Another Baby, Another Registry: Here’s How to Build a Smarter List

There’s something so satisfying about putting all that research and firsthand experience from your first baby to good use. Whether you’re picking out the best baby shower gift for a friend or helping another parent navigate cradle cap (or contributing to our annual list of Parents’ Most Loved Baby Products), you’re officially an expert. So why is it so hard to knock out a short list of items you’ll need to welcome another baby?

As a mother of two with a third due soon, I know this unique plight well. Sure, I could easily knock out a quick list of the best basics for our family. But then I have to take stock of what we already have and make adjustments. I start dreaming of what I wish I had instead. Guilt creeps in, uninvited: “Can’t I just live with the high chair we already have, even though my first baby never took to it and I wanted to throw it out the window every time I tripped over it?” 

Then there’s our growing family’s budget to factor in (daycare!). Plus we’ve learned that some items just hit differently when you have more than one kid. For example, we had no problem warming our first baby’s bottles the old-fashioned way, swirling them around in a mug of warm water. But when we had a toddler running around (and needing extra attention), that process suddenly became a nuisance. Hello, bottle warmers.

Whether you’re expecting your second baby or your fourth, some simple questions can help you decide what’s worth buying, what’s worth upgrading and what will actually make life with multiple children easier. We’re including common answers from real parents who answered our recent newsletter poll: “for parents of #2 or more, did you make another registry—and what was on it?” And because we know you may be short on time (particularly if you have a toddler), there’s a quick checklist cheat sheet under each section, too.

What do you have—and what do you need?

First, you’ll want to take thorough inventory of what you already have so that you can identify any gaps. For example, you may have a hundred leftover breast milk storage bags and a pump that’s still in good working order—but you’ll likely need to replace the pump parts themselves (sadly, they don’t last forever). And those once-plentiful burp cloths may not have survived years of spit-up, washing and storage quite as well as you’d hoped.

Some saved items could benefit from a safety check, too: has your car seat expired or your favorite baby product been recalled or deemed unsafe? Add it to your list.

Don’t forget seasonality: if your last baby was born in the summer, you may be stocked up on sun hats but need a newborn-sized bunting (and warmer sleep sack) for your new winter baby, depending on where you live.

And then of course there are the consumables that need restocking: diapers, wipes, bottles or bottle nipples, toiletries, medications and so on. 

For some parents, this was the only category they needed to cover for a second child. “We just got diapers, wipes, and a few small things,” said one parent. “Lots of diapers of different sizes, wipes, diaper cream—stuff that gets consumed, to hopefully guide people away from buying us more clothes, toys, etc. that we kept from baby #1 and did not need again,” said another.

Repeat baby gear audit

☐ Inventory: Take stock of your leftover gear

☐ Still good: Is what you saved still in usable condition?

☐ Safety: Are any safety-critical items expired or recalled?

☐ Worn out or missing: What parts or pieces need replacing?

☐ Seasonality: Does your new baby's season change what you'll need? Sizes?

☐ Consumables: What needs to be replenished?

Did you hate the one you have?

Next you’ll want to address the stuff you still have in fine working order and ask yourself, “Do I even like this?” Whatever you didn’t love, or wanted to love but didn’t actually end up using for one reason or another, now is a great time to replace it. 

Among the parents we polled, popular upgrade categories include higher-quality and cozier versions of their original staples, like crib mattresses and nursery gliders. One family registered for “a really nice but very expensive high chair… We bought a cheap one for our first, but it didn't hold up well.”

Another set nodded to items that better fit their lifestyle, like a playard that’s easier to haul around on the go, or a breast pump that’s more discreet for frequent pumping in public (“ahem, wearable!” said one parent). 

Or maybe your tastes or priorities have simply shifted: several parents told us they’ve switched from plastic to glass bottles for subsequent babies. 

Permission to toss your stash of anything that no longer serves you (here’s how) and replace it with something new.

Honest check-in about what you have

☐ Didn't use: What did you avoid using?

☐ Didn't love: What was uncomfortable or inconvenient?

☐ Could improve: Would a better version actually solve the problem?

☐ Changed your mind: Have your preferences changed?

What do you need now that there will be multiple kids?

There are the items you’ll need to buy again since the ones you own are still being used by your older child(ren). These commonly include a car seat, crib, humidifier, diaper pail and sound machine. For one parent of two under two in our poll, outfitting a second nursery was her main focus, with items like a hamper, dresser and lamps being top of her list.

