What will you buy/make/get for a second, third, etc. baby? « Back to Group Discussions

[CraftyMcGluestick]

Hi ladies,
I'm expecting my second and some friends have asked me what all I need. I am getting a new infant seat because I didn't love the Graco Snugride (getting a Chicco Keyfit this time), but other than that, I don't think I need anything. I loooove luxurious baby items, but I only buy exactly what I'll use and I don't like a lot of waste or stuff in my house.

I cloth-diapered with my first, so I'm set there. He wore his size Small fuzzibunz so long (to 18 mos until medium fit!) that I may need to replace a few, but won't need to right away. I am thinking of getting a few more pre-folds (I had 24, but some have wandered). That's basically all I used until DS was about 3 mos. I may buy a few Goodmama newborns because they're irresistably cute and soft.I also have a ton of cloth wipes/wash cloths, which I use for everything.

So many wonderful friends made us beautiful knit and crochet blankets, so plenty of those as well as my favorite Aden &Anais cotton ones that are lightweight for summer and easy to wash.

I guess if I am having a girl, I might get some girl clothes, but I have some gender-neutral newborn stuff.

What are you planning to buy/get/make? Have you gotten anything so far? What might I be forgetting?

[HeatherB]

This is 5 for me. I need a new carseat (or to buy back the one I sold a friend!). I'll need diapers, too. And I may need some clothes depending on gender/season/storage conditions/what I've already sold. I may opt to get a swing. DD was so easy that I never used one. Her bouncy seat was destroyed so I'll need SOMETHING safe for baby. Oh, and in a 2-story house, now, I may eventually need a monitor.

[somegirl99]

We are mostly set, but I found some CD options I liked when DS was a bit older and just bought some smaller versions of them (because the WAHM is closing her shop) and will be selling the ones I didn't like as much.  I am also taking the opportunity to refresh my carrier collection a bit, will sell slings/wraps that didn't work so well for us and get a few that I prefer.  Other than that, if it's a girl I may get a few girl items but we have a lot of GN items so shouldn't be a big deal.  I will probably get one special new outfit and one special new blanket just because.   I guess I also will need to get a fresh accessory kit for my pump.

Other items we do want to get - a deep freezer, which we've wanted for a while anyway, but it will come in handy for freezing meals in advance of the baby because we do not have room in our current freezer drawer.  And while we have a cosleeper and a crib, when DS outgrew the cosleeper he did not like the crib and we ended up with him on his own twin mattress next to our mattress on the floor (he is now on the same mattress in a different part of our room, and we are planning on moving him to his own room in the next few months).  I suspect we may end up doing the same with the next baby and so will eventually need to get another twin mattress.

Oh just remembered, our audio monitor is on its way out, we may get a video monitor.

[CraftyMcGluestick]

Oh good- y'all have reminded me I need to get/borrow a bouncy seat (I borrowed one for DS) and I do want to get a special monogrammed blanket for this baby just like with DS. I will get it after he/she is born though since we never know the name in advance.

I have 2 Mobys, which I love for newborns. I have a Maya wrap I didn't use much mostly because I didn't really bother to learn how, but I want to this time around. I also have 2 of the incomparable Ergo. What slings/wraps/carriers do you have/like Somegirl?

I probably should sell the diapers I don't like as much either. I have a few BumGenius I never really took to. Unfortunately, hardly anyone around here cloth diapers. Maybe I'll put on Houston CL and treat myself to all their culinary delights if I go down there to sell!

[LeighPF]

This is three for us. We were broke students with number one, then we moved twice before starting #2, so some gear got sent to new homes. We moved to our current house three weeks before Bee was born, and realized in a two story house, you need duplicates. So Bee got lots of new and "new to us" gear. I also picked up a small swing, a cute baby gym and another bouncy seat at a consignment sale this spring (for $5 for all three). I feel like I have all the carriers and love my moby and BabyHawk Mei Tai so we are set there.

So all baby needs is a car seat. I am also planning on getting a stroller handle strap for Monkey, since he is going to have to walk. I sold my kissaluvs organic size 0 fitteds, which was half my newborn stash, so I may buy a few more, rent, or convert some prefolds into fitteds. My babies are all big, so we may just squeek by and use my babykicks fitteds in the newborn fold.

Make is another matter. I finally have a sewing room. I made a quilt for Monkey and Bee and this time I will make a girly and boyish one because I am tired of gender neutral (and we don't find out). This is my first chance to decorate a nursery, so I will be having fun there, thinking major wall art or bunting. I want to make a few embelished onesies since that is about all they will be wearing in August.

