As a mom of three, I’ve definitely accumulated a fair share of baby gear over the years. After registering for all the first baby essentials, I was able to keep many necessities for my future children. This made it super simple when I was ready to make my second baby registry because I already had most things that I needed.
If you did a good job keeping and storing your baby items from the first time, there isn’t much more that you’ll need for the second baby. However, there will be a couple big ticket items along with a few small items that you’ll want to restock.
When you are adding another baby to your family, you already know so much about parenting and taking care of a little one. However, you will definitely be facing some new challenges as well.
Below you will find some useful items to put on your second baby registry or wish list for the newest addition to your family. These are items that you may not have needed the first time around or that you may need duplicates if your older child is still using them.
Most of these second baby must-haves will help you navigate life with multiple kids. Your needs will vary whether your new little one will be several years younger than your firstborn or if you will have multiples in diapers.
This post may contain affiliate links which I would receive a small commission should you make a purchase.
Is It Tacky to Have Second Baby Shower?
Years ago, the tradition was for mothers to have one baby shower, but times are changing. Many mothers have a baby sprinkle, which is like a lite baby shower. These celebrate the second, third, fourth, etc babies to join your family but with a smaller guest list.
The reason that people only had one baby shower was that it was presumed the mother kept all of her baby gear from the first baby. However, that doesn’t mean friends and family can’t enjoy giving your family other things you may need now.
So, if you’re worried about creating a second baby registry, don’t worry. It’s more common now than ever before, and the trend is continuing to grow.
30+ Second Baby Registry Must-Haves
You may already have most essential baby items from the first time around, so this is your chance to get some of those extras that you’ll need for having two children. These items will help to keep your sanity as your life inevitably gets busier with that second baby.
Here are my list of second baby must-haves for a mom of multiples and baby number two. This will just include items for your second baby as I’ll assume you have all the essential baby items from your first baby.
1. Double or sit-and-stand stroller
A double stroller is on the top of the list of second baby must-haves especially if your older child is young enough to need breaks when walking or be strapped down while on a stroll. A double stroller will ensure that you can transport both children safely.
We chose the Baby Jogger City Select for our adventures and love it. It’s very versatile as far as double strollers go since it folds up easily and can accommodate two seats for toddlers or an infant car seat and seat when your babies are young.
The City Select also allows the option for a standing base on the back if you have a third child or an older one who doesn’t want to be tied down to the stroller, yet still needs some help while walking.
I get asked all of the time from moms having second babies, do I really need a double stroller? Most parents don’t want to spend the hefty price on an item if their oldest is 2 or 3, believing that they won’t be in the stroller for much longer.
However, I do believe it’s still a must as a place to keep your child strapped down while you’re taking care of the baby. You’re going to have to multi-task a lot as a mom of two, especially while you are out and about.
Imagine having to chase your toddler around a parking lot while trying to change your babies diaper out of the trunk? I’ve been there and it’s not fun! So do yourself a favor and splurge on the double stroller, you won’t regret it!
2. Diapers and Wipes
No matter where you are in your parenting journey you will need diapers and wipes for this new little bundle of joy. This is one item that you don’t have to think twice about putting on your list.
Water Wipes are my absolute favorite natural wipes for brand new babies. They are made with 99.9% water so you know that you’re not putting any harmful chemicals on your little one’s fresh skin. Plus, they’re super soft and come out of the package really wet (unlike some other wipes that I’ve tried).
Huggies Little Snugglers seem to be the best on little one’s bums as they’re the most soft and absorbent. You can see the quilted material in the diaper which is important for newborns who have very frequent bowel movements.
Just don’t get too many packs of newborn diapers as most babies grow out of them quickly. Stock up on size 1 and 2 if you have a chance!
3. New Pacifiers and Bottle Nipples
You may have saved the bottles from your first baby, but as you break out those old baby items from storage, you may realize that the nipples seem a little cruddy. I’m sure they are perfectly safe for your new baby to use, but it’s in your best interest to purchase new ones.
Since these items go in their mouth non-stop, you may want some fresh ones to add to your second baby registry. All of my kids preferred MAM pacifiers and Phillips Avent bottles.