And then there are items that could evolve with your growing family: going from a single to a double stroller, a small diaper bag to a larger one, or a single monitor to a dual-view baby monitor. With more than one child to tote around, many families also find themselves shopping for a stroller wagon (to make getting around more fun for toddlers) and slimmer car seats (to fit multiples in a row).

Busy toddlers can also make extra baby safety gear a top priority: one parent recommends considering ”safe places to set the baby away from the toddler. Think more baby gates, cabinet locks, swings, etc.”

Updating your gear for multiple kids

☐ Still in use: Is your older child still using it? (car seat, high chair)

☐ Second setup: Will you need another sleep setup? (crib, mattress, sound machine)

☐ Duplicates: Will you need two of something in different rooms?

☐ Transport: How will you get both kids around? (double stroller, slimmer car seats, stroller board, stroller wagon)

☐ Evolve: Does your existing gear need to grow with your family? (dual-view baby monitor)

☐ Safety: Will having an older child change what you need for a baby’s safety? (more gates, a safe place to put the baby)

Could something new save you precious time?

Bottle washers came up again and again in our second-baby poll, with parents saying they simply didn't have time to wash bottles the old-fashioned way with two kids. And getting all that time back can make a big difference. (After testing baby bottle washers with my second child, I confidently declared that the device saved my marriage.)

As I mentioned above, bottle warmers can also save you precious minutes (when both the baby and toddler are hungry)—as can convenience-first items like magnetic baby products, baby formula prep tools, easy-on swaddles and a rotating car seat. 

You might also want to spend on multiples of something you already love and use throughout the day, so that you don’t have to spend time hauling them from room to room—like an extra bouncer for the bathroom or an extra nursing pillow (or in my case, three) for wherever you usually find yourself feeding the baby. 

Time-saving considerations

☐ Eliminate: Could a new product save a step in your baby routine?

☐ Multi-tasking: Could it let you do something one-handed while juggling two kids?

☐ Duplicates: Would having a second one in another room save time?

☐ Feeding: Could a convenience product help your routine? (wearable pump, bottle washer)

☐ Worth it: Would spending more now save you time every day later?

Do you just really want it?

Several parents we polled mentioned that they were excited to splurge on items they originally thought were unnecessary but ended up wishing they had with their first kid(s). At the top of this list are everything from a practical (or more luxurious) bassinet to a “new, cute carrier to wear my baby while chasing my toddler.” (If this is you, check out our Artipoppe vs. WildBird review.)

Then there are the nice-to-haves like matching pajamas for your growing family, a baby memory book for your new addition (if that’s your style) or personalized items (like monogrammed toys or decor). Love taking your family to sporting events? A stadium-friendly (clear) Dagne Dover diaper backpack might bring you joy (and ease). Want to take more walks postpartum? Don’t snooze on stroller accessories like a cute caddy or better cup holder. 

If you’re feeling the need to justify items in this category, consider this parent’s thoughts: “Since we needed less, I was hoping we could splurge a little this time around.” It’s also okay to just want something simply because you want it. 

Ideas for investing in your happiness

☐ Dream state: Is there something you wished you'd had the first time? Or just want now?

☐ Special: Would something personalized or sentimental make this baby's arrival feel special?

☐ Just for fun: Would you enjoy having something that's simply beautiful or fun?

Is your list getting too long?

Your next step might be to prioritize and edit. Move anything you're not sure you'll need to a wishlist. You can always buy it later, once you know whether it's actually solving a problem in your new life with multiple kids. Then feel free to load up on “a lot of DoorDash or general store gift cards (Target, Amazon)” instead, like one parent did.

Some families even filled their registry with items for their toddlers—particularly items that will also help the older siblings feel special and excited in this new chapter, like a stroller board, toddler bed or fun gifts to simply celebrate their new big-brother or -sister role. 

A final review of the list

☐ Gut check: Would I buy this today if no one else were paying for it?

☐ Timing: Do I need it before baby's arrival, or can it wait? (Move it to a wishlist.)

☐ Already have: Do I already own something that does the same job?

☐ Usefulness: Is this solving a real problem—or am I adding it because I feel like I should?

☐ Gift card: Would store credit or cash be more useful?

Even if you’re not having a shower, a registry can help you stay organized and save money.

Many second-time parents shared that they primarily used a registry as a personal shopping checklist. They kept it private, used it to keep track of what they needed and took advantage of the price tracker to watch for sales. They also leaned into other Babylist benefits, like the free Hello Baby Box and 15% completion discount. 

One savvy parent is likely still adding to their registry today, even though their baby has made its debut. “I kept my registry going and still add to it all the time for birthdays and holidays. It helps those wanting to give a gift, and keeps the superfluous gifts at bay!”