As a second-time mom, I’ve learned a lot about what baby items are truly essential and which ones end up collecting dust. With baby number two on the way, I’m taking a more mindful approach to my registry, focusing on the things I loved and used every day with my first. Whether it’s products I’m repurchasing because they’re just that good or items I’m happily reusing, here’s a look at the must-haves making a comeback for round two!
Find discount codes below for Nanit, Baby Brezza, Earth Mama, Serenity Kids, Tiny Health, Parker Baby, Tinyhood and Holle.
Nanit Monitor – Love the video and insights the app provides. Got the floor stand this time vs. wall mount so no wall patching! Use Code ErinWessley15 for 15% off!
Baby Brezza Sterilizer – Sure, people might say, “Just use your dishwasher,” but honestly, I don’t want to run it that often. This time around, I upgraded to the 10-minute sterilizer for even more convenience, and they now offer a washer & sterilizer combo option too—perfect for busy moms who need quick, hassle-free cleanups! Use code KEE15OFF for 15% off.
Elvie Wearable Pump – Since I ended up exclusively pumping with my first, having a wearable pump was an absolute game-changer. The Elvie stood out with its strong suction, making it the most powerful option among wearables. Plus, the app was a lifesaver—it tracked exactly how many ounces I pumped each session, helping me stay on top of my supply effortlessly!
Snoo – I absolutely loved the Snoo for so many reasons—it not only rocks your baby back to sleep and has a built-in sound machine, but the app is a total lifesaver, tracking every detail of their sleep patterns. It made those early days so much easier by giving me peace of mind and helping my little one get more restful sleep!
Long Sleeve Bibs – Amazing when starting solids – wipeable and can be thrown in the washer!
Air Purifier – Hot Tip: Place it behind the diaper pail to keep the air fresh and clean, and say goodbye to those lingering diaper smells in the nursery!
Uppa Baby Stroller – I used this all the time and loved how versatile it is! The tread is perfect for trails, and it easily converts into a double stroller for baby number two. Plus, it comes with both a bassinet attachment and upright seats. Hot tip: Grab the snack tray for when they’re a bit older—it’s a game-changer for longer walks!
Play Mat – Ideal for tummy time and the first few months, offering a soft, safe space for your baby to explore and strengthen their muscles. Its colorful designs and textures stimulate their senses, encouraging reaching and rolling while creating a cozy area for bonding during playtime!
Baby Bjorn Bouncer – Perfect after the first month for keeping your little one contained and entertained. While I found it a bit too big for the very first few weeks, its gentle bouncing motion soothes babies as they observe their surroundings, promoting sensory development. Lightweight and portable, it allows you to move around the house easily, providing a safe spot for your baby to relax and play while you get things done!
Activity Center – Fantastic once your baby can hold their head up, as it provides a safe and engaging environment for exploration. It encourages physical development with various toys and activities that promote reaching, grasping, and coordination. Plus, it offers a fun way for your little one to interact with their surroundings, keeping them entertained while you enjoy a moment to yourself! As a bonus, it even transitions into a small table later on, extending its usability as your child grows!
Hatch Sound Machine – Stands out among others on the market for several reasons: it offers a superior sound experience, with much louder volume options to effectively mask noise. Its customizable color settings create a calming atmosphere, perfect for sleep. Plus, it grows with your child—when they’re older, you can use the color feature to signal when it’s time to wake up, making it a versatile choice for years to come!
Doona – A game-changer for parents because it seamlessly combines a car seat and a stroller in one, making it incredibly convenient to pop in and out of the car. Its easy-to-use design allows you to transition effortlessly from car to stroller, whether you’re running errands or visiting friends. Plus, it’s suitable for the entire first year, eliminating the need to invest in both a separate stroller and car seat, simplifying your on-the-go lifestyle!
Shusher – A lifesaver for me during the first few months! Its gentle shushing sound effectively soothes my baby back to sleep, creating a calming environment that mimics the comforting noises they experienced in the womb. I couldn’t imagine those early weeks without it!
Snuggle Me Lounger – Fantastic in the beginning because it provides a cozy, womb-like environment that helps newborns feel secure and comfortable. Its soft, organic fabric gently cradles your baby, making it perfect for lounging, tummy time, or supervised sleep. I prefer the Snuggle Me vs Dock A Tot, for its organic & eco-friendly materials, which ensure a safe and gentle experience for my little one.This innovative design promotes a sense of safety and comfort, allowing your little one to relax while giving you peace of mind during those early weeks!
