What Does a 2 Year Old Actually Need?

What does a two year old actually need? With so many posts suggesting essential items for toddlers, it can be overwhelming to narrow down essentials for a two year old. Here is the only list of must haves for a two year old you should read (by a Mom of three).

You Actually Need these Must Haves for a Two Year Old

Two year olds don’t need a lot of stuff to grow and flourish developmentally. Just like all children, two year olds only require minimal items for their basic needs: food, diapers, sleep, play, and safety. All of my recommendations are merely suggestions and not requirements for two year olds.

One very important thing all Moms should know about toddlers – they are very opinionated and preferences change like the weather. Whether it’s shoes or eating utensils, you may have to try different brands until your two year old is content. Before I list a few actual items two year olds need, here are ten FREE must haves for toddlers.

10 Everyday Objects Two Year Old Can Play With

1. Various size cardboard boxes – endless fun can be had with a box and crayon (under supervision)
2. A bag with handles – who wants to play store?
3. Water – this is not just for hydration, water play is amazing (bonus if you have many buckets)
4. Various kitchen items for water play – strainer, measuring cups, ladle
5. Cooking pot with lid and wooden spoon – this is how all drummers start out
6. A blanket + couch cushions/pillows – building a fort is so much fun
7. Leftover cardboard roll from toilet paper or paper towel – is it a telescope or a megaphone?
8. Whole vegetables – Arbor won’t tell me why baking potatoes are such a good time
9. Egg crate or ice cube tray + snacks/toys
10. Solo cups – stack them, fill them, throw them

What do I need for a two year old?

Food, sleep, clothing, love, safety. Did you know adults and toddlers essentially have the same basic needs? The internet can lead you down a rabbit hole of must haves for two year olds, ultimately costing you a lot more money than you ever intend to spend. After three rounds of parenting toddlers, I have come up with a list of essentials for two year olds. Do you have anything to add?

Safety Essentials for Two Year Olds

Step Stool – A step stool is a toddler’s best tool. Of course we need one – for hand washing and tooth brushing, but our toddler also uses it to reach whatever she isn’t supposed to touch. Note: There are so many step stools to choose from – so pick whichever you want.
Baby Gate – It doesn’t matter what it looks like as long as it keeps curious two year olds from falling down the stairs or in their bedroom at night.
Plug Covers – Pencils, pennies, food… toddlers will stick anything in an outlet
Car Seat Protector – you and your car seats will thank you later if your child eats in the car. My two year old is still rear facing, so I lost count of the number of times the protector has shielded the back of my leather seats from mud when I’ve put her in the car with dirty shoes.
Sunscreen – Protect your little one’s skin when playing outside!
Non-slip socks – toddlers run everywhere and we must protect them from slipping at all cost

Eating Must Haves for Two Year Olds

Stain Spray – literally the ultimate stain remover, but Dawn dish soap works pretty well too!
Placemat – Disposable – necessary for eating in restaurants. Makes a great protective shield while painting or coloring too!
Bib Shirt OR Silicone Bib – we use our bib a million times a day (the shirt will save the clothing of all messy eaters (or painters).
Utensils – these are our favorite, but you can buy any toddler size utensils. Avoid giving your child adult size utensils or letting them eat with their hands 24/7. Using utensils appropriately is a life skill!

Toys for Two Year Olds

I don’t like suggesting “must have toys for toddlers” because every child has different interests! All three of my children love toys encouraging pretend play: like a doctor kit, a baby doll, a school bus with little people, etc. Any toy that promotes thinking skills to pretend or encourages active play is what a two year old needs.

Outdoor play is also important for two year olds. Some may say every toddler should have a pair of rain boots, a rain coat, and an umbrella. Others may say there are no accessories required to have hours of fun on a rainy day. When it is sunny, we use our water table more than any other outdoor toys. Don’t want to spend the money on a water table? Grab some buckets. Or make your own DIY water station with PVC pipe and use kitchen tools (cups, ladles, strainer) as toys.

Click here for the Big List of Two Year Old Essentials and must haves for a two year old you actually need. This post contains affiliate links. Any purchases made through these links may result in a small commission for our site (which is how we keep chugging along!). Thank you for all of your continued support.