SECOND BABY CHECKLIST 2021
Baby #2 Must Haves: Preparing for Second Baby Checklist
Second baby on the way? Congratulations, Mama, and welcome to a whole new world of momming.
I know you’re a little nervous about what’s to come, and sure there will be hard parts, but I promise things will settle into a beautiful rhythm before you know it.
A year from now you won’t be able to imagine your family without Baby #2.
But FIRST, you’ll need some second baby tips. You’ve gotta know how to be preparing for a second baby, what to save for a second baby, and what to buy for a second baby.
Don’t worry. This Baby #2 List is going to make your life so much easier.
What do you NEED for a second baby?
More than you may think! You may be surprised by how many baby items need to be replaced after use. There are also some life-saving second baby must haves on this checklist that you’re gonna need.
This second baby checklist will answer all of your questions, give you some second time mom tips, and get you ready for Baby #2. It’s also a great list of gifts for second baby showers!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for details.
Little tip:
You may want to go ahead and save this second baby checklist to reference later. Pregnancy brain is no joke!
Baby Number 2 Shopping List
If you’re getting close-ish to your due date (or even if you aren’t yet) you may be asking yourself:
“What do I need for a 2nd Baby?”
Honestly, I think I went most of my second pregnancy thinking “we really have everything already.”
We were having a second baby boy and I knew baby showers aren’t common practice after your first, so I just assumed we would make do with what we had.
Then at some point in my third trimester it hit me.
“Ah! We DO still need some stuff…oh wow…way more stuff than I thought!”
Panic and nesting instinct set in and I went into full-on prep mode. I made a list of all the little items I hadn’t been thinking about and realized I needed to get on it.
I didn’t realize there are so many things you shouldn’t reuse for a second baby!
So here I am, over a year later, knee-deep in little ones, sharing the important must have items for Baby #2 that you don’t want to forget.
These smart must-haves are exactly what to buy for a second baby!
Before you Start Your Second Baby Checklist…
Create a Second Baby Registry for Baby #2
Before you start your baby #2 shopping list, I have a few tips for you:
Preparing for a second baby with toddler in tow isn’t exactly the easiest thing in the world.
These ideas will help…
Tip #1:
Create a 2nd baby registry checklist.
I know, I know, you’re probably not having many baby showers this time around (although I’m a big fan of the baby sprinkle concept…)
BUT…
A new baby registry for a second baby will help you get organized and make sure you’re not forgetting anything.
I strongly recommend making a second baby registry checklist using The Amazon Baby Registry.
You can put everything on your second baby checklist in your cart and order in one click.
Easy is a MUST when pregnant with Baby #2 because I KNOW you’re not about to spend an hour at Target with a registry scanner under one arm and your busy toddler under the other.
If nothing else, this will become your shopping list for baby number two, which will be so helpful.
Best of all?
Yup.
Amazon sends a free “baby welcome box“ to mamas who sign up for a registry while pregnant.
I also have this awesome list of baby registry hacks for you to check out later.
So if you’re on the fence and wondering,
“Should I create a registry for my second baby?”
Let me make it easy for you…
YES!
Seriously, where’s the downside?
It’s FREE.
You get FREE STUFF.
And you give your loved ones a really clear map of exactly what you need and want for your second child.
Win. Win. Win again.
Go now real quick and create a new baby registry for your second baby, then meet me back here.
We will add the list of baby registry things needed for a second baby as we go through our 2nd baby checklist in a few.
I’ll wait while you start your registry…
Done? Perfect.
See, you’re killin it as a second time mom already.
Tip #2:
If you’re in your last few months of pregnancy…
Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime.
When you’re done compiling what you need for a 2nd baby, free shipping will be a life-saver.
Plus, it’ll get you some discounts on what’s left on your baby registry after your baby showers.
Now for the 2nd baby registry must haves!
Second Baby Checklist: Must Have Items for Second Baby
Here are some items you need for your second baby that you shouldn’t reuse, or just might really like having.
Items You Should Buy NEW for Baby #2:
No lie, when I was pregnant and working on my Baby number 2 shopping list, I definitely googled:
“Can you reuse pacifiers for second baby?”
Answer: Nope.
Even if you have a bunch of leftover pacifiers from your first, it’s best to replace them.
You don’t want to risk any germs passing along to your tiny newborn.
Get at least two different kinds.
Just because Baby #1 loved one kind, doesn’t guarantee that your second baby will too.