Baby Brezza Formula Pro – I can’t believe I ever second-guessed getting the this—it’s like having a Nespresso for bottles! No more waiting 5-8 minutes for a bottle to warm up; it prepares the perfect formula at the touch of a button. It’s a total game-changer for busy parents, making those late-night feedings so much easier! Use code KEE15OFF for 15% off!
Baby Carrier – A must-have for baby number two, especially when you’re chasing after a toddler! While I didn’t use it much the first time around, it’s essential for keeping your newborn close while still being hands-free to manage everything else. It makes navigating those busy days with two little ones so much easier! I love the one from bumpsuit.
Ollie Swaddle – The best choice for busy parents because it takes the hassle out of swaddling. With its simple design, you won’t waste precious time manually wrapping a blanket. The adjustable straps ensure a snug fit that keeps your baby cozy and secure, promoting better sleep. It’s the perfect solution for those hectic days when you need to get things done quickly!
Magic Merlin – The best choice for transitioning from a swaddle to a sleep sack because it offers the perfect blend of comfort and security. Its unique design provides a cozy, weighted feel that mimics the snugness of swaddling while allowing your baby to move their arms freely. This helps ease the transition, reducing the startle reflex without sacrificing safety. It’s a fantastic way to help your little one adjust to sleeping without a swaddle while promoting restful sleep!
Kindred Bravely Pumping & Nursing Bra – The only one that provided the support I needed, especially while exclusively pumping. It kept my pumps securely in place, which was a game-changer during those busy days. Plus, when I wore the collection cups while sleeping, this bra was the only one that held them in place, preventing any spills. It’s truly a must-have for nursing and pumping moms!
Nighttime Diapers – YES, these exist. They are a game-changer because they keep your baby feeling dry throughout the night, which helps promote longer sleep stretches. The superior absorbency prevents leaks and keeps moisture away from your little one’s skin, allowing them to sleep more comfortably and peacefully. This means both you and your baby can enjoy more restful nights!
Gripe Water & Gas X – Lifesavers in the beginning, providing much-needed relief for my baby’s discomfort. These remedies helped alleviate gas and colic, making those early weeks so much easier. Having them on hand ensured my little one could settle down and be more comfortable, allowing for happier moments together! (As always, check with your own pediatrician).
Bath Filter – Great for babies because it effectively removes impurities and chlorine from the water, ensuring a cleaner and safer bathing environment. This gentle filtration helps protect your baby’s sensitive skin and reduces the risk of irritation.
Tommy Tippee Bottle Warmer – Far superior to the attachable models that tend to spill everywhere. I tried multiple brands, even the most expensive options on the market, and they just didn’t cut it. When you’re heating literal liquid gold like breast milk, you absolutely cannot afford to waste a drop! The Tommee Tippee ensures even heating without any mess, making it a reliable choice for busy parents.
Knotted Gowns – Fantastic for newborns because they combine style and practicality in one easy-to-use outfit. The knotted design allows for quick diaper changes without the hassle of undressing your baby completely, making those late-night changes much easier. Plus, they provide a cozy, snug fit that keeps your little one comfortable and warm.
Sleep Sack – Great because they provide a safe and cozy sleeping environment for babies while eliminating the risks associated with loose blankets. They keep your little one snug and warm, promoting better sleep without the fear of them rolling over and getting tangled. Most parents find that they can use sleep sacks from infancy until around 2-3 years old, making them a long-lasting investment for peaceful nights!
Lalo High Chair – Love that it is is not only aesthetically pleasing but also incredibly practical! It’s easy to wipe down, so I don’t have to deal with the mess that comes with fabric chairs—they get so gross! Plus, it transitions into a small chair for when my child moves to a kids’ table, making it a versatile choice that grows with them!
Black Out Curtains – They block out sunlight, helping babies nap longer and improve sleep quality. The dark, quiet space also supports healthy sleep patterns and reduces outside distractions. Plus, they help regulate room temperature, making your little one more comfortable year-round. Check out the viral amazon custom drapes I’ve used all over my house!
Honorable mentions with discount codes:
Earth Mama – Use code KEETOWELLNESS2024 for 10% off. I love their organic diaper cream and nipple cream.
Serenity Kids – Code KEETOWELLNESS for 15% off. Love their pouches and puffs. All organic ingredients, veggie forward.
Tinyhood – Code KEE20 for 20% off their classes. I took before my first was born!
Holle – Use code KEETOWELLNESS30 for 30% off.
Parker Baby – Use code ERIN for 10% off. Great organic clothing and cloth options.
Tiny Health – Code KEETOWELLNESS for $20 off. Great gut health test for kids!
