Essential Registry Items for Your Second Baby

When my hubby and I found out that we were expecting (again) and that we were having a girl (again) and knowing that she would be arriving in the fall (again), my first thought was that we wouldn't need anything. We have plenty of gender and seasonally-appropriate clothing, plus almost all of the items that we purchased and received as gifts last year are still top selling items this year (yay)!

However, now that we are 34 weeks into this pregnancy and the reality is setting in, it has occurred to me that there are actually a few items that we do need for our second little one.

I've been doing some research and haven't found many lists out there of items that are essential for your second baby (unlike the multitude of lists and posts that are available for creating your first baby registry), so I thought that I would put one together. Please note that I tend to be a minimalist when it comes to registries in general (here is a link to my original BabyList registry for Elliana), so there are probably items that you may deem as "missing" from this list. Also keep in mind that I am assuming that you still have quite a few items leftover from your first child that you will be reusing.

I should also mention, I am not having another baby shower and the BabyList registry I have created is more a reference point for myself (or for when others ask for gift ideas). I know there are alot of opinions out there on having a second (or third) shower, this just happened to be what we were most comfortable with given our situation.

1. Nursery Items: If you're lucky, you might have a crib, dresser, and other various nursery items that you can reuse for your second baby. However, in our case, we have to set up a second nursery, so duplicate items are needed.

Crib: We were fortunate enough to find this Bonavita Peyton Lifestyle Crib and Bonavita 7100 Series Double Dresser on clearance at Buy Buy Baby. We also purchased the conversion kit so that both of our girls' cribs will be able to convert to toddler beds.

Bedding: For Elliana, I spent lots of time scouring Etsy for unique, handmade bedding. I didn't have time for that this time around, so we ended up with a bedding set, which made finding coordinating items much easier. We found this Daniella Baby Crib Bedding Set by CoCaLo on sale at Babies R' Us.

Crib Mattress: We have been happy with this crib mattress for Elliana and decided to purchase the same for this baby.

Mattress Pad Cover: Ditto to above, we went with a second purchase of this mattress pad cover.

Waterproof Crib Pad Cover: We actually didn't have these for Elliana, but I understand how important they are after having leaks soak through multiple layers of sheets at a time. So, we bought these for both girls.

2. Diapering:

Diaper Pail Refills: We are opting to not purchase a second diaper pail (we have the Diaper Dekor Plus and it has been great), but refills always come in handy!

Changing Pad: We have this changing pad on top of Elliana's dresser (we didn't have a separate changing table) and plan to do the same for our second baby.

Diaper Rash Cream: Everyone has their favorite and definitely something you'll want to have in stock.

3. Bath Time: I'm assuming that you still have an infant bath tub (we have this one), but there are some supplies that you may need.

Baby Shampoo, Body Wash, and Lotion: Our favorite shampoo is Burt's Bees. I plan to use this on both girls, so it won't hurt to have extra on hand.

Hooded Bath Towels: We have these in pink, but I always wanted these from Pottery Barn. We have three bath towels now (which has been enough), but I think having a few more will be useful.

4. Feeding and Nursing Supplies: 

Breast Pump: Many insurance companies now cover breast pumps (mine did, twice!). Either way, most nursing mommas will need to pump at some point. If you plan to reuse yours from a previous pregnancy (or borrow from a friend), you will probably need to replace the tubing and membranes.

Nursing/Breast Pads: I was not a fan of the reusable pads I got with Elliana and ended up being totally satisfied with these disposables from Target.

Breastmilk Storage Bags: I received the Kiinde Twist Breastfeeding Starter Kit as a shower gift and really like it, so I just need more storage bags.

Nipple Cream: I loved Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter!

Bottles: Elliana preferred the Philips Avent Natural bottles. We still have them, but after being used for a year, I plan to stock up on some new ones.

Nipples: Don't forget that babies need various nipples as they grow. We started with a slow-flow and slowly graduated to a medium-flow.

Bottle Brush: If you still have one, most likely it needs to be replaced. I know mine does!

Burp Cloths/Cloth Diapers: We love these Gerber ones. They are nothing fancy, but have worked great for us!

Baby Transportation: 

Infant Car Seat: This is one item that we have and will be able to reuse (thank goodness!). If you are reusing an older car seat or borrowing from a friend, be sure to check the manufacture date and also ensure that it has not been recalled.

Double Stroller: Depending on where you live, the age of your existing child(ren), and your lifestyle, you may or may not find this to be a necessity. For us, a double stroller was a must and unfortunately, our first stroller did not have the option to convert to a double. So, we sold it and purchased a Baby Jogger City Select which we are using now with Elliana as a single stroller and have the kit to convert it to a double stroller once the new baby arrives.

Baby Carrier/Wrap/Sling: With Elliana, I purchased the Baby K'tan and although I liked it, we didn't use it enough so I returned it. We also have an Ergo Baby, but she has never been a huge fan of it. This time, I know how important it is going to be to have my hands free, so babywearing will be a must! I recently purchased a ring sling from Lily & Mama that I can't wait to try (it hasn't arrived yet, but a review will be coming once it does!). I have also looked at Sakura Bloom slings and the Solly Baby wrap.

Other Misc. Items: 

Blankets and Swaddles: We have plenty of these to reuse (and I also know that we will be receiving some as gifts), so we don't plan on purchasing new ones.

Clothes: Ditto to the above.

Medicines/Herbal Supplements: You might find it helpful to have things like gas drops or gripe water on hand. Infant Tylenol may also be useful, although you should check with your child's Pediatrician to determine at which age it is safe for them to have it.

Baby Book: This was something I almost forgot (and also didn't see mentioned on any of the other lists I found). We have this one for Elliana and plan to get the same for this baby. I also use the CanDoBaby app for iPhone which is a super easy way to keep track of milestones!

In my opinion, the above are the true essentials that you will need for bringing home your second (or third, fourth...) baby. If you check out the BabyList registry that I created, you will see a few more items listed. Some are more essentials and a few are just some fun things - I don't want this baby to live a life of constant hand me downs!

So, what do you guys think? Is there anything else that you couldn't live without when your second baby arrived?