are always other great options out there too. Comment below to add your two cents. My primary focus was to help her develop speech, phonemic awareness, and counting skills. I've organized the sections from 18 months to 3 years old, as I believe it's important not to overstimulate kids with TV before 18 months.
During my pregnancy, I struggled to determine what we would need when the baby first came home. This list includes items we use everyday and couldn’t live without during the newborn stage.
All my favorite things that keep me sane in the fourth trimester! Also please note, I’ve had 2 vaginal deliveries so things I thought were helpful may differ some!
These are the baby registry favorites I used and loved the most—from everyday essentials to game-changing gear. If you’re building your registry or shopping for a new parent, these tried-and-true picks are a great place to start!
From cozy cribs to must-have gadgets, these baby nursery essentials are all about making parenting a little easier (and a lot cuter). Because your little one deserves the best—and let’s be real, so do you!
BACK TO SCHOOL supplies that I love to restock our homeschool classroom with, but would be great for any teacher to use! most of these are supplies in bulk to stock up for the school year.
Need help finding a gift for your pre-teen that won’t get ignored a week later? Here’s a list of recommendations that my pre-teen brother uses all the time!
My favorite must haves for babies and toddlers all in one place! ❤️ I’ve been recommending these items to family, friends and even friends of friends for years now, and now I’m bringing this list to Benable!
I may earn a small commission from the links below.
Everything I’ve got on my list for my 9 months olds 1st birthday. Lots of dolls and girly things since we have a ton of trucks and building things already.
Navigating the world of baby bath and body care was overwhelming, so I created this list of our absolute favorites. These are the gentle, non-toxic products that I personally trust for my little one's sensitive skin, giving me peace of mind with every bath time. I hope it helps you find your new favorites too!
Smart. Simple. Totally worth it. From kitchen gadgets to pet must-haves, kids’ favorites, and everyday lifesavers. This list is packed with finds that solve problems, save time, and make life just a little bit better. No fluff, just the good stuff that actually makes sense. For example, water filters, pet anti-itching oils and snacks…- This list contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. At no extra cost to you. -
Some of my most recommended toys that I utilize DAILY as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist to help support reaching developmental milestones and flourish in their skills!
This is your go-to list for the everyday products that make toddler life easier, smoother, and a little less chaotic. From mealtime must-haves and playtime favorites to on-the-go helpers and daily life solutions, these are practical picks parents actually use and love. Real-life favorites for busy families navigating the toddler years.
This list includes nursery furniture and decor, must have items for your registry and more! These are products that made the first year so much easier for our family.
Make the ride in the car so much easier with these cheap and effective recommendations from a mama who lives 3 states away from her grandparents and takes her baby for visits
Margot unfortunately has CMPA so isn’t able to have dairy. This has made weaning a tad more complicated when it comes to pre made foods as a lot of baby jars/pouches include some form of dairy. These are our favourite finds that Margot loves to have!
Just as a note - we do a mix of BLW and purées so Margot does have food that’s ‘ahead’ of her age group. We do what works for us💖
As a mom who has watched her kids flourish in a Montessori environment, I have curated this list of the best games, toys and kits to help your kiddo learn and grow while having the most fun. This list is specific for 2-5 year olds, and they don't need to have any previous knowledge or understanding of Montessori. To them, this is just play, to us, as caregivers, its helping them build resiliency, creativity, and problem solving.
im a mom of 3 which includes 2 under 2. Im busy all the time and i also have side sources of income im working on. These items help make my life a little easier.
As a first time pregnant momma I have no idea what I’m doing yet or even what I need. These are products I’ve been using/trying to share with other first time mommas 🩷
This children's Peter Pan birthday party was the best kids theme that I ever chose. If your little boy wants to be a pirate or your girl loves Tinkerbell, this list of decorations, favors, and gifts will whisk them away to Never Never Land!
My husband jokes that this is my favorite holiday of the year😂 Honestly I won’t even touch most “deals” unless they 40% or more off the price. Here are so of my favorite items I try to grab while they’re on sale!
Life with a toddler = snacks on the floor, giggles in the air, and never enough wipes 🍼💥 These are the everyday must-haves that make the mess magical — mama-tested, toddler-approved, and made for real-life adventures. From playtime to potty time, everything here gets a big “yes” from us 💛👣
As a mother of 2 kids, it can be overwhelming when the new school year approaches and its that time to restock or replace school supplies. Here is my list of things I need to purchase for my kids for the new school year. As I go along I will share other items I get or need to get on my list.
I know how hard the transition is back to work, especially if you are breastfeeding and pumping to send breastmilk to daycare for your little one! Here is what I’ve used to help me on this journey
So, new mom, you're breastfeeding, exhausted, and overwhelmed, right? I've been there! Breastfeeding can be really hard (really hard!) in the beginning, but the right tools can make it easier! This breastfeeding essentials list has the breastfeeding items that helped me (successfully still breastfeeding) along with comfortable nursing friendly clothing and nursing bras. I hope this helps you in your breastfeeding journey. For more helpful baby and toddler info and ideas, visit the official Happy Mommying Blog!
