Stuff needed for 2 year old and 3 year old

davidandheather · October 2013

We met the babies we will foster to adopt today. I am so in love. The plan is 2 more day visits, 1 night visit, 1 weekend visit and likely move in around Thanksgiving. This can't happen soon enough. They are coming with nothing but a few clothes that the foster mom has picked up. Can you guys help me figure out what we need to be stocking up on please? What are some of the major needs for this age range? Thank you for helping me brainstorm. I'll be spending lots of time at Babies R Us and the local consignment shops in the days to come I am sure.

Ginny0211 · October 2013

How exciting for y'all!

Little Potty and/or little potty seat to go on your toilet

Flushable moist wipes

Trainer pants or pull ups and/or diapers, reusable wet bag for accidents

Backpack bag or diaper bag ( I wish I had bought a back pack bag instead of a typical diaper bag)

Umbrella stroller

Toddler sized forks and spoons

Small cups

Plates and bowls you won't mind getting broken

Antibacterial hand wipes and baby wipes

Clothes, footie pjs, hats, shoes, socks, jacket, gloves

Carseat

Booster seat for eating

Bibs

Gates, outlet covers, door knob covers, cabinet locks ( we use the magnet cabinet/door locks. The others we tried didn't stop our daughter)

Bedding

Baby monitor

Gentle shampoo/body wash

Brush

Little nail clippers

Thermometer

Ibuprofen/Tylenol

Toddler toothbrush and toothpaste

Books, puzzles, toys

.....that's all I can think of... Hope that helps.

IdigDirt · October 2013

Almost everything I could think of was listed so I will just add some things DS (2.5) likes. These are totally non essential but if people wanted to get holiday gifts or something. He really likes anything Elmo and cars, he has an Elmo toy that talks that he thinks is awesome and I like that it teaches ABCs.

If you have Netflix, he is obsessed with anything cars, Elmo and Lilo and stich. I put a little kids couch (the foam ones that turn into a bed, like $25 at Walmart) and made it a reading nook. He loves to read on it. He loves board books and most books involving dogs and Elmo (see a theme?)

Favorite foods, I'm sure you will learn what they like and the 3 yo will probably talk but since my DS doesn't talk yet I will tell you what he likes in the event yours don't. String cheese, pasta, veggie nuggets, "Mac n cheese" (i make whole wheat elbows and make a sauce of cheese, milk and puréed squash and cauliflower to sneak some veggies) pouches are always a hit, oatmeal with fruit, zucchini banana muffins for breakfasts.

Sorry that was so long. I hope you have a fast, smooth transition. So exciting!!

irismorning · October 2013

I think that most everything has been mentioned. I would add that you may want to get one of the little baskets that go in your dishwasher for all the little things that you are going to be washing (toddler spoons, forks, sippy cup lids, and medicine cups). I found this item so helpful that I still use it now and mine are 8 and 6.

MrsMuenich · October 2013

Whoo! Yeah, I'd suggest paying attention to what the current foster parent says they like. DS is OBSESSED with trains and trucks right now, and he would read books (and run in circles) all day long, but he won't color for more than 30 seconds. Alas! My niece will color and dance to music for hours and hours. Also, she won't wear anything that doesn't have pink or purple, so that sometimes happens too. They have their quirks, just like us, so you can focus on that and get things as they show you what they like.

daniandbri · October 2013

My son is 3 and our saving grace is Mickey Mouse clubhouse. If you have a DVR start recording kids shows? I agree with previous poster about asking current foster mom what they're interested in.

CarolinaGirl2014 · October 2013

Congrats! I think PP covered just about everything, but I will add that one thing I've learned as a nanny to that age range over the years is that they really don't need that much. Baby's R Us can be overwhelming with all the store portrays they need, but Ginny0211's list was just about everything. I will add that having a double umbrella stroller is a lifesaver with that age, especially being so close together. You don't have to worry about one of them wandering off and they both feel secure (may seem sort of duh but make sure it easily fits in the trunk of your car because some are huge, even folded). The kids I watch only like to wear a few of their outfits and play with a few of their toys, but love all books and arts and crafts.