[thecoffeebean]

Originally Posted by LeighPF 

This is three for us. We were broke students with number one, then we moved twice before starting #2, so some gear got sent to new homes. We moved to our current house three weeks before Bee was born, and realized in a two story house, you need duplicates.

Oooh, I just realized the same thing (we moved to a 2-story house on 10/31). Now I'll have something to look for at the spring consignment sales!

[GISDiva]

I didn't think DH would ever say yes to another, so I don't have much left after my big purge I did a couple years ago.  Luckily, a lot of my stuff went to a good friend of mine, including my ring sling and my better diapers, so hopefully some of those are still in good shape after two girls.  I'll probably need to replenish though.  I'm OK with that, I'm a diaper whore.  *haha*  A car seat, obviously.

Luckily, there were a few things I kept that didn't sell at the garage sale, most useful of which are my Sleepy Wrap and my Boppy.  My friend's baby will be almost one by the time mine arrives, so I think I will be able to borrow a lot back from her, like the swing, the exersaucer, yadda, yadda. All that stuff you use for such a short time anyway.  Another friend is giving us their crib, we side-carred last time and it worked great for us.  All we have to buy is the mattress.  Oh, and the first friend has a shit-ton of girls clothes, so if it is indeed a girl, we'll luck out there too.  If it's a boy, then a shopping spree at the consignment stores will commence. ;)  I've been seeing those Woombies lately, I might try a couple of those.  DS wasn't a kid that wanted or needed swaddling, but who knows with this one.

As far as making things, I learned to knit a little bit since DS.  I'm tackling a simple sweater with the help of my friends and will want to make a hat or two.  Maybe some little felt toys and such too, if I get around to it.  I finally have a sewing room too, but I haven't made much use of it yet.  

[askew]

I gave away/ sold everything. We were done, so I have nothing left. I will need to get everything again. New carseat for sure. New clothes, new diapers. If this one is a girl, like my 3 year old, I might be able to round up some of the clothes I gave to my SIL. Her dd is sure to have outgrown them before this one comes. If it is a boy I am screwed. I have trading arrangements for all my boy clothes, which are long gone. (friend had boy second and I had girl second so we swapped all clothes outgrown from oldest) I might still have my egro somewhere, only because I could not find it when I was purging. I still have my double stroller only because it had a flat tire that I was going to get fixed before selling. I need to decided if I want to bother buying a cosleeper again, neither of my kids used it but I dream that eventually one will. I have to figure out how to get my 3 year old in her bed by summer and out of mine. I can't imagine sleeping with both of them and getting any rest. I feel a little overwhelmed writing it all out. Maybe someone will throw me a baby shower this time. ;)

[cardigan]

This is our first, so we have nothing and need everything! I'm daunted by all the things to buy. How do you even figure it all out? I imagine I'll do some consumer reports research at the library, and supplement it with garage sale finds. Is there a list that is a good starting point?

[GISDiva]

I noticed in the "New Articles" section below that there was a list of things NOT to buy.    I'll go read it and report back.  ;)

My advice to you is to keep it simple.  If you have people you can borrow from, do that, especially for the contraptions (I'm thinking swings and such.)  DS never used the swing, hated it.  Thank goodness someone gave me their old one, because I'd be mad if I or anyone else spent money on it.  He much preferred his bouncy seat, he'd ride that thing like it was a horse.  *haha*  And you're right, garage sales are a treasure trove!  I love garage sales!  We have a lot of nice consignment stores around here too.

ETA:  Yep, I pretty much agree with 95% of that article.  Go read it!

[mama_b]

I'll need pretty much everything.  My youngest is 5 and we gave everything away.

[Delgadomom4]

well we sold everything after our 3rd thinking she would be our last, but here I am 3 months pregnant with our 4th :) So I will need a crib, clothes, I would like to get either a boba 3g or the Galaxy grey Ergo. I want to get a jumperoo, all my kids loved it and I think it really helped in their motor skills. And I need a car seat. 

[GISDiva]

Originally Posted by Delgadomom4 

well we sold everything after our 3rd thinking she would be our last...

I'm glad I'm not the only one...you're all making me feel better.  

[CraftyMcGluestick]

Originally Posted by GISDiva 

I noticed in the "New Articles" section below that there was a list of things NOT to buy.  
  I'll go read it and report back.  

My advice to you is to keep it simple.  If you have people you can borrow from, do that, especially for the contraptions (I'm thinking swings and such.)  DS never used the swing, hated it.  Thank goodness someone gave me their old one, because I'd be mad if I or anyone else spent money on it.  He much preferred his bouncy seat, he'd ride that thing like it was a horse.  *haha*  And you're right, garage sales are a treasure trove!  I love garage sales!  We have a lot of nice consignment stores around here too.