WWW.HappyMommying.com
*Disclosure: I may earn from qualifying purchases. You can read the full disclosure here-
https://happymommying.com/affiliate-disclosure/
These Little People sets are toddler gold — perfect for open-ended play, storytelling, and building social skills. Whether it’s a farm, school, or superhero hideout, these chunky, durable toys keep little hands busy and imaginations wild. My 2-year-old’s favorites are on repeat in our playroom! Great for ages 1–5.
You hear it all the time, "read to your babies", "start early", "give your babies books"...then you find them chewing on the pages and covers! Here are a few baby safe books that will give you peace of mind.
Everything you need to create an adorable "Our Little Pumpkin is One" birthday party! I did this theme for my baby's first birthday and it was such a hit! Here's Everything you need to recreate your own Little Pumpkin birthday party!
Welcome to our Homeschool Room tab! Here, we’ve gathered all the tools and furniture ideas that make our homeschool space functional, comfortable, and inspiring. From adjustable desks that grow with your kids to storage solutions that keep everything organized, these are the essentials we rely on to create a productive and inviting learning environment. Whether you're setting up a new homeschool space or looking to upgrade your current one, you’ll find practical, kid-friendly options that we’ve tried, tested, and loved.
It’s important to take care of yourself so you can best take care of your little one after birth! Here are some postpartum essentials that saved my life mentally and physically
Cloth diapering favorites we actually use and love 🤍 I prioritize natural fibers like organic cotton, but I also use microfiber inserts when they make sense for our routine. And on days when cloth just isn’t doable, we reach for eco-conscious disposables like Hiro — designed to break down with fungi instead of sitting in landfills for decades.I’ve used cloth diapers daily and tested what actually works (and what doesn’t). If you’re overwhelmed, this is the exact setup I use that made cloth diapering simple and doable. No fluff — just real products that held up through daily use, leaks, and laundry routines.
As parents, we are always looking to spend our money on products that are useful and we love. These are items that we have loved as parents and our kids like them too! Definitely a WIN in this household!
My son is in 1st Grade and he picked out all of his back to school clothes and shoes! He loves everything that he has gotten, and some are not available because they are discontinued, but these are his favorites so far :)
This list contains everything I used for my son during his first year! I love all of these products, and they just enriched my entry to motherhood! Ahh, the memories! It's bittersweet!
Having a baby is tough. Then you have to decide on what your baby is going to need? Even tougher. Let me help you sort through the dozens of brands and options available out there to make sure you're getting products that you're *actually* going to use
Cozy season is here and this is one of my favorite themes for fall baby showers or birthday parties! I've put together some ideas for food and decor for your next cozy celebration! 🍁🍂
We are a family of 4 with two children aged 8 and 9! These are a few of our favorite games for our family game nights! Whether you’re laying low indoor on a rainy evening or you’re still enjoying some outdoor time before the weather shifts! I have some great options for your next family game night!
As a mom of 4, these have been my MOST USED items! Items that I’ve used and continue to use with all four kiddos as they grow! From bottles, to potty training, to safety!
Get your little ones ready for the cutest celebration with these 4th of July outfit ideas for kids! From classic red, white, and blue looks to fun patriotic prints, these outfits are perfect for everything from backyard BBQs to fireworks and family photos. I’ve rounded up adorable, affordable finds that are comfortable enough for all-day play but still photo-ready for those sweet holiday memories. Think matching sets, twirl-worthy dresses, graphic tees, and easy outfits you can throw on and go. Whether you’re dressing babies, toddlers, or big kids, these picks make it simple to create festive looks without overthinking it.
Make every occasion special with our Treat Bags! Ideal for party favors, gifts, or snacks, these bags are perfect for adding a touch of fun and creativity to your celebrations.
This is the list you come to when you want a gift that just works. Thoughtful, practical, cozy, and crowd-approved—every item here is something people genuinely love and actually use. Perfect for last-minute shoppers, hard-to-buy-for friends, teachers, neighbors, spouses, and everyone in between. No guessing, no awkward returns—just feel-good gifts that always land well. 💛
Keep your little one cool, protected, and comfortable during sunny days! This summer kit includes must-haves for outdoor play, travel, beach trips, and everyday adventures.
If bright plastic toys aren’t your vibe, this list is for you. I’ve rounded up my favorite aesthetically pleasing baby play items that keep little ones entertained and complement your home’s neutral style. This covers how to organize your items to what your baby will actually play with. As a mom who loves a calm, cohesive home, I’ve tested and adored these finds for combining beauty and function in the best way.
A few of my favorite maternity pieces.
I was initially reluctant to invest in maternity clothes since you only wear them for a few months. But I quickly realized how much it matters to feel confident and comfortable in what you’re wearing during pregnancy. These pieces made a big difference for me.
I need to start by saying, I am not a doctor. If you have questions or concerns, you should contact your healthcare provider. I am a 2 time post v delivery mom, my babies born 17 months apart. My close friend who I helped during her postpartum is a 2 time c section mom. I am sharing the advice, tips, encouragement, and helpful tools that we used during this blurry time. Always keep in mind, what works for some, will not work for others. With love.