Haylen's Top 10 Must-Have Items for Babies & Kids

Meet Haylen DiFusco, the savvy social media manager for Toki Mats. Born and raised in Rhode Island, Haylen still lives in the Ocean State today, juggling her time between working and raising her 20-month old son, Jaden. She’s a lover of the finer things in life, like traveling, eating well, and, of course, shopping! But, with so much to do and so little time to do it (being a working mom to a toddler isn’t for the faint of heart), Haylen wants to make practicing self-care more of a priority in the future. Since she’s a mom and a seasoned shopper, we trust her wholly when it comes to what she thinks are the best baby and kid products on the market. Here are her top 10 must-haves items:

1. Busy Baby Silicone Placemat

Invented by a mom, this suction placemat is made from food-grade silicone and keeps your baby’s favorite toys, teethers, and utensils in place so you don’t have to constantly reach down to pick them up off the ground! The mat is dishwasher safe and free of lead, BPA, BPS, phthalates, and PVC.

“We never left the house without this awesome mom-invented suction placemat engineered to keep all of baby’s things in place!”

2. Baby Jogger City Sway 2-in-1 Rocker and Bouncer

Transition between rocker and bouncer with the flip of a kickstand. Weighing in at only 9 lbs, this 2-in-1 rocker and bouncer folds flat and packs into a storage bag for easy travel. A stain-resistant, machine-washable seat cover makes cleanup quick and easy, while a plush infant insert made from breathable fabric allows your baby to stay cool and comfortable.

“This was amazing from the day we brought baby home! Safe, comfy and it has a vibration feature that soothed my baby when he got fussy.”

3. Skip Hop Multi Explore & More Activity Center

This activity center grows with your baby in 3 stages and supports a “whole body” approach to play and learning. It features a 360 degree rotating seat that turns and stretches for bouncing, and converts into an activity table for cruising babies, then a table for toddlers to color and play.

“This was a godsend in our house starting at 4ish months for a safe place to put baby down where he was content and entertained, but not too overstimulated.” 

4. Lalo The Chair

This highchair isn’t just sleek and chic to look at, it also has a unique 3-in-1 design that takes it from highchair to booster seat to play chair. Made from non-toxic plastic, sustainably sourced beech wood, aluminum, nylon, and cotton, this chair is high quality and easy to clean. 

“Sleek, modern, comfortable, and, most importantly, easy to clean!”

5. Tushbaby Hip Carrier

This ergonomic hip seat evenly distributes your baby’s weight so you can carry your little one longer and more comfortably. It’s recommended by pediatricians, chiropractors, physical therapists, orthopedists, pelvic floor therapists, and spine surgeons alike for its superior back and lumbar support. 

“My son was a chunk, so wearing this around the house saved my back while carrying him.”

6. Citi Collective Citi Diaper Clutch

A diaper bag so chic, no one will know it’s a diaper bag This clutch is a luxury crossbody bag with elastic bands inside to hold diapers, wipes, and creams in place. The small size is perfect for just the essentials and can be carried as both a clutch and a crossbody bag.

“Super stylish and fits just what I need for a quick outing with my toddler.”

7. Bombas Toddler Gripper Slipper

Half slipper, half sock, these Gripper Slippers keep little toes nice and toasty with a soft brushed lining on the inside, while special grips on the outside prevent slipping. These slippers are perfect for wintertime, and with every pair purchased, Bombas donates one pair of socks to a homeless shelter. 

“These are the best slippers! They keep his feet warm and cozy, while preventing him from slipping on our hardwood floor.”

8. Toki Mats Epic Mat

This natural latex play mat in Epic size is aptly named. At 60” x 84”, this mat is huge and provides ample space for both mobile babies and active kids who love to run, jump, and crash into the floor. 1” of thick latex foam creates a soft and supportive surface that catches tumbles and feels ultra comfortable to lay on.

“The BEST size for my living room where my son usually brings all of his toys to play with while we are hanging out.”

9. Educating Amy Little Safari Cognitive Skills Quiet Book

This award-winning book is made from a high-quality cotton blend and Oeko-Tex certified felt fabric. It combines practical skills, such as lacing, buttoning, zipping, and Velcro, while also playing with concepts like colors, geometric shapes, matching, and mazes. Plus, each book sold provides education to a girl in need in India!

“SO adorable, and packed with practical skills and creative play opportunities. Love this when we are taking a break from screen time.” 

10. Baby Delight Go With Me Venture Portable Chair

This versatile chair grows with your child, converting from sitting, to standing, to big kid mode. It seats from baby to an average-sized 8 year old. Because it’s portable and fits into a carry bag, this chair is perfect for sporting events, beach vacations, or camping!

“This conveniently folds up into a carry bag. It’s the perfect chair to take on-the-go so he always has his own safe place to sit and snack.”