Creating a registry for your second baby is different. You’ve learned what worked, what didn’t, and what you definitely don’t need a second time around.
Whether you’re aiming to fill in the gaps, replace well-loved gear, or prepare for a baby of a different gender or season, a second baby registry helps friends and family support you meaningfully. As a mom of 3, who had twin girls followed by one boy, I’ve assembled my picks for what to buy new versus what to reuse. Here’s how to build a thoughtful, no-fluff registry tailored to your growing family.
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How To Decide Which Baby Items To Replace
There are a few things to consider when deciding if you will reuse or need to replace baby items for your second child. To start, you will want to ask yourself these questions about each item you still have.
- Is it broken?
- Is it worn out?
- Is it unsafe to use?
- Is my first child still using this item?
Generally, if you answered no to each question above, then you can plan to reuse that item. In the next section I will be reviewing the items I recommend buying new. And you will also notice a new item you will need, now that you will have two small ones at home.
Must Haves for Your Baby Sprinkle Registry (Second Baby Registry)
Below you will find my picks for items you should add to your second baby registry. I also want to point out that each family’s situation is different. There might be some items you will need new, while others do not. Those items come with an explanation as to why you would register for it or not.
Finally, if you are looking for product recommendations, you can click the links for the items I recommend. I also think Amazon is the perfect site for a second baby registry. Pretty much everyone shops on Amazon and creating a baby registry on Amazon is so simple. It’s a win-win for the expecting parents and gift givers.
Click here to create your baby registry on Amazon!
Second baby registry must haves checklist:
- Infant or convertible car seat – if older child in a convertible seat, reuse infant seat and register for a convertible seat for future use when both kids are in convertible seats
- Double stroller – age of your older child will determine side-by-side versus a tandem option
- Pacifiers
- Newborn diapers
- Size 1 diapers
- Wipes
- Baby clothes – if different sex or different season
- Bottle brush
- Bottles and nipples
- Disposable breast pads (if needed)
- Lanolin
- Nursery furniture or furniture for older child’s bedroom – if reusing nursery furniture, register for bedroom furniture you need for your older child
- Crib (optional) – depends if still using for older child
- Crib mattress (optional) – depends if still using for older child
- Waterproof crib mattress pad covers (optional) – depends if still using for older child
- Fitted crib sheets (optional) – depends if still using for older child
- Second camera for baby monitor or new baby monitor
- Sound machine (optional) – depends if older child still using it
- Playard (optional) – depends if still using for older child as travel crib
- Baby soap / shampoo / lotion
- Gentle laundry detergent
- Teethers
- Baby medicine kit
I also want to remind you to get your FREE breast pump through your health insurance. You don’t need to add a breast pump to your baby registry list, but it’s important that you don’t forget about getting the one you are entitled to.
Baby Items You Can Reuse
These are the baby items I recommend reusing. Some of the items on this list are not necessarily must haves, but you might have gotten them for your first child. In those cases I listed them as optional, so you can differentiate must haves versus nice to haves.
- Bassinet
- Swaddling blankets / Velcro swaddles / Sleep sacks – some might need replacing
- Bouncer (optional)
- Baby swing (optional)
- Changing pad + changing pad covers
- Waterproof changing pads – might need to be replaced
- Diaper bag
- Burp cloths – some might need replacing
- Cloth bibs – some might need replacing
- Breastfeeding pillow (if applicable)
- Reusable breast pads
- Single stroller
- Baby bath tub
- Baby bath towels (optional)
- Baby washcloths (optional)
- Baby nail clippers
- Jumper (optional)
- Play mat (optional)
- Nasal aspirator – give this a good wash and it should be all set
- Floor seat (optional)
- Car seat mirror (optional)
- Stroller & car seat toys (optional)
- Baby carrier (optional)
- Board books (optional)
Second Baby Registry Etiquette
When it comes to a second baby registry, etiquette can feel tricky. Times have changed, and many people now understand that growing families still have needs.
Registries for second babies are practical, not presumptuous. It’s perfectly acceptable to create a registry, especially if you’re having a baby of a different gender, there’s a big age gap between kids, or you’ve donated or passed down your original gear. Here are some good guidelines to follow.
- Keep it focused. Include essentials, replacements, and items you truly need.
- Share thoughtfully. Avoid mass invites. Instead, share your registry with close friends or those who ask.
- Host with intention. If you’re having a sprinkle or casual gathering, keep the tone low-key and celebratory.
- Express gratitude. A thank you note goes a long way.
I hope you enjoy assembling a baby registry for your second baby!
A second baby registry isn’t about starting over, it’s about building on what you’ve learned. Whether you need a few new essentials, want to upgrade worn out gear, or are preparing for a different season or gender, creating a thoughtful registry helps you feel ready. It’s practical, respectful, and totally okay to do. Good luck!
