Kelseymcdonald.pt on LTK

Day 16: Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids from a pediatric physical therapist! We LOVE this picnic basket over here and have for YEARS. My oldest got it for her first Christmas I think and we did it as container play and she loved banging the pieces together. 3 years later and she still loves to set up picnics with it. My 15mos old is working on the shape sorting part of it in the top of the basket and the plates. Lots of fine motor skills, coordination, and pretend play in this one! You can turn on the sounds too for extra sensory input when putting pieces in and out! LTKGiftGuide LTKBaby LTKKids

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LeapFrog Shapes and Sharing Picnic Basket, Pink | Amazon (US)

LeapFrog Shapes and Sharing Picnic Basket (Frustration Free Packaging), Yellow | Amazon (US)

Fortunately, I do love these things as a pediatric physical therapist 💕

#LTKKids #LTKBaby

Dress-up dolls… but make it developmental 💕

This isn’t just pretend play—when toddlers change outfits, they’re working on fine motor skills, bilateral coordination, problem solving, and imagination ✨

Things like pulling clothes on/off, lining things up, and figuring out how pieces fit all matter more than you’d think 👀

Development is a range, but simple toys like this can go a long way when it comes to building real skills through play 🧠

#LTKmomlife #LTKKids

Learning to walk isn’t just those first independent steps… it’s cruising along the couch, wobbly steps with support, little falls, getting back up, and doing it all over again (about 1,000 times 💛)

And the truth is… walking looks different for every baby.
Some take their time. Some move fast. Some want your hands forever before they let go.

As a pediatric physical therapist, I’m not just looking for when your baby walks… I’m looking at how they’re building strength, balance, and confidence along the way.

✨ Cruising
✨ Supported steps
✨ Letting go (even for a second!)
✨ Falling and trying again

It’s all part of the process.

Development is a range, not a race.
But if something feels off or you just want extra guidance, you don’t have to figure it out alone 🤍

I’m always here to help.

#babymilestones #firststeps #grossmotorskills #babydevelopment #babywalking

The “very hungry caterpillar”… but make it fine motor skills 👀🐛

This threading toy is such a fun way to work on:
• fine motor skills (grasp + hand strength)
• bilateral coordination (using both hands together)
• hand-eye coordination
• problem solving + sequencing
• color + shape matching

Your toddler is feeding the caterpillar fruits and veggies… but really they’re building the skills needed for dressing, feeding themselves, and eventually writing ✍🏼

It’s simple, open-ended, and keeps their little hands busy in the best way 🙌🏼

Save this for an easy play idea!

#toddlertoys #finemotorskills #screenfreeplay #toddleractivities

Teaching independence doesn’t always mean adding more to your plate… sometimes it’s just making things easier for them to do on their own.

This has been one of the simplest swaps that’s made a big difference in our routine.

She can get into bed by herself ✔️
She can actually make her bed in the morning ✔️
And because she picked the ballerina one herself… she’s SO proud to take care of it 🩰✨

No sheets everywhere. No re-making the bed.
Just a small win that builds confidence (and gives me one less thing to do 😅)

If you’ve been working on independence OR smoother bedtime routines… this has been such a game changer for us.

#toddlerindependence #bedtimeroutine #momlifehacks #toddlerlife

What I look for vs what I avoid in toddler rain boots… because not all of them are good for their feet ☔️🌂🌧️

As a pediatric PT, I’m looking for a few key things:
✔️ semi flexible sole
✔️ wide toe box
✔️ zero drop

And skipping things like:
🚫 stiff soles
🚫 narrow toe boxes
🚫 raised heels

That said, if your toddler only wears boots for 20 minutes here and there, it’s not a huge deal.
But if they’re wearing them often or all day, choosing a more foot-friendly option can make a difference 💛

#toddlerdevelopment #toddlershoes #toddlermom #pediatricpt

Rotating our setups (and even just switching out covers) has been one of the easiest ways to keep play feeling new without constantly buying more toys 🙌

Here’s what we did:
🎣 summer – fishing setup
🍂 fall – cozy reading nook
❄️ winter – sleigh build
🌸 spring – flower shop (my favorite 🫶)

As a pediatric PT, I love this because changing the setup encourages different types of play every time… climbing, pretend play, problem solving, all of it ✨

I linked the play couch (with a discount code!) + all the covers and accessories for each setup 🤍

Save this for your next play refresh + tell me which one your kids would pick 👇

And let me know if you need more build ideas! I’m constantly making new setups!

