Essential items for 1-year olds

Essential Items for a 1-Year-Old: Tried, Tested & Totally Worth It This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links — thank you for supporting my work! #CommissionsEarned

If you’ve got a one-year-old (or 2 one-year-olds), here’s a roundup of the absolute essentials that make everyday life smoother, calmer, and a little more fun. These are all products we personally use and love for our girls, and I’ve finally added my affiliate links so you can shop straight from here if anything catches your eye!

😴 SLEEP

🛏️ Ergopouches (TOG 1.0, 2.5 & 3.5) These zip-up sleep sacks are a lifesaver. We use lighter TOGs (1.0) in warmer weather, 2.5 for the in-between seasons, and 3.5 when it gets cold. They’re breathable, soft, and reduce the need for loose bedding.👉 Shop Ergopouches here

🎵 White Noise Machine A consistent white noise machine helps block out sudden sounds and creates a soothing sleep environment. Ours runs all night, every night.👉 See our favourite white noise machine here

🧸 Comforter (We love Jellycat Bunnies!) A snuggly soft comforter like the Jellycat Bunny can become a calming bedtime companion — and it's so cute too.👉 Get a Jellycat Bunny comforter here

🍽️ FEEDING

🍼 Subo Bottles Self-feeding without the mess! These bottles are perfect for smoothies, porridge or yoghurt — no squeezing, no spills.👉 Get a Subo bottle here

🧼 Silicone Bibs with Food Catcher Say goodbye to endless outfit changes. These flexible silicone bibs catch the mess before it hits the floor (or lap).👉 Shop silicone bibs here

🍱 Snack Boxes We love bento-style snack boxes with compartments. Perfect for daycare, outings or keeping snacks fresh on the go.👉 Check out our go-to snack boxes here

🧸 PLAY

🧱 Soft Play Blocks Build, climb, topple — then repeat. These blocks are great for safe indoor fun and motor development.👉 Grab soft play blocks here

🚼 Baby Doll & Pram Set Role play starts early. A simple doll and pram combo encourages nurturing, imaginative play.👉 Shop the baby + pram here

🥚 Colour & Shape Eggs Perfect for little hands, these eggs help teach colour and shape matching in a fun, tactile way.👉 Get the shape-matching eggs here

🎨 Toddler Desk, Chair, Colouring Books & Pencils Give them their own “workspace” to draw, scribble, and play quietly. It’s one of the best things we’ve set up in our home.👉 Browse toddler desks and art supplies here

🎒 GENERAL

👜 Backpack Nappy Bag A stylish and super practical choice for busy parents. Backpack-style nappy bags free up your hands and carry everything you need.👉 Find a great backpack nappy bag here

That’s it, mama. My 1-year-old must-haves, straight from the trenches of teething, snack flinging, and bedtime negotiations. Whether you’re stocking up for your own bub or buying for a friend, I hope this list helps make life a little easier (and a lot less messy). If you do shop through my links, thank you from the bottom of my sleep-deprived heart! Now excuse me while I go reheat my coffee for the third time today

Let me know if you try any of these essentials, and feel free to pass this on to another parent who might need a few helpful finds 💛 Love, S xx