What do you really need for a 2nd baby?

MadBloom · August 2015

So I was trying to make a list of things we need to buy for our 2nd child and I'm drawing a blank. We know we're having another girl so we're set on clothes. We have all the basics from our first and are set on furniture. The only thing I have on my list is an infant car seat (our other was in a fender bender) and like a dozen more cloth diapers.

I feel like there must be something this baby needs that I'm just not thinking of.

Anyone care to share their shopping list for their 2nd baby?

sarahsnowball · August 2015

Like you, we are getting a new car seat. We are also buying a woven wrap for baby wearing.
Other than that I feel like I've made more choices about what we DON'T need rather than what we do need! We've got rid of our baby walker, bottle warmer and a few other bits that we felt weren't particularly useful the first time round.
Our shopping list right now mostly consists of furniture for DS's big boy room so we can free up the nursery!
I'm interested to see what other items appear on people's 2nd baby lists

MargaretC5 · August 2015

Our list is pretty short also replacement part of the breastpump, new nipples for the bottles, a white noise machine, a baby gate for LO room, the infant insert for the ergo, some clothes (different gender), and car seats. If anyone ask what me need I tell them clothes.

JessicaS0914 · August 2015

We just got some new bottles, a double stroller (DD is 2.5, so I got a sit n stand for her to hop on/hop off), and a second crib, only b/c DD is still in hers and loves it, so I'm in no rush to kick her out. Anything else was just a product of having moved to a home with multiple levels (second changing table, etc)

Pontot31 · August 2015

Since this one is a boy we need clothes. And our rock n play is pink, so I'm selling it and getting a new one. Everything else is neutral.
I got a new carrier and a wrap.
Breast feeding supplies- like bags and breast pads. New bottles.
Stuff for his room. We aren't doing a theme or anything. But I need bedding and black out curtains and a lamp and prison my a few pictures.
A new glider because our old one was uncomfortable so we sold it.
Otherwise everything else we are reusing.

kmkrushi · August 2015

Since this is girl #2 for us there isn't a lot we need. But, I've become obsessed with trying to make things "even". For example DD1 has a set of muslin swaddle blankets she still sleeps with so I've got to find something equivalent for DD2 in a different color. Am I crazy for doing this?

VexedMommy · August 2015

kmkrushi said:

Since this is girl #2 for us there isn't a lot we need. But, I've become obsessed with trying to make things "even". For example DD1 has a set of muslin swaddle blankets she still sleeps with so I've got to find something equivalent for DD2 in a different color. Am I crazy for doing this?

I grew up with a sister 21 months younger than me. The "equal" thing doesn't work out well in the long run. Someone always thinks they got the shaft or is annoyed that their sister has basically the same thing as they have. My mom's big thing was the same item, but in a different color for each of us. I've fallen in the same trap with my DD and my SD. It's hard not to. I've finally decided though that they are very different kids and have very different needs emotionally, developmentally, and otherwise so doing the same thing for each just doesn't make sense.

kmkrushi · August 2015

VexedMommy said:

kmkrushi said:

Since this is girl #2 for us there isn't a lot we need. But, I've become obsessed with trying to make things "even". For example DD1 has a set of muslin swaddle blankets she still sleeps with so I've got to find something equivalent for DD2 in a different color. Am I crazy for doing this?

I grew up with a sister 21 months younger than me. The "equal" thing doesn't work out well in the long run. Someone always thinks they got the shaft or is annoyed that their sister has basically the same thing as they have. My mom's big thing was the same item, but in a different color for each of us. I've fallen in the same trap with my DD and my SD. It's hard not to. I've finally decided though that they are very different kids and have very different needs emotionally, developmentally, and otherwise so doing the same thing for each just doesn't make sense.

Thank you! I realized I don't know anyone I can ask about sisters close in age. DD1 is already trying to adjust to the idea of a new baby changing the order of things but I worry that can grow into jealousy. And as they get older it would grow to be even worse.

VexedMommy · August 2015

kmkrushi said:

Thank you! I realized I don't know anyone I can ask about sisters close in age. DD1 is already trying to adjust to the idea of a new baby changing the order of things but I worry that can grow into jealousy. And as they get older it would grow to be even worse.

