Toys for Toddlers: My Holiday Gift Guide for 4 Kids Under 4

As the holiday season approaches, parents everywhere are looking for gifts that can bring joy and stimulate creativity. With two sets of twins—four kids under the age of four—I constantly search for toys that will not only entertain but also inspire. With so many children close in age, it is easy for the house to get taken over and cluttered with toys. This year, I'm focusing on gifts that are durable and can be enjoyed together, catering to their diverse interests while not taking over my entire house. I also purchased them all through Amazon, and ship to your house fast. Here is my curated holiday gift guide of top toys I’ll be getting for my crew this Christmas!

1. Doll House

Having three boys and one girl, I am gradually discovering the unique ways in which my daughter engages with toys compared to her brothers. She enjoys creating scenarios and is showing a growing interest in baby dolls and tea parties. Despite holding her own with her brothers, her play style is distinct. I bought the All Seasons Kids Wooden Dollhouse by Hape on Amazon Prime Days, aiming for a gender-neutral and sturdy dollhouse that could endure the playfulness of four energetic toddlers. There are various accessories available for purchase as additional gifts for the upcoming holidays. While I bought this dollhouse with my daughter in mind, I know all four of my children will frequently play with it.

2. House Cleaning Kit

My kids are such eager helpers around the house, always wanting to pitch in and lend a hand. It warms my heart to see their enthusiasm to sweep and vacuum just like Mom and Dad. To nurture their interest in household chores, I decided to purchase the Melissa & Doug Let's Play House Dust! Sweep! Mop! 6 Piece Pretend Play Set. I knew that this toy would not only provide endless hours of entertainment but also serve as a tool to encourage responsibility and imaginative play. Melissa & Doug toys have always been a favorite in our household due to their exceptional durability and ability to spark creativity. I have no doubt that this play set will be no exception. Here's to hoping that this toy not only leads to a cleaner house but also fosters a sense of teamwork and responsibility in my little helpers.

3. Hand Puppets

Coming at you with another Melissa and Doug product. My two-year-old son is currently obsessed with all things animal related. We love to learn animal sounds and know many animals by name. His favorite books all revolve around some sort of farm animal. He also has an obsession with a dinosaur hand puppet that he has. He puts one on each hand and roars around the house for a very long period of time, sparking his imagination and creativity. To further nurture his interests, I decided to combine his love for animals and puppets with the Melissa & Doug Barn Buddies Hand Puppets. I opted for the larger pack of hand puppets, knowing that all of my children will ultimately enjoy playing with these together, fostering sibling bonding and imaginative play sessions.

4. Veterinarian Kit

Introducing my kids to a doctor play kit sparked their fascination with role-playing. This experience not only entertained them but also helped them develop various skills. Now, upgrading to a veterinarian play kit will add a fresh twist to their playtime. I decided to go with the Melissa & Doug Examine and Treat Pet Vet Play Set. My love for Melissa and Doug is no secret at this point. It will expand their horizons to animal care and empathy, fostering a deeper understanding of compassion and responsibility. The Melissa and Doug veterinarian play kit promises both fun and educational value. With this kit, my kids can engage in new adventures, exploring the world of animal care in a creative and engaging way.

5. Remote Control Cars

Every one of our children is fascinated by anything that has four wheels. Our eldest twins are beginning to learn how to use remote control cars and came across this 2 Pack Cartoon Remote Control Cars on Amazon. These cars are designed for small hands and young learners, ensuring a low level of frustration. Soon, they will be racing around the house with the two-year-olds in hot pursuit.

6. Let's Go Fishin' Game

During the summer, Elliott suffered a hand injury that forced him to be less active than usual. This was particularly challenging for a highly active young boy. To keep him entertained, my mom introduced a version of this game, which immediately captured the interest of my 3-year-olds. They sat at the kitchen table, engrossed in playing the game repeatedly. The objective of the game is to catch as many fish as you can while they bite and spin in a circle. The price is very low for the Let's Go Fishin' game compared to the amount of time spent playing with it.

7. Frog or Duck Games Bounce and Catch

I discovered the Bounce and Catch game through a Tik-Tok video shared by a friend, and I ordered it right away to experience the fun firsthand. The game reminded me of the fishing game I mentioned above, both requiring skill and precision to succeed. In this game, the goal is to catch frogs launched from a lily pad, adding excitement and unpredictability. I can't wait to play this game with my two-year-old son, expecting him to be a tough competitor. His energy will make the game even more fun and competitive.

