My third baby boy is officially 2 months old. It’s been a whirlwind of course, because life with newborns is just that. Finally, we have a rhythm to our days and our 2 year old is adjusted to having him around. Since I am in the trenches of the newborn phase for the third time, these are my recommendations for what you need for a second baby. There are many essential items that can be reused, but also others to buy new.
It’s somewhat easier to prepare for baby #1 because you create a registry, and have a baby shower to supply most or all of the items. You kind of know you need everything. When you are expecting your second (or 3rd, 4th..), it takes some thought to decide what you still have and what you need. Hope that this list helps you out!
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Before we dive in to what you really need for your second or third baby, remember that you can still make a registry. I wish I had thought of this, because there are people that still want to buy you a gift. Most times they want suggestions, so pointing them to the items you need is helpful for both of you. Amazon has a great baby registry that can be emailed to your friends and family, or added to a digital “welcome baby” card.
What to Get if You didn’t the First Time
Baby Carrier
There are some items that just become more useful as you have more children. Good baby carriers was one of those things for me. I used one sparingly with my first, but when I had a toddler to take care of- having hands free became even more crucial.
I love the Baby K’tan for newborns and the Ergo 360 for 4 months and up. If you aren’t sure which one you want, go to a store and try some on. There are lots of different kinds out there- it’s one of those things that needs to be comfortable so you’ll actually want to use it. Target and BuyBuy Baby usually have some in stock.
Baby Video Monitor
To be even more specific- a double camera video monitor is LIFE. Even if your little ones will share a room at first, they may transition to their own later. Or you can set up one in the playroom for when you are soothing your baby to sleep. It gives you peace to have eyes in different places.
From someone that has gone through SO many monitors, anticipating in advance and investing in a new one is worth it. My oldest is almost 5, but he shares a room with his 2 year old brother. So they still have a monitor, not sure when I will actually take it out. Maybe 12, maybe 16 :-). I have one that switches back and forth with the baby’s nursery to not lug around two screens.
The Infant Optics DXR-8 video baby monitor is (in my humble opinion) the best one. We went through the Motorola and Summer Infant ones that died on us way too quickly. I know it seems pricey, but it’s cheaper than having to re-buy a new monitor every year. And it lives up to the cost. Additional cameras are sold separately, but you can connect up to 4.
Carseat and Other Gear
Depending on how long it’s been since you had your first baby, you want to make sure your carseat hasn’t expired. If it hasn’t, maybe your first is still using it. Instead of getting a new infant carseat, you can get a convertible one for your older child. The Diono Radian is amazing- you can fit 3 across the back in a Sedan. Not saying that you’ll also have a third like me, but if you do- you’d be ready!
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What to Buy Brand New
Double stroller
I put off this purchase at first. Thought I could wear the baby, while my oldest was in the stroller. It worked at first, but those babies really start to get heavy! Some days, he’d be sleeping in his carseat and I just wanted to click him into a stroller versus taking him out.
We ended up getting the Baby Jogger City Select. It’s big, but rides really well. And now we have the kickstand on the back where my oldest can stand. Many people love the Uppababy Vista and I would have gotten that one if I didn’t find such a good deal on the prior. We knew we were going to have a big family and I wanted this to be our one investment piece. So glad I did! 2 years later we are still going strong (and I bought it used). Other great options are the BOB double stroller or Joovy.
- Diapers and wipes– just in case you get pregnancy brain like I did. Obviously need more of these.
- Burp clothes and wash cloths– bonus burp cloths that double as bibs for later!
- Baby wash, shampoo and lotion
- Pacifiers– no need to re use these.
- Nose Frida– I bought a new one with each of my three babies. There will possibly be more germs, especially if your older child is in school or daycare. Stock up on Boogie wipes and medicine also.
- Bathtub– depending on how it looks. Some of the baby bathtubs can fall apart easily and they aren’t too expensive to buy again.
- Swaddles– A couple more of these was essential with my second. With my third, I had plenty. Velcro ones, sleepsacks or loose blankets.
- Sleepsuits and clothes– Think about what season it was when you had your first and the difference this time around. If it’s the same- lucky! If not, you may have all summer outfits for your newborn clothes and need winter items now. Or vice versa. A new going home outfit is nice to have for your second– so their life won’t be completely hand me downs.
- Breast pump or replacement accessories– hopefully you kept your breast pump and don’t need to buy a new one. If not, try and get one through your insurance if you didn’t the first time. When I had my second son, I bought replacement parts for the pump I already owned.
- Lanolin cream, dry nursing pads, and soothing gel pads– you’ll never know what will come in handy! These are my best friends during that first week at home.
- Bottles– If they are still in good condition, just get new bottle nipples and a washing brush.
- Sheets and nursery accessories- I kept all the nursery furniture for all 3 of my kids. They used the same crib and glider, but I changed the themes with sheets and decor. This is more of a nice to have, if your sheets are still in good condition- you don’t have to buy new ones.
Congratulations!
I know it can be daunting, but there were a lot of things I found easier my second time around. Parenting can be a crazy ride at times, but there are some pretty awesome things along the way if we slow down to enjoy them. Hope this list helped clear up what you need, so you can focus on the sweet new addition to your family.
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