4. Multi-Camera Monitor
If you didn’t get a camera for your first little one, you will want to consider grabbing one this go around. Even if you already have a monitor, you may want to consider upgrading to a system that supports two cameras or just purchasing the second camera sold separately.
I love a baby monitor that has blue tooth so you can always access it on your phone. When you’re a busy mom of two little ones, you won’t be carrying the monitor screen around with you throughout the house, but you will most likely have your phone on you. This way you can always keep an eye on both kids no matter where they are.
Think about it, you are putting the baby down for a nap, and this is when your toddler decides to climb on top of the counters and pretend to fly. A monitor that can show where both children are can really give you peace of mind.
5. A Simple Baby Carrier
Now that you have two kids to manage, you’ll often find that you are in situations where they both need you… NOW. In these situations, you wish that you had 4 hands, but unfortunately you don’t.
These instances specifically call for a baby carrier or wrap. I registered for these with my first baby, but honestly never had much use for it as my baby didn’t mind being put down often.
However, once I had my second, I absolutely needed the carrier. There were many times that I needed to make my toddler lunch, put her shoes on, and do all the other mom stuff, while holding a fussy baby.
Solly Baby Wraps are the perfect choice for a lightweight wrap that you can easily get on and off. These wraps seem like they would be complex to wrap around your body, but once you’ve done it one time, you’ll be able to take it on and off in a flash.
The Solly baby wrap is my personal favorite for it’s super soft, buttery fabric that is great for warm weather babies because it’s breathable and light. It still can hold baby in pretty tight even though the fabric is very thin.
There are numerous other baby carriers and wraps out there that are better for colder weather or more outdoorsy trips.
6. White Noise Machine
This is an item that you will probably use for your child well into their early childhood years. Therefore, you’ll need to purchase a second one for your new baby’s room.
If you didn’t use a white noise machine with your first, you will definitely want to put it on your second baby registry. White noise can help to drown out the noise of loud, older siblings while the baby is sleeping.
Babies are also used to the constant “whooshing” sound inside your body, so a white noise machine, like the Hatch Baby can actually help them to sleep better!
Related: Top 8 Nursing Lights of 2021 for Breastfeeding and Baby
7. Clothing and Booties
You will want to add clothing and socks onto your second baby registry if your new baby is a different gender, you have already passed on your first child’s clothing, or your firstborn clothing is in a different season.
You may even want to get matching outfits for your new siblings to wear in style.
Also, if you remember from your first, newborn socks come off ALL the time. Babies just kick them off so they’re not even worth it to put on. However, the Zutano Booties are brilliant as they stay on regardless of your little one’s kicking and movements. They’re the perfect foot covering for your second baby.
8. Backpack Diaper Bag
Adding another baby means adding more things to keep with you. You will need a diaper bag to hold all the goodies, and with your newborn in the baby carrier on your front, a backpack diaper bag will be an excellent choice to store things while you’re out.
Even if you are not wearing your baby in a carrier, a backpack diaper bag allows you to be completely hands free to take care of your children when they need it. Although you may think that a regular diaper bag just hangs on your shoulder, you still don’t have full mobility of that one arm while you’re holding it.
I wish I had one with my first baby, but it was definitely a life saver with my second!
Related Post: KeaBabies Backpack Diaper Bag Review
9. Willow Wearable Hands Free Nursing Pump
If you plan to nurse your baby and/or pump this time around, a hands-free pump is essential! Pumping can really tie you down especially when you have to stay plugged in to the wall for 20+ minutes at a time.
With two littles to care for, you need all the help you can get. The Willow Hands-Free Wearable pump can be worn so you can go on about your day while still collecting that liquid gold for your little one.
It really is a life saver for any exclusively pumping mamas or even if you’re just pumping here and there.
A more budget friendly option is the Freemie Wearable Pump (shown above), however it’s a bit more restrictive than the Willow and doesn’t perform nearly as well. Read my full review of the Freemie Pump here.
A more affordable option that gives you a little more flexibility while pumping is the Spectra S1. This is not a wearable pump, but you don’t have to stay plugged into the wall. This is a breast pump that should be covered by insurance that allows you more freedom while pumping.