I like to start out with this kind and this kind.
Yep, I also searched: “Should I buy new bottles for second baby?”
This is another second baby checklist item that you can’t re-use. We gotta keep things super clean for newborns.
Even after sterilizing, old bottles and nipples can retain nasty bacteria.
These items are fairly inexpensive and definitely worth buying new for baby number two.
Breast Milk Storage Bags
If you’ll be pumping at all, don’t forget breastmilk storage bags.
I have found that this kind works best for freezing.
I know there are hacks for using ziplocks, but I just could never get that to work very well for me. If you ask me, it’s worth the extra dollar or two to get the good kind that won’t spill or leak breastmilk all over the place.Replacement Pump Parts
Yeah, I did not think about this until AFTER Baby #2 came.
Don’t make my mistake.
If your pump has been sitting for a while, you gotta replace those parts, girl.
It can get funky after a while and the pieces wear down and break easily.
Depending on your breast pump, you’ll want new tubing, valves, and membranes and possibly new breastshields.
I like this kit that has it all together.Bottle Brushes
Even if you still have the bottle brush you used for your first, it’s probably a good idea to replace it.
Sponges get GROSS with bacteria and mold.
Don’t reuse these! I always buy these (I really like the handy little nipple brush that screws out of the bottom.)Changing Pad
If your older little one is done with diapers, just reuse this item, but if you’ll still need to help them with clothes and pull-ups a lot, go ahead and get a second changing pad.
We like this kind.
And don’t forget cute changing pad covers!
This didn’t hit me for wayyy too long when I was working on my preparing for “Baby #2 checklist.”
If your first child is still sleeping on their crib mattress, even if they’ve moved to a toddler bed, you’ll need a new crib mattress for Baby #2.
I prefer to invest in higher quality mattresses that last all the way from newborn to toddler.
I really love the breathable, non-toxic and hypoallergenic kind.
Also…
If your older one is still in a crib (we waited to transition until after things settled with the new baby, even though he probably COULD have done it sooner) you’ll need a second crib.
If you won’t be using two for long, try to borrow one to save money. OR just use a pack and play or bassinet in your room for a few months until your tot can transition to a big kid bed.
There is a great guide to finding the best bassinet for your newborn.
Y’all. My oldest had super bad reflux and was always throwing up on his sheets.
These things were life-savers.
Now that he’s older, we have leaking pull-ups to deal with, so we still use the waterproof pads every night.
Go ahead and get at least two for Baby, so you can switch them out in the middle of the night if needed.Sheets
Same idea here. Your first will probably still be using their original sheets, so get a few extra sets.
And don’t forget sheets for the pack and play or bassinet.
Plus, it’s just nice to have fresh clean sheets for a new baby.
I like these because they are soft and inexpensive.
Obviously, you need a second car seat.
You might be able to use your infant carrier and base if your oldest has transitioned to a big kid carseat or booster, but you’ll still need a big one for your new baby after about 6 months or so.
If you’re trying to budget for a second baby, a convertible car seat is a great option.
We have this one and really love it.
I’m a one and done kind of girl, so we always use one car seat only for each baby throughout their car seat years.
Wash Cloths or Sponges
Grab a pack of fresh baby wash cloths for Baby’s first baths.
Sponges hang on to lots of funky germs and washcloths lose their softness after several uses, so buy some new.
I like these because they are super soft and gentle on baby skin and they’re also fairly cheap, so I don’t mind using them to wipe snot or other baby bodily fluids when needed. And they are super cute.
Speaking of wiping baby goo…
I also LOVE using these wipes when we are out or in the car.
They are very soft and don’t leave the nasty taste or residue in Baby’s mouth and on their hands like regular wipes do.
Perfect when you need to do a quick wipe on the go after a snack.
This is a must for us because with 2 I need to be able to wipe away all the extra messes extra quickly when we have somewhere to be.
They are also fantastic for snotty noses because they are made with saline, which helps break down the extra stuck stuff.
I honestly barely got these in time.
Towards the end of my third trimester I pulled down all the baby clothes from the attic and sorted them.
Then I went to hang them and realized all of our little hangers were being used in my toddler’s closet.
Oops.
Luckily I found these inexpensive ones and quickly ordered them. Simple, but I knew this was an easy one to forget so I had to share.Toothbrush/Teether
Might seem weird to buy a toothbrush before Baby is born, but I’m a planner and I like to have what I need right when I need it.
