My Top Ten Newborn Must Haves: The Second Time Around

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With Blake a little over a month old now, we are officially making our way out of the newborn stage. Man, time really does fly. He’s been out of newborn clothes and in size 1 diapers for a few weeks now. And while I am still *slightly* sleep deprived, I’ve been able to give some thought to a list of my top ten newborn must haves for baby #2. I’ve realized that while I certainly don’t need all.the.things that I bought or registered for with Bryce, there are a few necessities that I consider must haves. Check them out!

1) Diapers & wipes
The most basic of needs (besides clothes, which I left out since we had another boy and they were luckily born in the same season so we could pass down Bryce’s clothes to Blake). Keep an eye out for sales and stock up, like when Target has the gift card deals when you spend a certain amount. (Check out my post on how to save money at Target here.) Oh, and don’t forget diaper rash cream and soap for baths.

2) Baby carrier
I never really wore Bryce, but the second time around? I’m totally into baby wearing. Definitely necessary with a toddler in tow. I invested in a great ring sling (more on that here) and have used it on the daily. Just make sure you get one that you find easy to put on. I feel like a lot of the options out there require some advanced origami skill, which I don’t have the time (or patience) for.

3) Baby holder: i.e. bouncer or rocker/portable holder/pack and play
I know most moms probably won’t admit this, but I occasionally don’t want to wear my baby, and sometimes he doesn’t want to be on his playmat, and sometimes I have a million other things I need to do around the house. So what’s a mom to do? A baby holding device of some sort. We actually have three options: a pack and play (with a changer) that we keep on our main level, a plug in rocker (small footprint vs. other rockers, quiet, helps get him to snooze) and a portable holder, which is on a wheeled pedestal that you can clip out and move from room to room- whether I’m spending one-on-one time with Bryce, in the basement working out, prepping meals in the kitchen, or taking a shower. It’s actually serves multiple uses, including a high chair when he’s a bit older- I’m all about items that transition with your child.

4) Diaper bag
With a toddler, a traditional diaper bag that goes over your shoulder wasn’t going to work for me. I needed more of a hands free option, so I went with a diaper backpack. I linked to it in an earlier blog post. It checks off all my must haves- durable, ample space and strategically placed compartments, stroller straps and stylish to boot.

5) Double stroller/carseat
Depending on the age of your first kiddo, this may or may not be necessary. Bryce is three and still like to sit in the stroller (I credit that with all our stroller runs). I found a double stroller that was compatible with our carseat with an adapter on Facebook Marketplace. I didn’t want to pay an arm and a leg for it, since I know it will have a short lifespan, but found it to be really helpful so far as we go on various outings this summer. And double check your infant carseat to make sure it hasn’t expired!

6) Dual baby monitor
Again, I’d say this depends on your kiddo. When we bought a monitor for Bryce, we purchased one that had a dual screen capability so we could just add another camera when baby #2 came along. It’s nice peace of mind to have an eye (and ear) on your littles during the night or naptimes!

7) Feeding supplies
Whether you are breast feeding or bottle feeding, make sure you dig out all the accessories from baby #1. Pumps. Nursing pillows. Shields/cream. Pump parts. Drying racks & bottle brushes. Burp cloths. Bottles. You name it. I got a new pump through insurance and was able to use all the bottles we used with Bryce, which was great.

8) Infant tub
Although some may be able to get by without this, I think it’s really helpful to have this for the first few months of baby’s life. It accommodates their small size and keeps them relatively safe versus trying to hold them in the sink/tub…because they are slippery little things!

9) Swaddles/sleep sacks
Total game changer when it comes to the sleep schedule. We tried several brands with Bryce, and luckily have a few options from velcro swaddles to zippered sleep sacks that we rely on during the longer stretches of sleep at night. It helps with that startle reflex babies have and helps him (and us) relax.

10) Diaper Genie®
Having a quality diaper pail is a must have in my book- convenient and keeps odors tamed. Specifically, the Diaper Genie® Complete Assembled Pail is my choice. We used it with Bryce and then moved it into Blake’s nursery. And on a recent Target run (sidenote: our Target just got remodeled…I spent way too much time- and money), I picked up another one to have on the main level of our 2 story home, along with the Diaper Genie® 2pk Refill. We spend so much time there that it just made sense to have a second one, especially knowing how much I liked the product when Bryce was in diapers. I love it because it has the ultimate odor lock protection with a built in odor controlling antimicrobial and double air tights clamps and a carbon filter to lock in strong odors. Beyond that, it is just incredibly easy to use- whether it’s the foot pedal to be hands free, the height of it (no bending!), or the front tilt bin that makes changing out the bags super easy. And it comes in several different colors so it can coordinate with your decor!