15 Must-Have Items On Your Second Baby Registry
July 31, 2023
When you’re expecting your second child, things look a lot different than they did with your first. You’re probably not taking as many photos of your bump, you’re busy and exhausted from looking after your firstborn, and you have no idea what fruit or vegetable your baby is currently the same size as. As the months fly by, you’ll probably find yourself thinking how much more quickly this pregnancy has progressed, and before you know it, someone’s asking you if you already have everything you need. If your firstborn is only a few years old or younger, it’s likely that you’ve saved most of the major necessities, like the crib, bassinet, stroller, infant car seat, etc. But, whether you’re having a sprinkle or not, there are still some things that you’ll need and some things that you’ll want that you didn’t have the first time around. Here are 15 must-have items that you’ll definitely want to have for your second baby registry:
1. Diapers
Unless you used cloth diapers for your first baby, you’ll need plenty of diapers for your second baby, too. Even if your firstborn didn’t have any sensitivity to any diaper brands, there’s no guarantee that your second child won’t either, so keep that in mind before building a huge stash with one brand. Instead, try out several small boxes with a variety of brands (especially, ones that are hypoallergenic or more eco-friendly), or you may even want to try your hand at cloth diapering!
2. Baby bottles
Baby bottles are another tricky part of parenthood. Your child might take to the first bottle they try, or they could reject 20 different brands before you find one they’ll accept. Register for several bottle brands, so you can try out different nipple sizes and shapes before committing to a full set.
3. Pacifiers
Just like baby bottles, there are a million pacifier brands and choosing one comes down to your baby’s personal preference. Register for a few different pacifier brands, and wait to see which one your baby actually likes. Pacifier use has many benefits, like reducing the risk of SIDS, but remember to follow safety rules, such as using only one-piece pacifiers that aren’t attached to anything like a lovey, stuffed toy, or a clip.
4. Baby clothes
If your second child is due in the same season as your first, chances are that you’ll be able to reuse many of the clothes that you’ve saved. However, if your first was born in the winter and your second is due in the summer, you’ll likely need an entirely new wardrobe that’s weather appropriate.
5. Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat
Even if you still have an infant car seat from the first time around, you’ll eventually have to switch over to a convertible seat once your baby maxes out the height or weight limits. This convertible car seat by Graco is easy to install, easy to use, and features an adjustable extension panel for extra legroom, as well as a 50 lb weight limit to allow you to rear-face longer than many other car seats on the market.
6. Dagne Dover Large Indi Diaper Backpack
If both children are going to be in diapers, you’ll need a larger diaper bag that fits everything you need. This super chic diaper bag comes in backpack form, leaving both of your arms free to wrangle your little ones, and also has special design features, like the ability to clip to a stroller and the ability to slide onto your luggage. Oh, and the whole thing is washable!
7. Elvie Breast Pump
Trying to pump while caring for one baby can sometimes feel like an impossible task, and it’s even harder when you have a baby and a toddler. This hands-free, wearable breast pump is the smallest, lightest, and quietest model on the market that fits right inside your bra so you can pump anytime, anywhere.
8. Nanit Pro Camera
If you still use a baby monitor for your first child, you’ll need to have a second for your new baby. This camera by Nanit does it all, providing HD video, sound and motion alerts, full video history, 256-bit AES encryption for safety, temperature and humidity, and a split-screen app if you want to see both kids at the same time (with a second camera).
9. Hatch Rest+ Baby & Kids Sound Machine
If your first child used a sound machine as a baby, chances are they still use it even though they’re no longer a baby. Sound machines help block out external noises for peaceful, uninterrupted sleep and are a must-have when you have a crying newborn. The Hatch Rest+ functions as a sound machine, a night light, and a clock with programmable features that allow you to customize settings and control via Wi-Fi.
10. Guava Lotus Travel Crib
This travel crib weighs only 13 lbs and folds into a compact size to fit in a backpack carrying case. Life with two little ones looks a lot different than with one, and you’ll likely find yourself on-the-go a lot more this time around. Having a crib that you can easily take from place to place helps you live life with fewer interruptions and allows your baby to nap peacefully wherever you go.
11. Toki Mats Vegan Leather Mat in Mega Size
Chances are, your firstborn spent their early days protesting tummy time on a fabric play mat. With so many play mats on the market, it’s not easy to know which one to pick, especially when it’s your first go. This play mat is made from natural latex foam that’s thick and supportive throughout babyhood and beyond. A vegan leather cover and a foldable design make it super portable and easy to use both indoors or outdoors, and its large size is perfect for little ones to bond with their new sibling on the floor.
12. Uppababy Vista V2 Stroller
Unless there’s a huge age gap between your two kids, you’ll likely need a double stroller to make longer outings as convenient and fuss-free as possible. If you don’t already own an Uppababy Vista V2, this unique stroller system easily converts from a single to double to suit your needs as your family grows. The multiple configurations can fit a bassinet and stroller set, two stroller seats, and even accommodates up to three children with additional expansion options.
13. Uppababy PiggyBack
This clever ride-along board attaches to your Uppababy Vista stroller so that your little one can hitch a ride when they’re too fidgety to sit and too tired to walk! Made from natural eco-friendly wood that’s super durable, this piggyback board folds out of the way when not in use, and allows the stroller to fold up as normal.
14. NozeBot Nasal Aspirator
If your first kid is in daycare or preschool, they’ll be bringing home plenty of viruses that will inevitably get the entire household sick—including the baby. This battery-powered nasal aspirator provides hospital-grade suction and a hygienic design to provide congestion relief that can prevent a visit to the emergency room.
15. Babylist Meal Fund
Having a newborn and a toddler is more than enough to keep your hands full, and even with a village to help, you’ll likely be in survival mode for the first few months. If you create a registry with Babylist, you have the option to have people contribute to a meal fund so you can pay for takeout and delivery on those days that you just don’t have time to cook.
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Shop NowAbout the Author: Alice
Alice Mendoza is a copywriter and blog writer based in Los Angeles. She began writing for a baby brand while on maternity leave, and realized she had found her niche. Today, she writes exclusively within the baby space, using her BFA in Creative Writing and her own experience as a mother to guide her. When she’s not working, you can find her chasing down her toddler, going on walks around the neighborhood, or watching reality TV.