#playcouch #pretendplay #screenfree #toddlerplayideas #playideas

Obsessed with these silicone paint mats!

#LTKmomlife #LTKKids

I’m always looking for toys that actually grow with my kids… and this one has been on repeat lately.

These are basically giant magnetic tiles made out of foam, so they’re lightweight enough for bigger builds but still sturdy enough to hold their shape.
They’re also made with non-toxic materials, which is always a big win for me 🙌

And what I love most is that it’s never just one toy.
We’ve made a house, rocket, airplane, boats, little shops… and somehow it turns into something new every time.

From a pediatric PT perspective, this kind of open-ended play is SO good for:
- gross motor skills (crawling in/out)
- problem solving
- pretend play + creativity

It’s one of those toys that keeps them moving and using their imagination… which is always a win over here.

#toddlertoys #toddlerdevelopment #nontoxictoys

#LTKmomlife #LTKKids

Forever grateful my job is to play all day 🫶

As a pediatric physical therapist, play is how I help babies and toddlers build strength, coordination, balance, and confidence in their bodies.

It might look like fun (because it is), but it’s also how we work on motor milestones like sitting, crawling, and walking 👶

#babydevelopment #babymilestones #toddlerdevelopment #grossmotorskills

I used to feel like I was being summoned every 2 minutes 😅

And while it’s normal…it also doesn’t have to stay that way.

A lot of toddler independence comes down to how their environment is set up, not just what they’re capable of.

Once we made a few simple changes around the house (especially in the bathroom), I started noticing:
✨ more “I do it”
✨ fewer frustrations (for ALL of us)
✨ and so much more confidence in their little routines

You don’t need to do more… just set things up so they can.

What do you use to help your little one be independent?

we move this couch all over the house…the girl’s rooms, playroom, living room, wherever the day takes us

and somehow, every single time,
they end up right next to each other 🤍

I love that it can switch from play mode to a little lounge spot so easily…it’s basically wherever they want to land that day

comment COUCH and I’ll send you more info (with a discount auto applied!) 🤍

#toddlerplay #toddlermom #girlmom

When picking out a toddler shoe or sandal, there’s a lot of things that we look for as pediatric physical therapists.

We look for:
- a semi flexible sole,
- a supportive heel cup,
- a wide toe box, and
- adjustable straps or laces

This is because your little one’s arches aren’t finished developing until they’re around 6-7 years old, so the shoes we pick for the really matter.

There are some brands that always have good shoes, and others if you know what to look for (see above!).

Have specific shoe questions? Ask me or send me a message ☺️

Yall, toddler birks that are actually healthy for our toddlers feet?! I’m so excited!

#LTKmomlife #LTKKids

E is so proud of her creations that she makes at school and now they go perfectly in our playroom!

#LTKmomlife #LTKKids

You’ve got a friend in me ❤️

#LTKmomlife #LTKKids

If your toddler is chewing on shirts, toys, or literally anything they can find… you’re not alone 😅

Instead of constantly saying “that doesn’t belong in your mouth,” I’m focusing on redirecting that need with safer, more appropriate options 👏

✔️ Chew-safe tools
✔️ Easy grab options throughout the day
✔️ Blowing + resistance activities for oral input (we call this heavy work!)