8. Magnetic Men

I discovered these little adorable dudes through an Instagram Influencer who happens to be a mom of four. Her recommendation for the magnetic men (or women) specifically for car rides and dinners out caught my attention because I'm constantly on the lookout for engaging and entertaining toys to keep my kids occupied in places like church and restaurants. Intrigued by the idea, I decided to order a set of thirty and my plan is to divide them equally among my children's stockings. I anticipate that despite my efforts to distribute them evenly, the toys will likely end up being all clumped together at some point.

9. Magnetic Maze

A friend of mine, who is a mother to triplet toddlers, suggested the magnetic maze toys to me. If she gives it her approval, I trust her judgment. She suggested the magnetic maze games for keeping the kids entertained during car rides, at church, and in restaurants. They also use it as a quiet activity at home. There is a wide variety of options available on Amazon, so you can choose based on your child's preferences. We decided to buy two. One with the alphabet and one with numbers.

10. Tonies

Tonies are a big hit in our household. I bought two Tonie Boxes for our older boys last Christmas, but to my surprise, our younger twins also adore them. I typically buy multiple Tonie characters for their boxes on every special occasion. Each character comes with preloaded songs and stories that play when placed on top of the box. Kids find it simple to adjust the volume and skip tracks. The link is to the Tonie Box Bundle but Tonies can be purchased individually.

11. Dentist Kit

Parents love Melissa and Doug toys because they're great at getting kids to use their imagination and be creative. The dentist kit makes learning about dental care fun and interactive, so it's not just entertaining but also educational. When kids pretend to be a dentist, they learn all about taking care of their teeth and also get to show empathy by looking after their "patients." This kind of play helps kids develop important social and thinking skills while having a ton of fun. Whether they're fixing a toy tooth or giving a stuffed animal a cleaning, the dentist kit offers loads of chances to play and learn.

Double the Trouble, Double the Zzz's: How We Rocked Bedtime with Two Sets of Twins

Bringing up children is both joyful and chaotic. Now, imagine having not just one set of twins but two! Each set is twenty-two months apart. This means that at one point, we had four kids under two. Navigating the beautiful chaos of parenting two sets of twins brought challenges, especially around bedtime.

In this post, I'll share our journey to achieving bedtime harmony with our two sets of twins with some practical tips that may work for your family as well. You’ll see how we turned double the trouble into double the Zzz's.

Nevertheless, I want to clarify that just because these methods were effective for us, it doesn't mean they are the sole approach to achieving good sleep habits and bedtime peace. I am merely recounting what worked well in our home after numerous attempts. Baby and toddler sleep is a widely discussed subject among parents, with diverse opinions and viewpoints. Ultimately, you should follow what you believe is best for you and your children.

The Unique Challenge of Two Sets of Twins

As first-time parents of twins, we were quickly humbled by the challenges of sleep deprivation. With two babies, we found ourselves awake in the middle of the night, unable to take shifts or support each other. Both of us were exhausted, nearing our breaking point. Realizing the need for a change for the well-being of our babies and our marriage, we embarked on a journey to establish healthy sleep habits for our infants and toddlers.

We explored various sleep training methods and gained valuable insights along the way. Today, with two three-year-old boys and one-year-old boy/girl twins, our children consistently sleep through the night in their own beds and cribs. They eagerly anticipate bedtime routines, which makes me believe that either we were blessed with great sleepers or we managed to implement effective strategies for infant and toddler sleep.

In the following sections, I will outline the practices we have consistently followed or implemented in the past concerning bedtime and promoting healthy sleep habits for infants and toddlers.

Setting a Bedtime Routine

One of the first steps in our journey was establishing a consistent bedtime routine. I found my children, and myself thrive on routine; it gives all of us security and predictability. Here’s what we implemented:

1. Same Time Every Night: We set a fixed bedtime for all kids, allowing earlier bedtimes for younger twins. This consistency helped everyone adjust to a unified sleep schedule.

   
   

2. Wind-Down Activities: We created calming pre-bedtime rituals like warm baths, storytime, and snuggles with mom and dad. Bedtime has now become the highlight of my day with my three-year-olds. It is a time when we discuss the day's joys and challenges and what they are looking forward to the next day. These activities signaled that bedtime was approaching and made our twins feel safe and relaxed.

   
   

3. Unified Approach: Collaborating as parents was crucial. Both of us were on the same page regarding the bedtime routine, establishing consistency that let the kids know what to expect. This keeps the toddler answer shopping to a minimum as they know Mom and Dad are on the same team.

   
   

By making bedtime structured, our twins embraced the routine, contributing to their overall calmness at night.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Managing two sets of twins is no small task, especially during bedtime. Success depended on teamwork—between us as parents and among the twins themselves.

1. Co-Parenting Responsibilities: We divided bedtime tasks based on our strengths. One parent read stories while the other was in charge of brushing teeth. This approach reduced chaos and facilitated smoother transitions.

