10 Must-Have Products for New Moms of Two

Navigating life after having your second baby is a completely different experience than it was the first time around. You’re more confident handling a newborn, and you know that all those rough phases of sleepless nights and PURPLE crying will eventually pass. But, while some aspects of motherhood feel more natural and easier to handle on this second go, you’re also spread thin between a baby that requires round-the-clock care and an energetic toddler whose life has just been flipped upside down, too. You know things will get better as your children grow and you hit a groove as a family, but in the meantime, here’s a roundup of ten must-have products to make this transition easier on you and your little ones.

1. Toki Mats Playful Posies Vegan Leather Mat in Epic

Take the fuss out of tummy time with this ultra soft play mat made from natural latex foam. Thick cushioning provides super comfortable padding even on hardwood floors, and the epic size leaves plenty of room for you to lay with your newborn. When you’re engaging in floor play with your baby, you can get your toddler to join in on the fun for a family bonding opportunity. A playful floral print in muted pastels adds a pop of color to your living room or playroom.

2. Hatch Rest 2nd Gen

With an exuberant toddler running around, nap time looks a little bit different these days. If you feel more like a broken record than a human, whispering “Can you please keep it down? The baby is sleeping!” on repeat, it’s time to invest in a second sound machine. One should be placed by the nursery window to drown out ambient noises, like cars honking on the street, and the other should be placed by the door, to drown out the screams or stomping footsteps of your toddler.

3. Toki Mats Rainbow Cream Picnic Blanket

When the weather permits, one of the best ways to spend a day is outside at the park or on grass. Fresh air and sunshine do wonders for your mood, and when your eldest needs to burn off some steam, a playground is the way to go. This picnic blanket is made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton, and is a safe place to lay your baby down for tummy time or outdoor play. The change of scenery and a sensory-rich environment is great for their developing brain, and it also allows you to rest while keeping eyes on your toddler.

4. Nanit Pro Camera Multi Pack

Even if your older child doesn’t need to be monitored at night, it may still feel strange to not have eyes on them. If you want the convenience of split screen, this multi pack from Nanit comes with two of its Pro cameras and companion app, two floor stands, 2 sensor-free breathing bands, and a free 6-month trial of Nanit Insights Sleep Plan for sleep data tracking and insights.

5. Solly Baby Wrap

Babywearing is an invaluable tool to keep your baby calm and settled, while allowing you to move about freely and get things done. When it’s your second baby and you don’t have the luxury of staying on the couch all day with them because your toddler needs their lunch or you need to walk them to school, a baby carrier is more than helpful—it’s a necessity. This wrap from Solly Baby is buttery soft, stretchy, and provides unparalleled comfort for both you and your newborn in every season. 

6. Toki Mats Lunar Phases Play Tent

A new baby can, understandably, cause your firstborn to have many strong emotions. They may feel excited and joyful, but also frustrated, sad, and even angry at times. The adjustment period is hard on everyone, and your toddler is learning how to share their space, their things, and their mom with their younger sibling. This play tent gives them an opportunity to be creative with play, but it also acts as a sanctuary when they’re having big feelings and need to be alone. Let this tent be a space that’s just for them, and make it ultra cozy with a standard size Toki mat (it’s a perfect fit), soft pillows, and their favorite stuffed toys.

7. Instant Pot Pro Multi-Use Pressure Cooker

Cooking is among the many things that get harder when you have two kids instead of one. An Instant Pot allows you to spend far less time in the kitchen, and the many dump-and-go recipes you can make in one are an easy way to prepare meals without being stuck to the stove. This sleek version features built-in safety features, 28 customizable Smart Programs, and functions as a pressure cooker, sous vide, slow cooker, rice cooker, food warmer, yogurt maker, cake maker, sauté pan, and steamer.

8. Souper Cubes Ultimate Gift Set

Once your baby starts solids, you’ll be entering a new era of cooking three different meals, three times a day. Theoretically, your toddler should be eating everything you’re eating, but realistically, they probably aren’t. These Souper Cubes are like silicone ice cube trays, except way bigger, so they’re a genius way to store leftover soup, stew, purée, pasta, or whatever you make. This set comes with various sizes of freezer-safe trays that contain perfect portions for you, your toddler, and your baby for easy, ready-to-eat meals when you’re short on time. 

10. UppaBaby Vista V2 Stroller

A double stroller makes it much easier for you to manage both kids while enjoying an outing. This super sleek stroller from UppaBaby is intuitively designed to grow with your family. With the right accessories and adaptors, you can use it as a single stroller or a double stroller with a bassinet, car seat, toddler seat, and rumble seat in every configuration you can think of.