Essential Items I Bought (Again) for Baby #2
After my first baby, I knew I wanted to keep expanding our family, so I held onto all the must-haves for newborns. When I discovered I was expecting baby #2, I thought I had most of the essentials covered. However, there were a few new products I wanted to try out (some of which might not have even existed when I had my first baby, or we simply didn't purchase them back then). Plus, there were a few items I knew I needed to restock or get more of in preparation for baby #2.
To lend a hand to other parents in a similar situation, I've put together the list below of what I bought or repurchased for baby #2. Hopefully, this list will help make your transition smoother!
Here's a pro tip I have when it comes to shopping for baby #2: don't hesitate to create a registry. I'll admit, I felt a bit strange making a registry for my second baby, but I went ahead and created one on Amazon anyway. I didn't really share it with anyone (since I didn't expect gifts for the second baby), but I did take advantage of Amazon's 15% completion discount. Thanks to that, I managed to snag most of the things I needed at a discounted price, including diapers!
Just a heads up, as an Amazon Associate, I do earn a small commission from the links below. I truly appreciate your ongoing support!
New Things I Purchased for Baby #2
Keekaroo Peanut Changer: With baby #2, I decided to change it up from the traditional fabric changing pad with a cover. I’m so happy with this purchase. This silicon pad is easy to clean and fully impermeable to fluid- making blow outs much less messy!
Doona Stroller: A highly recommended baby product by all my friends. I didn’t purchase one with my first child only because I didn’t want to have two different strollers, but the Doona has been life changing this time around. It makes being on the go with baby so easy! It is worth every penny!
Doona Travel Bag: Bought for gate checking when traveling. Since the Doona was a pricier purchase, I want to preserve it for all future babies.
New Bamboo Onesies: All my baby lived in for the first few months was onesies- you can never have too many! My favorite is the Kyte brand, but I got the Bamboo Little brand as a gift and loved them just as much.
Things I Rebought For Baby #2
2nd Ollie Swaddle: For both babies, this is the only swaddle we ended up using. Best to have two in case of accidents on the first.
Baby Muslin Washclothes: Need double as many with the second baby, so you aren’t constantly doing laundry (if that is even possible).
Muslin Burp Clothes: You can never have too many of these on hand & I think it's best to replace them for each baby.
Aquaphor: We use every night with a fresh diaper. Personally, we go through a lot, so it is best to buy the largest size.
Ubbi Diaper Pail: We loved this for baby #1 because you can use your own plastic bags instead of some special brand. We purchased a second diaper pail to have in our new nursery, since our first child is still in diapers. We also bought the scented absorbing gel packs to help with the odor.
New Silicone Bottle Nipples: It’s recommended to replace anything silicon with each baby. We use the Lifefactory Glass Bottles.
Pacifiers: The same rules apply with silicone replacement for pacifiers. I’ve tried all the adorable looking pacifiers, but my babies both preferred this basic one.
Eufy Baby Monitor: We love this monitor we purchased for our first & bought a second for baby #2. We like that it isn’t WIFI-based and easy to transport and travel with.
Baby Monitor Flexible Twist Mount: We use this mount on a ladder next to the crib that holds blankets for both of the kiddos.
Humidifier: When sickness comes, it usually comes for the entire house, so every room and kid needs their own humidifier.
Crib Sheets: Again, you are going to want multiple crib sheets on hand in case you have any blow outs or to just make things easier on sheet washing day. I got this brand for my new baby and LOVE- they are so soft!
Newton Crib Mattress: Since my first born was still in his crib when my newborn arrived, we needed double of everything. The Newton Crib Mattress is a must-have for us because it is 100% breathable, giving us peace of mind when our baby starts to roll over.
Baby Detergent: This can be used from baby to baby (and even with both kids at the same time), but something you will want to stock up on before baby #2. The amount of laundry feels like it more than doubles with a second kiddo.
Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit: As you know if this is your second child, childbirth comes with a recovery process. It seems like the last person I am worried about when I first get home from the hospital is myself. My hospital provided most of my recovery supplies, but I liked to have this kit waiting at home just in case I needed anything extra.
Pull Wipes Dispenser: This one of our favorite products with our first that I rebought for my second. You underestimate the efficiency you crave when changing countless diapers and this simply makes things a little easier.
Baby Memory Book: I love anything that includes pictures and memories and wanted a special place to capture all the precious moments for baby #2. I have this baby book in different versions for each of my two kids.
Bottle Brushes: Likely need refreshed and replenished after baby #1.
Bottle Soap: Again, this likely needs replenished as well and great to have on hand.
Muslin Baby Bibs: My first was had reflux and spit up a lot, so he constantly wore a bib. This is something I wanted to stock up on and have a fresh, new set for baby #2.
Hatch Sound Machine: One of my favorite baby products! My first still uses his sound machine every night, so we had to get a second for baby #2. I love that we can control both from the same app. We also bought the portal version for baby #2.
Things I Rebought FOR BABY #2- Breastfeeding/Pumping Specific
Milk Collection Shells: I talked about how much I use and love these milk collection cups when breastfeeding in a previous blog post. Because they are silicon, I replaced them with baby #2.
New Breast Pump Parts (Silicon Pieces): Again, following recommendations, I replaced all the silicon and soft pieces of my breast pump with baby number 2.
Breastmilk Storage Bags: These won’t ever go bad per say, but if you are planning on pumping with a second baby you are going to want to stock up on storage bags.
Breast Pump Wipes: Again, something to stock up on in preparation for baby number 2.
I hope this list serves as a helpful resource for fellow parents embarking on their own second baby adventures. Remember, every family is unique, and it's important to find what works best for you. Sending you all the love and good vibes as you embark on this crazy, beautiful journey called parenthood! XXX McKenzie