Toddler: what to buy

What to expect

From one to three years, independence and mobility take over — walking confidently, climbing everything, and testing boundaries constantly. The focus shifts from feeding-and-sleep gear to safety-proofing the home and kit that supports a much more capable, much more curious small person.

Why get this sorted now

Stair gates, cupboard locks, and corner guards address genuine hazards that only become relevant once a toddler can move fast and reach further than before. A forward-facing car seat upgrade is also usually mandatory once your child outgrows the infant seat's weight or height limit.

What to buy first

1. Stair gates and cupboard locks as soon as your toddler is confidently walking and reaching.
2. A forward-facing car seat once they hit the weight or height limit of the infant seat — check this doesn't creep up on you.
3. First walking shoes, sized properly rather than handed down, once they're walking outdoors regularly.