What We're Shopping For This Fall

The editors at Today's Parent are parents, too. We're dealing with tantrums, meal planning and keeping our kids happy and safe—just like you are. So check out what's in our shopping carts this month. You just might find something you've been looking for.

*While we would genuinely buy every item on this list, some were gifted. 

Visual timers

You know when you tell your kid "You can watch TV in 10 minutes" or "Dinner is in half an hour," and then they badger you every two minutes until it's time? A visual timer may just change your life. I bought this adorable one for our house, but there are also pizza, nautical, outer space and car designs.

Set it for the time they need to wait and let them watch as it counts down. When they ask how much time is left, show them the timer. If they're still learning numbers or how to track time, point to the number and tell them how many minutes are left. If you use batteries, the timer will beep when the time is up.

Vitamin C whitening toothpaste

Since reviewing the Autobrush and with all that Halloween candy to eat (or hide), I've been thinking a lot about dental hygiene. So I was excited to try hello's new vitamin-C-powered whitening toothpaste. It's a unique pale orange colour and within a few weeks, I noticed that my teeth looked brighter. This fluoride toothpaste is also safe for kids two and up (kids should use a pea-sized amount).

The most comfortable Pajamas

I recently watched The Idea of You starring Anne Hathaway and while I enjoyed the movie, I was distracted by Hathaway's character's sophisticated loungewear. Instead of old t-shirts and boxer shorts, Hathaway draped herself across her couch in what looked to me like an actual dress—not a nightgown. And it got me thinking that I'd like to look and feel a bit put more together, even when lounging or sleeping. Enter This is J. These made-in-Canada, bamboo-viscose (with 7 percent spandex for stretch) pjs are both cute and comfy. While they may not be movie-star velvet slip dresses, they look good and feel even better. The bonus is that there are matching (or not) options for every member of the family!

A rich hand cream

Cold and flu season is coming for us parents and that means lots of handwashing. Or more handwashing, if you're already changing multiple diapers a day. I plan to repair my skin barrier and keep my hands moisturized with Paume Probiotic Hand Balm and Overnight Hand and Foot Mask—because it's been a while since my last pedicure.

Looking for on-the-go hand cleaning options? The brand also offers a hand sanitizer that's been recognized by Marie Claire and Chatelaine.

Books to keep my kids off screens

My kids love reading, but I think they love video games more. To help bring things back into balance, I've been shopping for graphic novels and books that will fight boredom. Whether as a way to keep kids at the dining table or to start a fun conversation when they complain of being bored, this book of 1001 Would You Rather questions will do the trick. Created by Canadian author Kim McLeod, the book asks questions sure to have children, tweens and teens lol-ing, like "Would you rather say 'boo!' to everyone who comes to your door or quack at them like a duck?" Other questions get you thinking, like "Would you rather speak every language in the world or be able to write in every language in the world?"

A stylish, insulated diaper bag

Despite the sheer number of options available, finding a diaper bag that does it all can be a challenge. But this one from Petunia Pickle Bottom checks a lot of boxes. It has an insulated zippered pocket at its base for breast milk or snacks. There's also a smaller exterior insulated pocket for a bottle. The main compartment is roomy and big enough for a change of clothes. The Axis Backpack Diaper Bag also comes with a water-resistant changing pad and a wipes case.