Check out Aeroflow Breastpumps to check whether you qualify through insurance. They make it so easy to determine your eligibility and contact the insurance and physician directly. Aeroflow then takes care of all the required paperwork between the supplier and your doctor and gets the pump sent right to you for no cost at all!
Related Posts: Breastfeeding Tips for the Busy Mom
10. Haaka Silicone Breast Pump
I’m a huge fan of the Haaka Breast Pump, but since it’s made of silicone, I think it’s best to replace these with each baby. They make an awesome addition to any second baby registry if you plan to breastfeed.
Haakaa attach to your breast with suction and collect milk leaks, giving you an easy way to build up your milk storage stash. They save a lot of time as well!
11. New Car Seat
Chances are, someone needs a new car seat, whether you need to upgrade your older child to a new convertible car seat or purchase a new infant carrier. You may be able to get away with using your previous infant car seat if your older child has already graduated from it, but down the line you will need a second convertible car seat.
Make sure to be prepared to keep both of your children safe with the proper car seats for their requirements.
The Chicco Fit4 Convertible Car Seat is the perfect option to last from infancy all the way through their childhood years. This will save you money in the long run as it can be used as an infant car seat, rear or front-facing car seat, or booster seat.
We recently started using our Chicco Fit4 Car seat and absolutely love it. It feels super comfortable for my preschooler and I can tell that it is well-made and sturdy.
Related Post: Safety Tips for Babies that All New Moms Should Know
12. Cushy Closer
A cushy closer is definitely on my list of second baby must-haves when you have more than one child. This allows for doors to be opened and closed without turning the doorknob, so your active toddler won’t accidentally get locked into a room or likewise, can get in and out of rooms easily. What I also like about this product is that doors will open and shut quietly so as to not wake sleeping babies!
13. Big/Little Sibling Clothing
There’s nothing more special than a sibling bond. It’s the most precious thing you’ll see, I promise! So you’ll definitely want to grab some big/little brother/sister clothing to show off their sibling love. These items always make great photo props!
14. My Breast Friend Pillow
If you’re breastfeeding, a nursing pillow is essential especially those first few weeks. I used the My Breast Friend pillow with my second baby and it was a game changer.
It’s a nursing pillow that straps around your waist so you can walk around and multi-task while nursing your baby. You still have to hold your baby, but you can get away with just using one hand while catering to your older child with the other hand.
15. Burp Cloths
You may have saved these from your first baby, but they can get a bit grimy after being stored. Grab another pack of burp clothes if you have a baby who constantly spits up.
16. Nursing items
If you’re a nursing mom and you didn’t save these disposable items from your first baby, you” need these: freezer bags & adapters to pump directly into bags, nursing pads, lanolin cream for sore, cracked nipples, and extra pump parts so you’re not washing all day long.
17. Formula
If you don’t plan on breastfeeding at all, you’ll want to restock your formula supply. The large containers of powdered formula are great to last awhile for your baby.
If you’re a formula-feeding mama, you’ll want to get a Baby Brezza (basically a Keurig for formula). You can make a bottle in 3-8 seconds and control it all with your phone!
If you can’t swing the Brezza, get a great bottle warmer, for sure.
18. Another High Chair or Toddler Booster Seat
If you have a little one at home with a baby on the way too, your current high chair may be in use for some time. Many high chairs adjust to work for toddlers as booster seats, but most children use a high chair or a booster seat for at least one to two years.
Consider adding another high chair to your second baby registry if your first one will still be occupied when your new baby is four to six months old. Another option is to add a toddler booster seat to your list.
19. Baby Bath and Skincare Items
You want to go back to buying the gentle-on-skin, natural skincare products for your newborn. I love the Adorable Baby brand of products (shampoo, lotion, diaper cream, etc) that contain no harmful ingredients.
Related Post: 9 Baby Skin Care Tips – How to Keep Baby’s Skin Soft and Healthy
20. Rearview Mirror
You’ll need an extra car mirror to go in front of baby in the car, unless your oldest is forward facing and no longer needs to use their mirror.