NP. With my DD and SD (11 months apart with very different personalities and interests) I've found that "stuff" isn't where you need to worry about equality, it's time spent on them and their interests. They both need some one on one time that's exclusively about them and the things things they like. DD is all about doing things like dancing together, going places like the park and playing in the pool. SD likes things being done with her and feeling part of my more grown up world by painting nails together or talking about books she likes. I don't have this whole parenting thing down, not by a long shot, but I've found if I carve out some time for each of them and use that time to cater to their interests they're happier. Buying them things only leads them to expect me to buy them more things.

MoRay05 · August 2015

This LO is a boy so we need clothes. I bought a woven wrap and a carrier bc we didn't have one with our first and I really wished we did. We need another sound machine as DD is still using hers. We also need new bottle nipples and bump replacement/supplies. I debated on buying a double stroller but I think we are going to wait and see how it goes once he is here. DD hates riding in it now. I am also debating on buying a mattress for the pack n play as the baby will be sleeping in it in our room or the rock n play. I might just buy a piece of foam and put it under the mattress pad to make it a little more comfy until we move him into his crib downstairs.

JLW0504 · August 2015

Because I am a little obsessed with lists, here is my list. The highlighted items are things we already have. Our parents are gifting us some big stuff, which is awesome. We have all "gender neutral" gear and are set in clothes. All we really "need" are diapers and wipes for this LO but we wanted to make sure that she got her own furniture so that she could have something that was "just hers".

ETA: this is just nursery stuff. We are also getting a double stroller. We still have the pumpkin seat and 2 bases. I might get a RnP since we use the pack in play for time outs(she does not sit still in her chair)

MargaretC5 · August 2015

kmkrushi said:
Since this is girl #2 for us there isn't a lot we need. But, I've become obsessed with trying to make things "even". For example DD1 has a set of muslin swaddle blankets she still sleeps with so I've got to find something equivalent for DD2 in a different color. Am I crazy for doing this?

I think the even mindset matters a lot more when the kids are older, the baby does not know the difference. My sister was 14 months younger then me and got all my hand me down, that never bothered her with the baby stuff (she definitely started caring sometime in elementary school). The one baby thing that really bothered her was the number of pictures. My parents had 3 photo albums of pictures of me before she was born, they had about 12 pictures of her whole first year and I was in half of them. My mom said she was just too busy with 2 under 2 to worry about the camera. That is the one even thing I want to focus on with my two.

Gapeach83 · August 2015

DIAPERS! DUH! jk

Double stroller if that is your route to go. DD2 is still in stroller but we decided to go with carrier for baby. I feel it's much easier than dealing with double stroller. I might change my mind later but I will deal with that then. Having same sex is much easier. We are having a boy after 2 girls so I need clothes, blankets and crib sheets. Since all those where girly. All my big stuff is gender neutral except the bath tub seat but we only use it for couple months so he will have to deal with pink. He won't know or care at that age. Also anything you wished you has with your first be sure to get for your second because more than likely you will want it again.

MargaretC5 · August 2015

Gapeach83 said:
DIAPERS! DUH! jk

I knew I was forgetting something! Lol

lulamagoo · August 2015

This is our list:
Double bob
Skate board attachment for uppa
Wipe warmer (since we CD and DS still uses his)
Aden and anais blankets (DS is very territorial about his)
New crib sheets
Changing pad (DS is not even close to be being potty trained)
Changing pad covers
Breastfeeding supplies
New pacifiers

Barker2+1 · August 2015

With my second Ds I just bought a new wrap for baby wearing and new bottles and nipples new lovey options and then a special going home/first pictures outfit. People are annoyed with us now that we are having baby number 3 and we still don't need any of the big items. We are having a girl after two boys so I tell everyone clothes and diapers. My Dad bought us a new crib so DS wouldn't have to lose his big boy bed and we picked up a new travel system since we sold our old one. But something else to think about is a second monitor if you need one. DS1 and DS2 are exactly 2 years apart and since I am hearing impaired I insisted on having a monitor in Both rooms just in case DS1 had a night terror or fell out of bed.