Technically, we are supposed to start brushing Baby’s teeth as soon as they start to come in (which was at 3 months for us!)
Plus your little one will want to copy their big sibling early on.
We discovered this cute little toothbrush teether which I really like because I can feel like those new tiny teeth are getting cleaned while my baby is gnawing on it for teething relief.Diapers
I know, I know…Duh.
This is one of the obvious things to buy for a 2nd baby, but I didn’t really think enough about stockpiling these like I should have.
I like to start out with a few packs of the better brand newborn and size ones, then I switch to generic diapers in size two and up. Wipes
Do you remember how many wipes you go through with a little baby? It’s kind of ridiculous. Have a big pack to have on hand.
If you haven’t yet, check out Water Wipes.
They are pure, 99.9% water, plus a drop of grapefruit seed extract to condition baby’s sensitive skin.
They’re wonderful.
Additional Baby Gear for a Second Baby
Ok, what else?
After these basics, what do you need for baby number 2?
Let’s talk about the oh-so-NICE-to-have must have items for second baby.
These are the “extras” that are super helpful to buy for Baby #2…
Yes, you can survive without them. But don’t if you don’t have to.
At very least, put them on your baby registry checklist and start dropping some heavy hints to Grandma.
If you plan on doing outings with both littles, I definitely recommend adding a double stroller to your second baby checklist.
Doing some walking helps get you back on your feet after having a baby and once you have two, having them both contained is like a mini vacation.
So, exercise and some organized freedom…it’s a win win.
Also, once your littles are not-so-little, it’ll be a LIFE-SAVER to have this. Imagine carrying a diaper bag, lunches, water bottles, your phone, AND a kid or two everywhere you go…uh no.
We LOVE our double stroller.
I am also newly OBSESSED with this guy.
If your first baby is getting big, a stroller/wagon is an amazing option. We recently made the switch and I cannot rave enough.
It also has a newborn attachment, or you can just wait until your new baby is around 6 months and buckle them into the main cabin.
It’s. Awesome.
Definitely grab an additional camera or a second monitor to add on to your original one.
Unless your older kiddo is pretty big or you feel comfortable without a monitor, it’s a huge help to have two.
When your newborn is napping, you can take your toddler outside to play without worrying that you won’t have ears on the baby.
Our’s scans back and forth every 5 seconds, so I can always hear each of my babies if they need me.
And I personally prefer a camera monitor because I can better judge when I actually need to go in. This one is great.Sound Machine
This is a second-time mom MUST. Once your newborn is past the “I can sleep through a rock concert” stage, it can be so stressful to try to keep their sibling from waking them up.
True, second babies tend to learn how to sleep through noise a little better, but they’re also human and I know I can’t sleep through my toddler’s tantrum or loud toys, so I don’t expect Baby to either.
Having 2 sound machines has been so awesome.
If you already use one for your oldest and you’re wondering if it’s worth having two, I vote YES.
It helps keep them from waking one another super early.
If one wakes up before the sun I definitely don’t need them waking each other up.
This sound machine/night light is really excellent. Check out the raving reviews from mamas on Amazon.
If your “big kid” is still rear facing in the car, it’s really great to have two car mirrors.
I have eyes on them both while we drive and if the baby falls asleep, I can know to drive the long way or at least avoid those potholes.
It’s also just fun to be able to make eye contact with them at stop lights and they can see me do hand motions to Wheels on the Bus when we are stuck in traffic.
Practical 2nd Baby Must Haves
Aka: What to Buy Baby Number 2 (stuff you’ll need to RE-stock)
Bath wash
Twice the amount of kids means twice the baths and twice the soap.
I switched to this awesome foaming bath wash/bubble bath. It’s natural and gentle for a new baby and my toddler with sensitive skin and keratosis pilaris.
It also smells amazing and lasts forever.
(Use the code Ashley20 for a discount)
Go ahead and grab an extra tube of diaper rash cream so you have it on hand.
I always forget I need this until I NEED it, ya know?
Put this on your checklist for baby number 2, especially if it’s been a while since your last baby. Your old tube may be dried up or almost out.
Order some now, stick it in the diaper bag before Baby comes and be done with it.
Since your hands will often go straight from changing Baby to helping your oldest, keep a quick way to clean them near your changing stations.