You can also offer more intense flavors/textures (think crunchy, sour, cold, etc.) to help meet that sensory need…BUT if you’re in a picky eater phase like we are, that one might not always be an option right now 🙃

Meeting the need > fighting the behavior 💛

Ranking our Tonies because I hear them 100x a day 😅

Some are elite.
Some are questionable.
One is on thin ice (looking at you Elsa).

Drop your favorite and worst Tonie below 👇

#toddlermom #toddlerplay #tonies

This kept my toddlers busy WAY longer than I expected 👀

All I did was add a little color to water + set out some squeeze bottles, vials, and bowls

Pouring + mixing = instant entertainment 🙌🏼

#toddlermom #toddlerplay #outdoorplay #toddlerplayideas

#LTKKids #LTKmomlife

It’s already 96 deg here in west Texas 🥵

We literally use a collapsible dog pool because it gets the job done and I don’t have to inflate or deflate anything lol

#LTKmomlife #LTKKids #LTKSeasonal

Jumping progression and age ranges from a pediatric PT! Remember, development is a range, this is just when we look for these skills!

There’s a full progression that starts with the ‘almost jump’ (aka bend + bounce with no liftoff 😅)

If you’ve been wondering whether your toddler is on track, this is a great quick guide to what’s age-appropriate.

Save this for later so you know what to look for next 👇

Need more jumping tips? Let me know and I’ll make a video on that next!

#toddlermom #toddlerdevelopment
How to help your toddler jump

We originally bought these for E because she sized out of her crib because she was so tall for the crib, but she LOVED the rails, so we bought a frame for a floor bed and used these for over a year with her.

We just brought them back out because AJ has been hitting her head on the side of the crib and waking up because she’s essentially a little tornado in the crib. But since we still wanted her to be contained, we brought back out the sliding rails.

It allows us to easily lay in bed with AJ too when she needs us and to climb in and out on her own.

Have questions? Just ask!

#toddlersleep #toddlermom

#LTKBaby #LTKKids #LTKmomlife

Toddler spring sandals that are pediatric PT approved!

#LTKmomlife #LTKKids

If you’ve ever built an epic play couch structure just for it to collapse 30 seconds later… you get it 😅

A few things about ours that ended up being a game changer:
- the pieces Velcro together, so the builds actually stay together while they play
- all the bases are the same thickness, which makes way more builds possible
- and it’s sturdy enough for climbing, sliding, and full toddler crash landings

That’s how we end up with things like the rolling triangle, mountain climb, giant house, and crash pit in our living room.

#LTKKids #LTKmomlife

Brb living my childhood dream of having American girl dolls but instead of American girls, they’re from target and wearing Harry Potter robes ⚡️

#LTKmomlife #LTKKids

I LOVE making seasonal letter magnets for E! It’s just so much fun and works on visual tracking, body awareness, and motor planning for vertical play!

#LTKSeasonal #LTKmomlife #LTKKids

Skills that you can be working on with your 18-20 month olds ✨

Now that we’re walking, let’s work on higher level skill! This is stair climbing, uneven surfaces, early running skills (no true flight phase yet!) and getting ready to jump!

Again, development is a RANGE, it’s okay if baby isn’t perfectly in this zone, but this is what we want to be working towards at this age, you can still offer assistance as needed!

Need any specific exercise help? Let me know down below!

#pediatricphysicaltherapy #toddlerdevelopment #toddlerskills #grossmotorskills #toddler

Some bows are just too cute to let go of. 🎀

If you’re a girl mom, you know the feeling. Your baby outgrows those stretchy headband bows but you’re way too emotionally attached to toss them. Good news… you don’t have to.

✂️ Just snip the ends off the headband
📎 Attach the bow to an alligator clip
🎀 And you’ve got a bow that will last way longer

Little mom hack to keep your favorite bows in rotation a bit longer.

#girlmom #toddlergirl #momhack #momlifehacks #toddlerstyle

This little couch from Toki Mats looks like a tiny sofa, but it pulls out into a long cushioned surface, which makes it perfect for practicing developmental skills through play.