Lynnbirds4 · August 2015

Yes, we don't need too much either....we have a 3 year old boy and we are having another boy. Similar to what someone else said, when I found out we were having a second boy, I decided that this little guy wasn't going to have to have ALL hand-me-downs and everything exactly the same as my first...just doesn't seem fair?! LOL, I don't know..I just had 2 brothers so I didn't have to deal with it but I am set on this guy having his own personality and getting new things sometimes (even if they are absolutely, positively "needed") like my first gets to have all the time.

Anyway, I loved my nursery, so we are keeping it....but I bought new sheets and crib skirt, pillow with this one's name on it and a new lamp shade and am making slight tweaks to make it a little different (My first son's colors in the room were blue and green so this time I am doing blue and gray with the few new things I buy). Also went through all my firsts clothes and kept my favorites (about 75%) and am getting some new stuff too. The best part is, I already know the brands and items that I like and don't like, so I am just buying a few of my favorites even if they are "splurges". Also getting a new infant car seat (my mom & dad are giving it to us). Besides that, bottle nipples and burp cloths are getting replaced.

Hope that helps...congrats on #2!!

Soyyoyary · August 2015

Wow I'm impressed with you ladies. My babies will only be 10 1/2 months apart
So we need a crib and carseat. He has a bassinet with sheets I made and knitted him a blanket. Clothes I'm not to worried I came from a huge family we believe in "hand me downs" as long as they are in good condition its all good. DH says to dress him in DD clothes in the house. What you think? I find it hilarious

MollyC20 · August 2015

BABY CARRIER. If you don't have one already, get one! This made going out with 2 kids a breeze.

nmwheel1 · August 2015

My daughter will be 2 one week before this baby is due. We were team green last time and team green again so all my newborn and 0-3 month clothes are already gender neutral. We have the infant car seat so we will just need the convertible car seat because my daughter will still be using hers. We decided against a double stroller so we are getting a winter cover that goes over my baby carrier since I enjoy baby wearing. We only have cloth diapers for our daughter but she didn't start in them until 6 months old so I think I'll do disposable for the new baby until my daughter is fully potty trained then pass the cloth diapers down to this baby. If we end up having a boy then babies first Christmas I'm sure we will get lots of boy clothes. We really don't have much on our list this time around at all!

flas · August 2015

For our second the only extra thing I bought was a swing chair, primarily because what I had used for my son was in ruins. I reused pretty much everything else.

MargaretC5 · August 2015

Soyyoyary said:
DH says to dress him in DD clothes in the house. What you think? I find it hilarious

We had a boy first, and this one is a girl. DS was born in October, so except for the boy theme it would work out perfectly. I told DH this LO will be wearing some boy clothes for the first year. I am not buying a whole new wardrobe when they outgrow it so quickly. I will mix in some girl clothes and try to stick to the least boyish clothes possible. I don't know if I would feel the same way about dressing a boy in girl clothes (I know it should not make a difference but in my head it does). I would keep some girl clothes handy just in case it is laundry day

My MIL and SILs are super excited for a girl and have already told me they will be buying us clothes, so this might work itself out.

Edit: autocorrect hates me.

oliarnmom1517 · August 2015

@JLW0504 you are on it!!! Way to go mama!!!

HungryRunner76 · August 2015

My girls will be 15 months apart so the bulk of our list was nursery gear (crib, dresser, diaper pail, humidifier, etc). Clothes we are set except a few colder weather clothes in newborn and 0-3 month sizes and hats. I'm splurging on a few new swaddles and the hubby surprised me with a halo bassinest. We had a rock n play with DD and it worked okay but since we are planning on a repeat c section, I'm hoping this helps a bit more with those middle of the night feedings.
All our feeding gear (breast pump, bottles, bibs, burp cloths, etc) are in great condition so no needs there either.
We cloth diaper so I just need a few more prefolds and covers. I've already started stockpiling more wipes.
Transportation wise was just a double stroller and a car seat protector.

kmkrushi · August 2015

lulamagoo said:
This is our list:
Double bob
Skate board attachment for uppa
Wipe warmer (since we CD and DS still uses his)
Aden and anais blankets (DS is very territorial about his)
New crib sheets
Changing pad (DS is not even close to be being potty trained)
Changing pad covers
Breastfeeding supplies
New pacifiers

Ha! DD is super territorial with hers too!
On the skate board attachment, have you tested it out first? I'm trying to figured out the stroller situation. DD is getting to the point where she usually wants to walk everywhere but I like the idea of something just in case. I've been thinking a sits and stand though because I'm afraid I'll trip on a skateboard attachment on out current stroller.

