Getting in the right mindset for baby #2 (and of course, your registry #2) requires a slightly different approach than your first one. It’s not only what you and/or your 2nd baby needs. It’s now how to care for your second baby most effectively while having your hands already full with your first. Essentially you have to become less dreamy and more … efficient? Sounds super fun, right? Example: where you might’ve skimped on super effective high-end products that just make life easier with baby #1 – those items might now be more of justifiable consideration with baby #2. And, as always, whether various items make the cut are always going to depend on your specific lifestyle and your family’s specific needs.

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So here’s a good list to get you started thinking about the basic needs (and beyond) of your expanding family.

Things You’ll Definitely Need 2 Of …

1. Crib, Crib Mattress & Crib Sheets

Regardless of where your current baby sleeps, most moms will want an individual sleep solution for each baby. And chances are, your toddler is either still using his crib or you want him to be soon. We are big proponents of establishing independent, crib sleeping early (read our life-saving book choice, Babywise, for more information) so a second crib is definitely necessary. We recommend going with at least a 3-in-1 convertible crib to take your child through toddlerhood and into his or her very own daybed when the time comes (at no additional cost to you). Our favorite (and Amazon’s choice) is the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit and we’re loving the unique looks of the Espresso & White and the White & Washed Natural color choices. Not only is it totally chic and adorable at the same time, but it’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified meaning it’s been screened for pretty much every VOC and chemical you can think of so you can rest easy, mama. You’ll also obviously need a crib mattress & crib sheets to go along with it.

If you’re not into the crib sleeping up front and want baby as close to you as possible without actually being IN your bed – we recommend the Halo Bassinet Swivel Sleeper Premiere Series.

2. Infant Convertible Car Seat

When it comes to travel safety, we always suggest Britax and our favorite Infant Convertible Car Seat is the Britax USA Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat. It will take your child from newborn through 65 pounds, rear-facing to front-facing. However, if you plan on purchasing an all-encompassing travel system (meaning stroller included), you’ll want to hang tight for our stroller upgrade recommendation below. We actually recommend going with the complete travel solution in lieu of a new seat and stroller here and there – we’re efficient newlymoms after all.

3. Baby Monitor or Additional Camera for Your Current Monitor

With our first, we purchased the Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor. It’s the #1 recommended baby monitor by the experts (whoever they are), and it gives you the ability to purchase an add-on camera (up to 3, for a total of 4 cameras) for use in multiple rooms. Needless to say, this add-on camera option is what we’ll be using for baby #2.

4. White Noise Machine

We purchased Marpac Dohm Classic White Noise Sound Machine for baby #1 and it works wonders. It creates natural fan-based white noise, adjustable between 2 settings and air flow. It creates the very soothing sound of rushing air, without the disturbance of actual moving air. I almost bought one just for my husband and I when baby K moved to his own bedroom. You just can’t beat it – and it’s the best white noise machine out there for infants and babies, according to Tuck Sleep reviews. Baby K is soothed to sleep and doesn’t wake even without our noisy neighbors, overused apple soundbar and love for base-driven music. Without a doubt I’ll be purchasing a 2nd for baby #2 (and possibly a third for the adults once she moves to her own room).

5. Additional Changing Pad, if not Table

Oh, what to do when Baby #1 is napping in his nursery and baby #2 needs a change? Enter your extra changing pad. The Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad is always the go-to and it is definitely the best bang for your buck. And if you were to get an additional changing table summer infant will most definitely fit whichever you choose. But we’ve got our eyes on the Keekaroo Peanut Changer, for those who don’t mind dropping some extra cash.

And for the mamas on-the-go, or even just ones who don’t mind using a travel pad around the house – our favorite options for the portable changer are the MAMAN Portable Changing Pad Station, the Skip Hop Pronto Signature Portable Changing Mat and lastly, the SnoofyBee Portable Clean Hands Changing Pad. This one has a built-in barrier to keep curious hands from checking out the mess below the belt!

Things You Might Not Have Gotten With Your 1st …

1. Baby Carrier

More power to you if you didn’t need one with baby #1. Regardless, you WILL need one with baby #2. Try chasing your toddler around while manually holding your newborn for just 15 minutes and you’ll know what I mean. We’d recommend getting one carrier for the long days of baby wearing and an easy-on, easy-off one for the last minute needs. Hands down, the best long-wear carrier is the Ergobaby 360 w/ the Easy Snug Infant Insert – totally ergonomic, supports all positions, max comfort – need I say more? And my favorite EVER easy-on, easy-off options is the Baby K’tan. Super comfortable and breathable and best part – 2 wraps (3 if you must) and baby is secure. With the Moby Wrap,  Boba Baby Wrap and some others – it can feel like your wrapping yourself into a christmas present before you’re ready to move with baby. My recommendation – keep it simple and go with the Baby K’tan.