ETA:  Yep, I pretty much agree with 95% of that article.  Go read it!

Cardigan, definitely agree with advice to keep it simple. Also, every child is different, so there's sometimes no way of knowing what's needed until you're living it!

For example, we didn't know we'd need a swing, but for us, it was indispensable! We bought one (quick) after DS arrived and he absolutely loved it for naps when I wasn't laying down with him and sometimes just for calming during the terrifying sunset hour! But my sister has 3 kids and nary a swing was bought.

Basically you need plenty of diapers (whether you cloth diaper or use disposables). You will change an obscene number of diapers in the beginning. We washed our 24 pre-folds every day or day and a half! (!!!) You'll want some wipes (I used a mix of cloth and disposable.) You'll need blankets of varying weights, definitely some light ones for an August baby. I didn't dress my September-born DS much when we were at home very often because it was so hot, but presumably you'll want some soft, basic, easy-to-change/ easy-to-wash clothes. A few soft wash cloths and some gentle baby shampoo probably.

You'll need a car seat for car travel and for me, a soft carrier (I used a Moby) was completely essential. Some parents just use the car seat as a carrier though.

Everything else is such a matter of personal preference and personality. You will definitely want (and need) other stuff, but a lot of that depends on your style/habits/time.

Consider activities you want to do (give bottles? You need bottles and probably a pump.) and start planning that way. Or find a person whose parenting style/habits seem closest to your own and find out what they bought. I think Amazon has a "starter list" for baby registries, but I hardly wanted to get anything they suggested. Nevertheless, it might remind you of other items you'd like in the same category (feeding, diapering, etc.)

Fortunately, you don't need very much for baby's earliest days. Phew! That said, I started this thread so I can get reminded of all the gear I want and love!

Originally Posted by Delgadomom4 

well we sold everything after our 3rd thinking she would be our last, but here I am 3 months pregnant with our 4th So I will need a crib, clothes, I would like to get either a boba 3g or the Galaxy grey Ergo. I want to get a jumperoo, all my kids loved it and I think it really helped in their motor skills. And I need a car seat. 

I talked myself out of the galaxy grey ergo thinking it was impractical. But why?! I never say that when it comes to stuff I love! That galaxy grey ergo is my one that got away! Ha! I have plain black and the chartreuse sports one. And now Petunia Picklebottom has ergo prints, too! Oh no!

[LeighPF]

We should start a thread for the first time mamas on this topic.

Enough clothes to last between laundry. Some prefer sleepers, others onesies and pants. Buy baby clothes used, they barely get used. Socks only stay on with Robbeez type shoes on top.

Diapers. Newborns go through 10-12 a day. I love my cloth diapers. Wipes, place to put dirties, mat for them to mess up during the change (blanket works).

Blankets. The A&A muslin ones or the like are really lovely and versitile. I made my own flannel ones from about a yard of cute flannel and they were great as swaddles, for the floor, change table.

Burp clothes. They all leak from the top. I liked using flat diapers best. OhSoCosy makes great ones, as does Ikea.

Bath gear. thin and soft wash cloth, gentle soap. We like Burts Bees. I hated the baby bath tub and never used one with my second. we had a shower or bath together.

Gear. You need somewhere to put them down. Blanket works. Mine all liked some sort of seat for a better view. Again, all the swing/bouncy seat etc is outgrown in months and a great deal used.

I walk everywhere so a great stroller was a must. Really think about how you will use it and buy accordingly. I have an Uppa Baby Vista and loved the bassinet to start with. If you are not sure, you can skip it for now and use the carrier.

Car Seat. Must. You don't need to buy a bucket infant seat though. convertables work from the start.

Carrier. Not quite as important as the car seat but almost. Loved a Moby and a BabyHawk MeiTai with my newborns. A soft structured carrier once they got to be more than 15 lb.

Bed plan. We have a crib for some naps, pack n play downstairs for other naps. We have a cosleeper, but it got as much use as a bed rail while Bee slept in my armpit.

Feed. Breasts (for me with the burp cloth for leaks) work great. We did use bottles, both of mine liked the basic gerber/evenflo/medela ones and took a bottle of pumped milk from a week. Though Bee made it clear she chugged it only under protest. I love the Bravado Bliss nursing bra, but to start with you want a couple of nursing tanks tops since they will always fit. Target makes decent ones.