Soyyoyary · August 2015

MargaretC5 said:

Soyyoyary said:
DH says to dress him in DD clothes in the house. What you think? I find it hilarious
We had a boy first, and this one is a girl. DS was born in October, so except for the boy theme it would work out perfectly. I told DH this LO will be wearing some boy clothes for the first year. I am not buying a whole new wardrobe when they outgrow it so quickly. I will mix in some girl clothes and try to stick to the least boyish clothes possible. I don't know if I would feel the same way about dressing a boy in girl clothes (I know it should not make a difference but in my head it does). I would keep some girl clothes handy just in case it is laundry day
My MIL and SILs are super excited for a girl and have already told me they will be buying us clothes, so this might work itself out.

Edit: autocorrect hates me.

Your making a great point. I just think that a lot of the girl clothes in stores are very pink and tutus flowers etc ( well at least the clothes we received). Boys clothes are more down to earth. DD was born in Dec so I think PJs will work not to sure " regular clothes" in public.

katiedhunter · August 2015

Blankies! Both my boys are blankie boys and they know which ones are theirs! Had an incident when we brought DS#2 home he was using one of his brothers blankies and the oldest did NOT like that! Almost pulled him off the couch. So for this third boy we will make sure he's got his own blankies!

lulamagoo · August 2015

kmkrushi said:

lulamagoo said:
This is our list:
Double bob
Skate board attachment for uppa
Wipe warmer (since we CD and DS still uses his)
Aden and anais blankets (DS is very territorial about his)
New crib sheets
Changing pad (DS is not even close to be being potty trained)
Changing pad covers
Breastfeeding supplies
New pacifiers

Ha! DD is super territorial with hers too!
On the skate board attachment, have you tested it out first? I'm trying to figured out the stroller situation. DD is getting to the point where she usually wants to walk everywhere but I like the idea of something just in case. I've been thinking a sits and stand though because I'm afraid I'll trip on a skateboard attachment on out current stroller.

We have a friend that has the uppa with the skateboard attachment. It seems to work well. I think there will be a learning curve (on my end) when it comes to using it. I want DS to have the option to use it when we use the uppa as a snap and go. We will use the bob for longer walks and possibly traveling.

rox7777 · August 2015

Like everyone else my list is mostly the same:

Breastfeeding supplies and new bottles
New Swaddles
Clothing (same gender/different seasons)
Ergo (my last was an off brand)
Car Seat
Crib Mattress
Swing/Bouncer
Play Mat
New Boppy Cover

That's the major things for us. I've kept almost all of the small toys from DS so we're good, and I'm going to get the play mat as a Christmas gift. I also have all the blankets from DS so other than new crib sheets and a few Swaddles, I'm not worried about that too much. I really only NEED diapers, breastfeeding supplies and a crib mattress.

rox7777 · August 2015

Totally forgot to add: baby bath, pacifiers and hangers!

dogsombrero · August 2015

I wouldn't have needed much if we were having twins since they will be about 18 month apart at best. I'm planning on clothes (DS was huge and I doubt the girls will be anywhere near his size), a 2nd rock n play, 1 bucket car seat (other is fine and not expired), 2 cribs with mattresses and sheets, twin breastfeeding pillow and assorted BFing supplies, diapers and a new fleecy blanket each. My mom is going to go nutty with all the glittery and pink things so I won't buy anything else clothes wise until we know their birth weights. I did buy enough sleepers to fill in the gaps with what we had from DS.

dapoint23 · August 2015

We've been team green, so that helps the second time around as everything for newborn is neutral. We're getting the Bob double because I'm going to start running again. Probably some new white onesies as my DS was famous for his poopy blow outs. I'm waiting for the sex, but I'll also buy new changing pad covers. We did get the Mamaroo swing second hand bc I despised the last swing we had.
Other than that we moved DS into a big boy room and the nursery doesn't need to be touched.

