Expecting your second baby? Here are the items to add to your second baby registry to make sure you’re ready for baby number two!
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This post is written by Monica from Conquering Motherhood.
Expecting baby number two can be so exciting and intimidating at the same time.
My kids are are 2.5 years apart and there were some items we needed, even though this wasn’t my first pregnancy.
Getting ready for of the new baby and making sure you have everything you need to tackle this next stage of motherhood will help you feel more equipped.
That’s where this second baby registry checklist comes in.
It includes:
- Which items you can reuse from your first baby
- Which items to buy brand new
- Which items I recommend to make your life easier
Is It Normal to Have a Registry for Second Baby?
Yes, absolutely, I have been to plenty of baby sprinkles for a second pregnancy and I always want to know what the parents may need.
It’s a great way to keep track of all the items you deemed as second-time mom must-haves and if friends or family members are wondering what to buy you for a second baby gift, it gives them plenty of ideas.
Preparing to Register for Baby Number Two
I recommend going through everything that you’ve kept from your first child and making sure you can still use it.
Hopefully you still have a lot of the big-ticket items in good condition.
Then, you can add items to your registry that you weren’t able to keep from your first baby. I’ve included those recommendations below.
Then, I’m here to help you brainstorm what else you might need.
Were there items you would have loved to have with your first, but you just never got around to buying them? Add any other items that will help make life easier as you welcome baby number two!
Items to Add to your Second Baby Registry
1. Diapers
I imagine diapers are the most sought-after gift for a second baby registry.
Unless you are using cloth diapers and the ones from your first child are still good enough to be used for your second baby, you’ll need lots of new diapers for your second baby.
You can register for multiple sizes of diapers and hope that you get a variety to last you through the first year.
2. Wipes
Wipes are definitely another second baby registry must-have. In case you’ve forgotten how many wipes you go through in a day with a newborn, it’s a lot!
You’ll likely use them for diaper changes and cleaning up your older child’s messes so stock up!
3. Other Baby Toiletries
Add things like diaper rash cream, body wash, shampoo, nail clippers, etc. You can go through this toiletry checklist to make sure you aren’t missing any other toiletries.
4. Bibs
I dare anyone who’s having another kid to reuse the same bibs from the previous child! This is something that I definitely had to buy new for my second daughter.
The old cloth bibs from my first one were really starting to stink and were falling apart, and the plastic ones were half broken by the time my second one was born. Particularly if you feed your baby formula, bibs really start to smell (and look) bad after a while.
5. Pacifiers / Bottle Nipples
The silicone or rubber in pacifiers starts to break down over time, making them unsafe for baby number two. Pacifiers can be so helpful for sleep, so make sure to add them to your second baby registry.
Just like pacifiers, the material in nipples breaks down over time making them unsafe to re-use for baby number two.
Bottle nipples are an inexpensive item for your second baby registry. Get all the nipple flow sizes now that you know how quickly baby moves up a size!
If you’re going to use the pacifier when baby is awake, register for a pacifier clip to keep it secured to your baby’s clothes, so that you don’t lose it when you’re out and about. You can find a list of the best pacifier clips to choose from here as well as safety standards regarding pacifier clips.
6. Clothes
If your second baby is a different gender, or is due in a different season than your first, register for outfits to last you through the first year. Luckily, people love buying adorable baby clothes!
7. Nursery Blackout Curtains
Keep your older baby’s blackout curtains up so they don’t start rising with the sun and start good sleep habits with your newborn by creating a dark environment for sleep.
I love the Sleepout Home curtains because they are 100% blackout and they block out light at the top and sides of the window. Use the code POSTPARTUM10 to save 10% off your order.
8. Car seat
The car seat can be tricky as car seats have expiration dates, so it could be unsafe to use the car seat from your first baby with your second one. Make sure to check the expiration date on it before you install it in the car.
Our babies are only 2.5 years apart, so we were able to re-use the infant carseat, but we had to buy a new convertible car seat once the baby got a little older.
9. Car seat mirror
If you are still using a car seat mirror for your older child, don’t forget to buy another one for your second baby as well.
10. Breast Milk storage bags / Pumping Parts
If you plan on pumping and storing milk, stock up on more of these and add them to your second baby must-haves checklist.
Check that your breast pump parts are still functioning and in good condition. Inspect them for cracks or build-up of milk residue and replace as necessary.
11. Formula
If you are planning on formula feeding, add it to your registry to save some money. It adds up so quickly!
12. Second monitor
I was initially against the idea of buying a second monitor. I thought we didn’t need it anymore for our first and that it was going to be a waste of money. But, I’m glad I gave in and got a second one.
It gives me peace of mind to see both girls when they were sleeping (or supposed to sleep) in the evening.
Particularly when our oldest daughter went through the two-year sleep regression shortly after her sister was born. It wasn’t uncommon for her to get into mischief in her room after we kissed her good night.
13. Double stroller
Lots of moms recommend buying a double stroller when you have a second baby, especially if your two kids are going to be 2 to 3 years apart or even less.
We were also really tempted to get one, but then decided not to as our oldest daughter was getting very good at riding next to the stroller with a scooter and we didn’t feel the need.
Another good alternative if you have an older kid who’s not so keen on walking with you and you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a double stroller is a stroller board. This attaches to the back of the stroller and your older child can easily stand on it while you push the stroller.
14. White noise machine
A white noise machine is a baby nursery must have and is especially helpful in drowning out older brother or sister’s noises when your baby is trying to sleep. These are the best baby sound machines and are a second baby registry essential!
15. Bouncer
If you haven’t bought a bouncer or rocking chair for your first child already, then you probably need one for your second. This was a total life saver for me!
I could happily put my second baby in it for short periods of time while playing and giving attention to my oldest child.
16. Baby carrier
Having a baby carrier can also be a big help when you have two kids, in a similar way to the bouncer. You can wear your second baby in a wrap or carrier while you give some attention to your older one, particularly when playing outside.
I prefer a baby wrap for a newborn as it’s much more comfortable and safer for the little one, and then a carrier when they get a bit older.
17. Second humidifier
Humidifiers can really help your sick baby get sleep. And you might consider buying a second one for your new baby. Because when it’s winter, let me tell you, the chances of both your kids getting a cold at the same time and needing the humidifier in each room are pretty high.
18. Nursery Decorations
Is the second baby going to sleep in the same room as your first or in a separate room? Are they the same gender?
Goes without saying that if your second baby is going to have a separate room, then you’ll probably want to get new decorations.
19. Bottles
You may be able to re-use bottles if you have them from your first baby. If they aren’t in good condition, add some more to your registry.
20. Diaper Backpack
Of course you’ll need a diaper bag, but is the one from your first child still in good condition? Or is it big enough to now carry double the amount of stuff with two babies?
Investing in a diaper backpack allows you to be hands-free, which can be especially helpful if you’re juggling a newborn and a toddler.
Our first diaper backpack was falling apart after 2.5 years, so we bought a new one for our second baby.
21. Crib / Crib Mattress
If you’ve already transitioned to a toddler bed for your first child, then your second baby can easily use the same crib. However, make sure that the crib mattress is still in good condition and that you don’t need another one.
A crib mattress should be firm to properly support your baby and reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A used one may have lost some of that firmness or could have developed dips and bulges while in storage.
Those are the top second baby registry essentials. What items did you find especially helpful when transitioning from one kid to two?
Leave a comment below and I’ll add it to this list!
My goal is to help tired parents get sleep, so the whole family can thrive!
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