[Jillgayle]

Definitely agree with keeping it simple.  When we had our first, we ended up borrowing a ton of the big stuff (swing, co-sleeper, etc.) from a close friend who had a baby just 9 months before.  THis was great because we could use it and then give it back, or if little one didn't take to something we hadn't spent hundreds of dollars on it.  Now, the downside is we are have #2 and we are going to have to get  a number of things.  Great, because now i think i know what i like, but bad because more $ spent.  I will definitely be hunting our local consignment shop and craigslist.

My list already includes:

A Baby K'than carrier, this was by far my favorite. Tried the bjorn, mayan wrap, and ergo.  We still have an ergo which i like when baby is older but the K'than is great for those early months.

A swing.  This was a lifesaver first time around

A bassinet or moses basket with a stand.  Had the co-sleeper before, too big for our room.

A toddler bed for DS when baby moves into his old crib.

Breastpump (gave mine away thinking we were done :( Going to try to rent through insurance this time around.

New stroller, this is a big one.  I don't what i want for 2 kids.  

Now #2 is due the exact same time as #1 so we are good for seasonal/gender neutral clothes for the 1st 3 mos.  But if baby is a girl, i will probably want to get a few things.   The other thing that does weigh on my mind is getting a 2 bedroom house organized for a family of 4!  

[Jillgayle]

Oh and a special lovey!  DS has a Lamb JellyCat that was the first thing I bought for him when i was about 20 wks along (I was really against bringing anything baby into the house before birth, old Jewish superstition).  I love JellyCat products, so i was looking at a grey bunny for #2.

[porcelina]

Originally Posted by Jillgayle 

Oh and a special lovey!  DS has a Lamb JellyCat that was the first thing I bought for him when i was about 20 wks along (I was really against bringing anything baby into the house before birth, old Jewish superstition).  I love JellyCat products, so i was looking at a grey bunny for #2.

Aw, that bunny is one of my DS2's loveys! It is so adorable! His most beloved lovey is a blankie we actually got as a gift for DS1 who never attached to it (though we didn't try hard) -- it was this one:

http://www.littlegiraffe.com/catalog/categories/baby-love/baby-blankets/receiving-blankets/chenille-satin-baby-blanket/

All we need for baby number 3 is an addition on our house! LOL! Seriously, we are growing out of space and are between adding on and moving, and we are not really motivated to move...We have 3 bedrooms, but need space for an office and a place to put my in-laws when they come to visit, since they come from the Southern Hemisphere and tend to stay a while! Plan is for DS1 and DS2 to share, if they ever decide they are ready! But that still leaves us a room short when guests are in town.

[somegirl99]

Originally Posted by CraftyMcGluestick 

I have 2 Mobys, which I love for newborns. I have a Maya wrap I didn't use much mostly because I didn't really bother to learn how, but I want to this time around. I also have 2 of the incomparable Ergo. What slings/wraps/carriers do you have/like Somegirl?

I do a mix of woven wraps, ring slings, and MTs.  Didn't really get along with buckles or a stretchy wrap.  I have some SBP (Sleeping Baby Production) slingified wraps that I really like, and I went ahead and bought a couple of SB (Sakura Bloom) ring slings in their sample sale to try out.  I have a few other slings that I don't like as much (mostly the shoulder style) and a Beco Butterfly that I didn't use very much (our former nanny did use it for a while) so I want to sell those.  I also have a wrap conversion MT that I want to sell as I found that wrap straps don't work for me, I already have a MTB (Mei Tai Baby) mei tai that works great for the little days, I'd like to get another toddler/preschool MT that doesn't have wrap straps.  For woven wraps I have a mix of a few things (basically a few Vats, a couple of Didys, and a Storch), some we love and some we don't, I want to sell the ones that aren't getting any love and look for something nice and cuddly for a newborn.  I have a feeling I'll be doing some tandem wearing too, not sure what the best combo is going to be.

Originally Posted by Jillgayle 

Oh and a special lovey!  DS has a Lamb JellyCat that was the first thing I bought for him when i was about 20 wks along (I was really against bringing anything baby into the house before birth, old Jewish superstition).  I love JellyCat products, so i was looking at a grey bunny for #2.

Oh yes, we need a special lovey too!  Thanks for the reminder.  DS has a little teddy bear I believe from Carter's (it was a gift) but I have never been able to find a replacement for and it made us nervous when he was really beating on it for a while (especially throwing it in the potty ), luckily he is pretty gentle to it now.  It's a must for the next one to have a lovey that is easily replaceable as needed.

[LeighPF]

I wanted to add for those expecting their second. My second loved sitting in the bouncy chair and watching her brother. When she got bigger it was the saucer or the jumparoo. It got them eye to eye, but with a barrier to stop him from knocking her over. They both loved to play with the toys.