I like this alcohol-free and dye-free kind. These are also great to keep on the coffee table for visitors wanting to snuggle your newborn.Teething Relief
When your baby is fussy and clingy because of teething and you already have a wild toddler needing you every 2 seconds, you want QUICK help, trust me.
I’m in love with this teething gel! (They also have it on Amazon.)
Don’t worry, it is 100% benzocaine-free and belladonna-free (the ingredients that kicked most other teething gels off of shelves in recent years.)
I’ve used it on myself as a test and can tell you it’s super gentle and it totally works.
My baby loves it.
It even comes in handy for those toddler molars lurking around the corner. Have it ready.
Things You Need for a Second Baby
(If you don’t already have them)
First time mamas can get away with skipping a few luxury items, but second time moms need alllll the help we can get.
Here are some helpful things you need for baby number 2 to your make life SO MUCH easier…
If you managed to get through your first little one’s baby stage without a baby carrier, I’m impressed.
But let me tell you, you’re gonna want this on your second baby checklist.
For. Sure.
Can you imagine tending to your toddler one-handed right now?
No?
Exactly.
When Baby number 2 comes, you’ll have your hands full, literally.
Tiny babies usually lovvve these wraps because it reminds them of Mommy’s womb.
But once they get a little bigger, this carrier is a definitely mom-favorite. It’s one of the must haves for second baby mamas!
You can even use it for a toddler if needed. I don’t think we would have survived the first year of Baby #2 without our’s.
Swaddling blankets are great, but they take a lot of extra tucking and wrapping.
With two, you want to save all the time you can and make sure your baby is sleeping as soundly as possible.
I fell in LOVE with these swaddlers with my first.
We used them so much that they became pretty stretched out, so we bought more for our second baby.
We also tried this kind, which I think I like even better.
Tip:
Also buy a size up. It’s so easy to forget how QUICKLY our newborns GROW. And it’ll be worth it to have a bigger one handy when you just want to sleeeeep.
There are some super cute diaper bag purses out there…but they just aren’t very practical.
I love having a backpack that I can load up with toddler snacks, pull-ups, diapers, and bottles, then throw on my back and still have both hands and hips free.
These are also usually a little more Dad-friendly, which is a big help if he’s taking one of the little ones for a bit, so you can one-on-one it.
This one is a great option.
This might be one of the most essential baby items for a second child in our book.
With my first, I did a lot of snuggling and holding Baby on the couch.
But now, I’m constantly needing to set Baby down to help his brother with this or that.
We kept a baby glider/swing in the living room area and a lightweight, portable baby seat in my toddler’s room.
This REALLY came in handy when I was trying to figure out how to put my oldest down for a nap while the baby was up.
It’s also a great way for the little one to feel involved while you spend some time playing blocks or dress up with your big kid.
So, to recap your Preparing for Baby Number 2 Checklist:
What do you need for a second baby?
- Pacifiers
- Bottles and Nipples
- Breast Milk Storage Bags
- Replacement Pump Parts
- Bottle Brushes
- Waterproof Pads
- Fresh Sheets
- Fresh Wash Cloths/Sponges
- A Second Carseat
- Changing Pad (If Baby #1 is still using theirs)
- Crib Mattress (If Baby #1 is still using theirs)
- Face Wipes
- Extra Hangers
- Toothbrush/Teethers
- Diapers
- Wipes
Preparing for Baby #2 Checklist & More Helpful Tips
I hope you’re feeling more equipped to prepare for a second baby now.
At very least, I hope to have helped ease the “what do I NEED for baby number 2?!” panic feeling. Or maybe this checklist gave you ideas of gifts for a second baby. Either way, I’m glad you’re here.
These must haves for baby number 2 were such a huge help for us as we transitioned to two children, and I think they will be great adds to your second baby checklist too.
You got this, Mama.
More things to do before baby #2 arrives:
I know you’ve been around the block once, but pregnancy brain may be in full force, so take a look at these resources to refresh your memory.
Check out my Last Minute Ways to Prepare for Baby checklist. It is FULL of really helpful reminders of what to do before Baby #2 arrives.
Also, check out my Hospital Bag Checklist (for second baby too!) as you get ready for labor.
It is super detailed and will ensure that you don’t forget a thing you’re gonna need when your second baby is born.
For more tips on pregnancy and life as a new mom with babies and toddlers, Follow Me On Pinterest.
Do you have more ideas for things you need while preparing for baby #2?
Let’s hear it, Mama! Comment below with your own Baby #2 Checklist!