Here are a few ways we use it:
• Tummy time for babies who need a little support (can even turn it into a wedge to make it easier)
• Sitting practice
• Modified hands & knees to help prep for crawling
• Crawling obstacles to build strength and coordination
• Walking + balance practice for toddlers

I love tools like this because you can change the height, surface, and challenge level as your baby grows. One piece of furniture… a whole lot of developmental play.

#tummytime #babydevelopment #developmentalmilestones #babytips #crawlingbaby

#LTKKids #LTKmomlife #LTKBaby

Trying to pick toddler stepping stones for your playroom? I compared 3 popular sets so you don’t have to guess 👀

Stepping stones are one of my favorite toys for building balance, coordination, and gross motor skills… plus they make the easiest toddler obstacle courses.

Here’s my quick breakdown:

🪨 Tiny Land stepping stones
Pros: stable + fun layout when connected
Cons: only 4 pieces so there’s less to build with

🪨 Special Supplies stepping stones
Pros: comes with big and small sizes which makes obstacle courses really fun
Cons: the triangle tops are pretty small for little feet

🪨 Pebblestones stepping stones
Pros: super cute + sturdy and a great Stapelstein-style option!
Cons: the most pricey and they take up more space to store (but still the cutest to store in my opinion).

All three work for toddler gross motor play, it just depends on what matters most to you!

Save this if you’re building a toddler playroom or indoor obstacle course!

#toddlerplay #toddlermom #grossmotorskills #toddlerdevelopment #kidstoys

#LTKmomlife #LTKKids

Not all baby containers support your baby’s body the same way.

If their hips are sitting low and their knees are way up high, that position can limit core engagement and put more stress on their joints. That’s why I don’t recommend the original Bumbo style seat. 🚫

What we want to see:
✔️ Hips and knees level
OR
✔️ Hips slightly higher than knees

That setup encourages a more supportive sitting posture and better alignment.

We personally used the Bumbo Multi Seat and the Upseat with our girls, but there are several great options that promote healthier positioning.

Your baby deserves a seat that works with their development, not against it.

#babychair #babytips #babydevelopment #pediatricpt #infantdevelopment

Easter eggs… but make them ✨pretend play✨

These Easter eggs turn into princess dolls (the egg becomes the skirt 😍), so instead of loading baskets with sugar, you’re adding imagination, fine motor practice, and coordination skills.

They come pre-loaded and look like some of your kiddos’ favorite princesses… just not exactly them 😉

Such a fun non-candy Easter basket idea for toddlers and preschoolers who love dress-up and pretend play.

Have you found any other super cool Easter egg fillers? I’m always looking 👀

#toddler #toddlermom #eastereggs #easter #toddlergift

You just never know when they’re watching you and want to do something for you too, and since my love language is acts of service, this really meant a lot to me

#LTKKids #LTKmomlife

W sitting isn’t automatically “bad” … but if it’s your child’s favorite and only way to sit, it’s worth paying attention.

W sitting creates a very wide base of support, which means your kiddo doesn’t have to use their core muscles as much to stay upright. Over time, that can limit core strength and postural control.

In some kids, prolonged W sitting can also contribute to hip or knee discomfort as they grow due to the rotational forces at the joints.

Sometimes W sitting can be a sign of hypermobility, but not always. More often, it just means we need to build strength and body awareness in different positions.

Here’s what you can do instead:
• Cue legs out in front (long sitting)
• Practice dynamic sitting balance on a swing, laundry basket, or box
• Push a weighted laundry basket or box
• Knee walking
• Crawling

Stronger core = better balance, better transitions, and better overall motor development.

Save this for later and follow for more pediatric physical therapy tips to support your toddler’s development 🤍

#babymilestones #toddlermilestones #babydevelopment #toddlerdevelopment #pediatricphysicaltherapy

Allergies were getting the best of E today so we brought out the bounce house so she could get out some big jumps still!

#LTKKids #LTKmomlife