21. Touch Lights & Night Light
If you got these for your first baby, you will probably need another for your new baby’s room. These night lights are great and have a sensor to turn on only when it’s dark. Put one in your hallway, bedroom, bathroom, and nursery.
These adjustable night lights are great to put on the dresser next to the diaper changing station and you can adjust the brightness on your own.
22. Travel Crib
This is not a necessity, but if you plan on traveling much or even just trips to the grandparents (baby’s need to be put down for naps frequently). Pack n Plays are not very portable despite their name. They’re bulky and heavy.
Baby Bjorn Travel Crib has worked so well for us. It’s so lightweight and portable, so definitely a must for traveling. You’ll need a second one if your older child still uses one to sleep in on trips.
23. Crib & Crib mattress
If your oldest is still in their crib or a toddler bed using the crib mattress, you’ll need another one. I recommend the Air-X® Performance® Crib and Toddler Mattress.
This mattress has maximum breathability, safety, and comfort, and my baby sleeps like an angel on it! It is a 2-stage lightweight mattress so it grows with your baby.
One side, designed for infants, is firm and supportive, while the other is soft and adaptive for toddlers, giving your child the support they need, when they need it. Plus, the removable, washable top cover is engineered with patented Air-X fabric technology to enhance airflow and provide a comfortable sleep surface for your baby.
24. More Swaddles
Something I noticed after having my first baby was that the swaddles I had with Velcro seemed to be worn out from frequent use. Washing the swaddles tends to wear out the Velcro over time as it gets caught on other things.
Make sure you put a few new swaddles on your second baby registry. I prefer swaddles that have zippers because it makes middle-of-the-night changes much easier.
25. Changing pad, Changing pad cover, & changing pad liners
Again, if your oldest is still in diapers, you’ll need extras of these. To maximize space, you don’t need a changing table, use a regular dresser and place a changing pad on top, with a cover, and changing pad liners so you’re not always changing the cover if there’s a blow out.
26. Diaper organizer/basket
You’ll need some kind of diaper organizer for all your diaper stuff in the nursery and also by your changing station in your living space. This storage basket can hold everything including your diapers, wipes, ointments/creams, nail clippers, burp cloths, bibs, etc. You’ll need another one if you older child still utilizes his or hers.
27. Diaper genie with refills
You will need another one for your new nursery if your toddler is still in diapers. Don’t forget to buy some extra refills because you go through them quickly (especially since you’ll be changing 10+ diapers a day when they’re newborns.
28. A Second Humidifier
Inevitably, when one of your kids get sick, the other one will as well, and a humidifier is a great tool to keep on hand for when illnesses strike. It’s a great idea to put a second humidifier on your second baby registry because winter will kick both of your butts.
You don’t want to have to pick and choose who gets the humidifier and who doesn’t!
29. Tylenol & Children’s Benedryl
It’s important to have these on hand before the baby comes because you never know if you will need it in the middle of the night.
30. Baby laundry detergent & Bottle Soap
Use natural/gentle detergent for the first few months. I like the Honest brand. I was told not to use Dreft because a lot of babies have reactions to it.
For bottle soap, use Dapple as you’ll need special soap to clean all the bottles and pump parts.
Other Baby Gadgets:
There are several items I’ve come across while raising three babies, that I just need to share with you guys! They aren’t necessarily items for a second baby, but they will certainly make your life easier, which is invaluable when raising multiples.
Some of my other favorite baby gadgets that make life so much easier are:
Baby Bum Brush: Diaper cream never comes off your hands! Use this diaper creams spreader as a clean and easy way to apply it.
Baby’s Brew Warmer – The ultimate portable bottle warmer will heat your bottle in minutes without having to be plugged in. It’s a must for on-the-go moms!
Summer Infant Pop n Play– This is great for once baby starts sitting up and moving, to keep them contained. We used it A LOT outside when it’s nice out. It’s really lightweight and super portable- I brought it with me everywhere. Highly recommend.
Disposable diaper trash bags– Keep these in your diaper bag for disposing of dirty diapers when you’re on the go.
I hope you have no problem getting everything you need from your second baby registry. You’ll have an amazing time growing your family and watching that sibling bond unfold.