JLW0504 · August 2015

oorl11052015 said:
@JLW0504 you are on it!!! Way to go mama!!!

My Christmas list looks pretty similar to the list I posted here. I would die if I wasn't organized.

MadBloom · August 2015

kmkrushi said:
Since this is girl #2 for us there isn't a lot we need. But, I've become obsessed with trying to make things "even". For example DD1 has a set of muslin swaddle blankets she still sleeps with so I've got to find something equivalent for DD2 in a different color. Am I crazy for doing this?

My daughter has a bunch of nice bamboo swaddle blankets and we rarely use them anymore because she has an A&A dream blanket. I was thinking about getting this baby her own swaddles but I don't think the toddler will even notice if her sister gets to use hers. I might get her her own dream blanket down the road though....

MadBloom · August 2015

MoRay05 said:
This LO is a boy so we need clothes. I bought a woven wrap and a carrier bc we didn't have one with our first and I really wished we did. We need another sound machine as DD is still using hers. We also need new bottle nipples and bump replacement/supplies. I debated on buying a double stroller but I think we are going to wait and see how it goes once he is here. DD hates riding in it now. I am also debating on buying a mattress for the pack n play as the baby will be sleeping in it in our room or the rock n play. I might just buy a piece of foam and put it under the mattress pad to make it a little more comfy until we move him into his crib downstairs.

Ahhh, I totally forgot about a sound machine. DD still uses hers too..... I'll have to add another sleep sheep to our list. Thanks

MadBloom · August 2015

Barker2+1 said:
With my second Ds I just bought a new wrap for baby wearing and new bottles and nipples new lovey options and then a special going home/first pictures outfit. People are annoyed with us now that we are having baby number 3 and we still don't need any of the big items. We are having a girl after two boys so I tell everyone clothes and diapers. My Dad bought us a new crib so DS wouldn't have to lose his big boy bed and we picked up a new travel system since we sold our old one. But something else to think about is a second monitor if you need one. DS1 and DS2 are exactly 2 years apart and since I am hearing impaired I insisted on having a monitor in Both rooms just in case DS1 had a night terror or fell out of bed.

Ohhhh totally didn't think of the monitor situation.
See I knew there was a reason I posted this discussion!

Laurakat81 · August 2015

We have a girl and are having a boy so we need all new clothes for starters. We are reusing the crib, infant car seat, pack n play, bouncer, activity mats, jumparoos, ergo, etc. I bought new bottles (only a few, we never really used them with our DD as I breastfed almost exclusively with occasional pumping for a date night. But her old bottles are now her doll's bottles). I bought new crib bedding, a sit and stand stroller, sound machine, monitor, more cloth diapers, etc. We still need a double jogging stroller, dresser, nursery rug, nursery decor, and we switched out our pink infant bathtub for a blue one with a friend who has boys but is having a girl. Oh and I bought a rock n play because I wanted one and never had one with DD. I think that about covers it....

megandchase · August 2015

Some new breast pump parts and breastfeeding supplies, new clothes since this one is a girl, another rectal thermometer (it grosses me out to use the same one so they each will have one), new swaddles and blankets, Pacis, add on camera for the monitor and that is pretty much it that I NEED. I have a few other things on the list but but just choice things

helsbels222 · August 2015

My kids will be 6 years apart so my list of needs is rather long. I need a new stroller and infant carrier and car seat. I also need all new bottles and breast pump. My old one was a single so I would like a double this time. I also plan on getting a swivel bassinet so the baby can be in my room for the first few months. With my first, I was in a large one bedroom condo and the bedroom was big enough for the crib to go right next to my bed. I am all set with boy's clothes but we're team green so if I have a girl, I'll need some clothes. I am also getting pacifiers, a new thermometer, humidifier, swaddlers, bedding, extra fitted crib sheets, and an infant bath tub.

If you plan on nursing, check the tubes and pump thoroughly to make sure everything still works. Sometimes in storage these things can crack and warp. If you do it now you have plenty of time to order new parts.

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