   
   

2. Fostering Sibling Bonds: Encouraging the twins to bond during bedtime became important. We made reading stories a shared activity. Both sets have also always had their beds/cribs right next to each other. They now look forward to having quiet time together and feed comfort knowing their twin is near.

   
   

3. Promoting Independence: As they grew, we taught our twins how to settle themselves. From a few months old, we would create a structure so that they could practice putting themselves to sleep. This independence built their confidence and fostered autonomy.

   
   

Recognizing that we were all in this journey together turned bedtime into a shared experience, often leading to quieter evenings.

Sleep Training: To cry or not let them cry? That is the question?

For some families, sleep training can be daunting. We approached it in a variety of ways, based upon our understanding as parents and getting to know each individual baby.

1. Use a Variety of Methods: We have used cry it out and gentle sleep training methods. As we grow as parents and understand each individual child, we develop more strategies and adjust to their needs. When our babies were infants, we began to focus on wake and feeding windows during the day to encourage consolidated sleep at night. We would also try to put the babies in their crib or bassinet slightly awake so they would get used to putting themselves to sleep on their own.

   
   

2. Importance of Patience: We discovered the value of patience and adaptability. While some nights were easier than others, we acknowledged small wins and showed ourselves compassion during challenging times. It often seemed like a process of trial and error, without a quick fix. Reflecting on the money invested in search of the ideal sleep sacks for our babies, hoping they would resolve all our sleep issues, we realized that understanding and accommodating our babies' individual needs and personalities is what truly matters.

   
   

Discovering a sleep training approach that worked well for our family was key in establishing a consistent bedtime routine and minimizing nighttime disruptions. Have a conversation with your partner to determine what methods suit both of you best and capitalize on each parent's strengths. Given the likelihood of both partners being sleep-deprived with twins, it is important to outline plans and responsibilities in advance to reduce potential frustrations during the night.

Managing Night Wakings

As soon as we felt we had bedtime routines down, we discovered managing night wakings was a new challenge. These unexpected wakings could lead to chaos with two sets of twins.

1. Stay Calm and Reassuring: Night wakings often caused distress. Staying calm, speaking softly, and keeping the lights low helped ease their anxiety. It actually helps your anxiety as well

   
   

2. Establishing a Routine: Our twins established a regular waking time for feeding, which prompted both my husband and me to get up to feed them. One of us would feed one baby while the other fed the second one. If one baby woke up, we would wake the other one for feeding as well. This routine may not necessarily work for everyone, but it was the most effective for us.

   
   

3. Limit Nighttime Communication: Since neither of us enjoyed being up in the middle of the night, we needed a dependable schedule that allowed us to support each other with minimal communication. By 2 a.m., any grumpiness would start to set in, making it a time unsuitable for casual conversation. Thanks to our schedule, we were able to efficiently feed the babies and quickly return to sleep. As the infants developed, and as we paid more attention to their wake windows and daytime calorie intake, they became better at sleeping through the night, leading to a reduction in nighttime feedings.

   
   

Being proactive and understanding the reasons behind night wakings helped us minimize disruptions, maintaining a sense of normalcy even at night.

Naptime Influences Sleep Quality

Believe it or not, naptimes play a crucial role in nighttime sleep quality. Keeping track of naptimes ensures they aren’t missed or overlapped is vital.

1. Regular Nap Schedules: We recognized the importance of regular naptimes, maintaining the same schedule as much as possible. Ideally, both sets of twins would nap at overlapping times, allowing us some much-needed breathing room.

   
   

2. Avoid Late Naps: We saw that late-day naps could interfere with nighttime sleep. Adjusting naptimes earlier improved bedtime transitions significantly.

   
   

3. Wake the Sleeping Baby(ies): When my twins were under one year old, I made sure not to let them sleep for more than two hours at a stretch, except during the newborn phase. Allowing them to nap longer would disrupt their wake windows and delay feedings, resulting in them consuming fewer calories throughout the day. Anyone who has twins knows that the advice "Don't wake a sleeping baby" doesn't apply.

   
   

By understanding how naptime influences nighttime behavior, our twins were more prepared for bedtime.

Finding Your Rhythm for Sweet Dreams

Through countless trial-and-error sessions, late nights, and a dose of patience, we crafted a bedtime routine that transformed chaos into calm. Establishing good sleeping habits with two sets of twins needed dedication, consistency, and creativity.

As any parent with twins knows, every day is a new adventure. But knowing we can count on a smooth transition into sleep makes the challenges worthwhile. Our journey to achieving healthy sleep habits proves that with love, support, and solid routines, bedtime can be an enjoyable chapter in the busy lives of families with multiples.

