By eight to twelve months, it seems impossible to add any more items to a little one’s essential shopping list. True, most of the major gear has already been purchased for 0-4 month-olds and 4-8 month-olds. However, there are certainly a few new necessities by the time an infant is in this stage. Eight to twelve months of age is such a fun and busy time. It is centered around exploration, whether through play, eating, or newfound mobility … or all simultaneously. As you can see from the list, new mealtime gear is the primary need as oral motor skills are progressing and solid foods begin to overtake daily diets. Self feeding is a vital activity as is participating in meals with the family. Bath time may also take on new meaning as a babe’s participation is likely increasing, therefore appropriate toys are essential. During Waverley’s eight to twelve month phase, we continued to use a ton of the same gear from her 4-8 month phase such as her car seat (obviously!), high chair, stroller, and carrier, yet incorporated several new items to match her development.

ONE: Not only is the SugarBooger hedgehog suction bowl set adorably chic, it is functional as well. The bowl suctions to most hard surfaces, which is convenient for two main reasons: first, the bowl stays in place when uncoordinated baby hands dive at it while practicing their blossoming self-feeding skills, and two, the bowl and its contents remain on the table rather than the floor.

TWO: These Boon Water Bugs bath toys are a perfect bath toy for this age group. The bugs float and grabbing or catching them in the net works on coordination

THREE: Waverley enjoys playing with the iPad for maybe a few minutes a day, which is when this foam iPad case case comes in handy. At this age, simple cause and effect games are the best bet and any electronic time should be limited. We play Magic Fingers and Waverley creates beautiful masterpieces of fireworks and glitter!

FOUR: Gone are the days when babes will sweetly sit on a lap to eat in a pinch. We love phil&teds lobster highchair when traveling because it hooks on to nearly any table surface and is much easier to transport than a huge highchair. Having this on hand ensure little babes are still able to participate in group meals without wiggling all over the place.

FIVE: Transitioning from a legit swaddle to a sleep sack was bittersweet as it signified yet another new phase. We started the transition with the Ergo Cocoon zipup swaddle and settled on this cozy sleep sack from Serena and Lily. It is so warm and helps Waverley sleep through the night even when she kicks the blankets off.

SIX: Since self-feeding is commonplace it is necessary to have Burt’s Bees Baby Bee face and hand cloths everywhere. We keep these in the kitchen, in the diaper bag, and in our car.

SEVEN: Now that your little one is likely roaming around the bathtub, it’s time to invest in a protective faucet cover. I love this Boon version because it also deflects the water, which Waverley thinks is a blast, and has a little compartment for bubble bath.

EIGHT: The OXO Tot Flippy Cup provides the opportunity for independence while keeping messes at a minimum.

NINE: Waverley loves her Camelbak Eddy water bottle because it looks like ours, however it has a special valve that controls the amount of water she can drink and also prevents excess spills. It’s important to introduce new types of cups and tops in order to eventually move past nipples and bottles.

What are your essentials for eight to twelve month-old babes? For more baby gear essentials, checkout my recommendations for newborns to four month-olds, four to eight month-olds, and a winter clothing checklist.