2. Dock-A-Tot

Now disclaimer – while I put this on my registry for baby #1, I did not deem it super necessary. But now (after experiencing baby #1 running rampage all over my house and needing to coordinate logistics simply to pee), I see a great – even MASSIVE – value for the multi-purpose Dock-A-Tot.It can serve as a baby lounger (no rolling off the couch, please), co-sleeper and even a travel sleeper for plane rides!

3. Baby Swing

In the transition from 1 to 2 kids, there are very few moments where occupying baby #2 will be concern. Instead, occupying your increasing mobile toddler will most-likely consume more of your attention. But baby #1 still needs some form of attention – more likely, soothing. Enter: the baby swing. I know a handful of mamas that deem this a requirement for only 1 child – so you better believe it’s up there on the list for the time of 2 kiddos. And even in the midst of the new super-techy swings these days – the Fisher-Price Cradle ‘n Swing always seems to make its way back to the top of every mama’s list. It’s also one of the more reasonably-priced options out there, so you can’t beat it!

4. Gender-Specific Clothing

This one is kind of a no-brainer – if you had a boy and are now having a girl, you should probably get some new clothes. Adding a registry item deeming hand-me-downs as totally acceptable is also a great way to ensure you get more than enough apparel for baby #2.

Things You Might Want to Upgrade or Supplement …

1. Stroller for Expanding Families

If you’re like me (or 99% of first-time moms) you probably didn’t purchase a stroller that can accomodate 2 or 3 kids. Welp – now that’s exactly what you need. Take a look at our post here on the best stroller for expanding families (aka the one we wish we registered for), and learn all about our top pick – the super-affordable Evenflo Pivot Xpand. If your first will still be in a stroller by the time your second is a toddler, then you’ll want to register for this extra toddler seat to attach to the Evenflo Pivot Xpand when the time comes.

2. Diaper Bag

Let’s be serious here – baby #1 still can’t go anywhere without the mary poppins bag and now you’ll need even more space for baby #2. I opted for the cute easy-carry backpack for baby #1 and that is definitely in need of an upgrade. There are SO MANY choices, features, options, etc. for diaper bags – so it’s all about what you’ll think will work best for you. But for a great place to start – our favorites are the JuJuBe B.F.F. Multi-Functional Convertible Diaper Backpack/Messenger Bag, and the Skip Hop Forma Pack & Go Diaper Backpack.

3. Breast Pump

So most mamas are privy to the fact that most insurance companies will cover a breast pump with your pregnancy. The common misconception is that this happens only once. NOPE! Most insurance companies will actually cover a new breast pump with EACH PREGNANCY. So – chances are you’ve decided by now what you loved and hated about the pump you got for baby #1 and now you can UPGRADE! FO FREE! (or a minimal cost) And the easiest way to go about doing this – HANDS DOWN – is through Aeroflow Breast Pumps. Once you fill out the 30-second qualification form, they contact your insurance and verify your coverage, show you options for choosing your breast pump (out of the top-rated on the market today), contact your doctor to get your prescription from them and fulfill your order from start to finish until it arrives on your doorstep! When I filled out the online qualification form, my insurance coverage was verified same day – I chose my breast pump and it arrived within ONE WEEK!

4. Nursing Clothing

You may want to consider upgrading your nursing clothing wardrobe – ease and comfort is the name of the game mama. Check out our favorite nursing bras & tanks!

5. Bottles

6. Pacifiers

Things You’ll Want to Stock Up On …

1. Diapers

2. Baby Wipes

3. Diaper Cream

4. Breastmilk Storage Bags

Luxury Items You May or May Not Want to Consider

1. UPPAbaby Vista Stroller

As you read above – our top pic for an expanding family stroller is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand – it’s got everything you need for a very reasonable price. With that being said – if I could have any stroller in the world and could justify dropping a kilo on it – I’d choose this one and it’s easy to see why.

2. SNOO Smart Sleeper

Anyone you ask will have a strong opinion about this baby one way or another – love it or hate it. If you are super concerned about getting your newborn to sleep while mommying it up with a toddler – and you do not plan to read my baby bible, Babywise – this might be a good (and very luxurious) option to consider.

3. 4moms MamaRoo

If you want a much more high-tech swing that can, without a doubt, soothe your baby IN PLACE OF you – go with the MamaRoo. Just like the SNOO Smart Sleeper, people have strong opinions about this – but it’s whatever works for you. You do you, mama.

If you haven’t already registered with Amazon baby registry, click here to register for free!

Also, here are some related articles you may enjoy:

• 7 Reasons to Register With Baby Registry By Amazon
• How To Get A Free Welcome Box With Amazon Baby Registry
• The Baby Registry Advice You Don’t Usually Hear
• The Stroller I Wish I Registered For

Happy Registering Mama!

Right there with ya!

Niki from,