So, find your rhythm, get cozy, and here's to sweet dreams as you navigate bedtime with your little ones!

Empowering Moms: Navigating Postpartum Recovery with Confidence and Advocacy

Discovering I was pregnant with twins twice was surprising. However, nothing was as surprising as leaving the hospital with two newborns while recovering from a c-section and dealing with the rollercoaster of hormones after giving birth to twins. I had one, if not two, appointments or tests every week leading up to my delivery. If needed, I could contact my OB-GYN and they could usually fit me in the same day. Following the delivery, I was discharged with two newborns and a follow-up appointment in six weeks. It felt like I just broke up with a long term boyfriend. The moment the babies were born, my well-being was no longer a priority. My medical support system had vanished when I needed it the most. I soon realized that postpartum care in women's health is like the uncharted territory of the Wild West.

Having gone through undiagnosed postpartum depression and anxiety with my first set of twins, I made a promise to myself to never reach that stage again. I vividly recall a late-night feeding session with our second set when I sensed that something was wrong. The following morning, I contacted my doctor to seek the necessary support and treatment. This turned out to be one of the most beneficial choices I made during the initial year of those babies' lives. It enabled me to be present in a manner that I couldn't manage with my first set of twins.

Recently, I discovered that the effects of postpartum extend well beyond the initial year following the birth of our children. Pregnancy and childbirth have a lasting impact on our bodies and overall health. During a conversation with my friend, who is a mother of triplets, I mentioned the ongoing discomfort and pain I experience at my c-section scar. I had assumed this was a typical part of having a c-section. Additionally, I discussed how my abdominal muscles had separated, leading to significant diastasis recti. Once again, I believed this was just a natural consequence of motherhood. To my surprise, she explained that c-section scar pain is not normal and that there are ways to address diastasis recti. She recounted her positive experience with physical therapy post-triplet pregnancy and emphasized the profound impact it had on her well-being.

During my first yearly check-up, I inquired with my OB-GYN about my symptoms and the potential benefits of physical therapy. Her response was affirmative, indicating that physical therapy could indeed be a beneficial solution. While I appreciated the opportunity to discuss the next steps with her, this conversation took place more than a year after my second c-section, and it was initiated by me. This made me reflect on other mothers who may not have the same knowledge or awareness about postpartum physical therapy, as I only knew about it through a friend's experience. If I hadn't been informed about this option, there are likely other mothers who are also unaware of its availability.

Following a recommendation from my friend, I arranged an initial meeting with a physical therapist. During this session, I discovered a three-finger-width gap between my abdominal muscles, with discomfort around my c-section scar attributed to extensive scar tissue. The therapy sessions have been centered on specific abdominal exercises to address my diastasis recti and focused massages on the c-section scar. Since my first appointment, I have been attending weekly sessions and have witnessed remarkable improvements. Working closely with two therapists specializing in postpartum recovery and connective tissue, I have found a sense of relief and validation in understanding that pain is not normal and that I can regain strength and live pain-free once more.

During one of my appointments, I mentioned in passing that I have been experiencing more frequent neck pain and migraines than usual. Although I have always dealt with these issues, they have intensified since I became pregnant. My therapists are now focused on identifying the source of the pain, and they suspect that the increased discomfort is likely a result of lifting heavy weights (my children) without sufficient core strength. While I am naturally prone to migraines and neck pain, my body has been attempting to compensate for the lack of core strength.

I am quickly realizing the interconnectedness of the body. The trauma my body went through during two consecutive twin pregnancies and subsequent c-sections within twenty-two months continues to affect my daily life nearly two years post-delivery. If it weren't for my friend, I would be experiencing much more pain and discomfort than I currently am. Society often conveys to mothers that enduring such challenges is just a natural part of motherhood. It's common to hear that our bodies will "never be the same." While this may be true, it doesn't imply that our bodies cannot be resilient. It doesn't mean we should accept living in pain or discomfort.

As mothers advocating for our health and wellbeing, we can bring postpartum care and support to the fore front. We can demand the support, resources and education we desperately want and need. Talk to other moms about what you are experiencing and check in on new moms in your life. We need to be there advocating for each other because our healthcare system is not there yet.

If your social circle is limited, let me be the friend who assures you that you do not need to face pain alone. You do not have to go through postpartum depression and anxiety in isolation. If something seems wrong, don't hesitate to reach out to someone - a friend, a healthcare provider, your partner, or anyone else. Avoid isolating yourself as I did during the postpartum phase. Open up about your emotions to others. Recognize the challenges as they are genuine. You do not have to pretend to have everything perfectly managed because none of us do. Most importantly, you do not have to endure living in pain.