Yay, you’re expecting your second baby!
While you’re probably feeling excited and overwhelmed at the same time, one thing’s for sure – you’re a seasoned pro in this parenting game.
You know what babies need; after all, you’ve been through it once. And yes, every baby is different! But you have a pretty good idea of what to expect now.
But with all that experience, there are a few must haves for second baby that’ll make your life easier. After all, transitioning from one child to two is a whole new ballgame. Having everything ready and organized can make the process smoother for everyone.
So whether you’ve saved all the stuff from your first baby or you’re starting from scratch, this quick guide will have you getting ready for baby in no time!
In a rush?
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The Best 2nd Baby Registry Ever
Before we begin, you may be wondering why you would even register for your second baby.
You might not be having a baby shower but there are still plenty of reasons to register, the free baby products being the top reason.
I wholeheartedly believe Amazon is the best place to register for a baby.
I’ve detailed why I think this in this post all about the best Amazon baby registry benefits. Definitely, check this article out before you decide where you’ll register.
What To Buy For Your 2nd Baby
Did you know some car seats have an expiration date? This means there's a good chance you'll need to buy a new infant car seat for your second baby!
This infant car seat is an awesome bargain and receives really high reviews. It has over 400 5-star reviews!
If you do plan on using your first child's car seat for your second child, make sure it isn't too old, is in good condition, and there haven't been any recalls on the product.
You may also need to buy an extra infant car seat base in order to have one in both parents' cars.
The age gap between your kids will come into play here.
If the older sibling still needs a stroller, you'll want to purchase a double stroller so you can get around easier after baby number 2 is born.
If you want an inexpensive double umbrella stroller, this one is a great price.
Are you a jogging mama? If so, check out this post on the best double jogging strollers.
If your first child doesn't use a stroller anymore, another good option is to buy a buggy board that attaches to your current stroller.
Buggy boards attach to your stroller to allow older kids to stand on them when they get tired of walking. You'll find them such a lifesaver as a second-time mom!
If your first child is still using a crib mattress, you'll need to pick up a second crib mattress for your little one.
This crib mattress is organic, is completely washable (yes, the inside core too!) and is free from latex, springs, and glue so there's no worry about off-gassing toxins on your baby.
I really wish this new crib mattress was around for my last baby!
If you're going to move your older child to a toddler bed, this one is Amazon's overall pick and oh so affordable!
Having a baby camera in your little one's room provides so much peace of mind for anxious moms. There are tons of great options, but this one is Amazon's top seller!
If you didn't use a white noise machine the first time round, you're missing out! Every new mom needs this essential baby gear item.
They're a great way to drown out loud noises and comfort your kids. We still have this powerhouse sound machine in each of our kids' rooms 9 years later!
Because you have an older child now, you'll definitely be more active with your second baby. Having an infant sling or carrier will allow you to continue doing all the things you enjoy with your older child while still having your baby closeby.
They're the perfect gift to add to your second baby registry checklist, too!
This infant sling is a top pick for moms. It has 4.4 stars out of 5 from over 1,500 people. It's made of cotton and spandex, giving it just the right amount of stretch to be comfy.
If you prefer baby carriers, I used and loved this sturdy baby carrier. It adjusts easily between parents of different sizes and grows with your child so you won't have to buy another carrier when they get heavy.
As a second time mom, you probably already have a diaper bag. But is it big enough to fit everything you'll need for both kids?
Having two kids comes with many new challenges, and lugging around diaper bag essentials is just one of them! Your first changing bag may have been small and compact, but now you'll need to upgrade to a larger size that can fit everything your newborn and older child needs.
This diaper bag has tons of space, can be carried as a backpack or diaper bag, has so many awesome organizational compartments and comes in 7 colors.
If you want a more dad-friendly option, this gender neutral diaper bag gets great reviews and has plenty of space for everything you need.
It's awesome when you can use your first child's hand-me-downs for your new baby, but that's not always possible.
If your second child is a different gender or if they'll be born in a different season, you'll need to stock up on baby clothes all over again.
Gender neutral onesies like these ones are great for the early days with a new baby and they're organic too!
Ahhh, diapers and wipes.
If you're lucky enough to have your older child potty trained, you will need to buy diapers and wipes. It doesn't matter if you go for disposable or cloth diapers; just choose what works best for your family.
Remember that bigger babies sometimes don't even fit into infant sized diapers. I always like to have one infant sized diaper set and one size 1 diaper set at home before baby arrives.
These diapers are my favorite for infants. If you're looking for the best gift to add to your second registry, you really can't go wrong with bulk packs of diapers. It's a game changer!
If you're planning to formula feed your infant, you need to have all the necessary items ready at home.
Remember that every baby responds differently to formula, so I don't recommend stocking up on one brand or type.
Instead, buy 2-3 different ones and see which your baby prefers best.
This baby formula is organic, Amazon's choice and receives high marks from parents. It is lactose-based, contains no added corn syrup solids and has iron included.
It also contains DHA/ARA, lutein and prebiotics.
This premium baby formula is so convenient for feeding on the go or for the middle of the night. It comes in ready-to-use bottles that just need new nipples attached.
This infant formula contains prebiotics, 2 times the DHA as most other formulas and also contains inositol for brain support and development.
If you're going to breastfeed your baby, you'll need to be sure you have all the necessary items to nurse effectively.
Check out this guide to the top breastfeeding essentials if you want all the details on the best nursing products. For a quick summary, you may need or want to purchase:
Freebie Alert: If you want a free nursing cover, simply order one from here using the code KITC40 and all you'll need to pay for is shipping! Also, read this post to see how to get over $1,600 in free baby products.
Nursing Bra (This nursing bra is amazingly comfortable & it converts to a "regular" bra after you've weaned your baby)
That's it! Remember, you probably have most of the necessities for a baby lying around your house again.
And, if you don't check out the top 25 baby registry must haves to get everything you need and nothing you don't!
More Must-Read Baby Prep Posts:
- 7 Awesome Amazon Baby Registry Benefits You Need To Know About
- 12 Cheap Baby Cribs That Are Actually Stylish
- Over $1,600 In Free Baby Products You’ll Absolutely Want To Get Your Hands On
Sam is the crafter and founder of Simple Everyday Mom. She has been featured in Oprah Mag, Good Housekeeping, The Spruce Crafts, Country Living, The Bump and more. Read more.