When you have a second baby, you realize pretty quickly which products were actually lifesavers the first time around. Some baby gear is fun but unnecessary, while other things make life so much easier that you can’t imagine doing newborn life without them again.
Now that I’m navigating life with baby #2, I’m back to using some tried-and-true essentials that helped us with sleep, feeding, gas, and overall comfort the first time around. Here’s what’s still in rotation this time!
1. Overnight Booster Pads & Overnight Diapers
Sleep is the holy grail in the newborn stage, and keeping baby dry longer at night actually helps stretch those sleep windows. I use overnight booster pads inside regular diapers or just go straight to overnight diapers once baby starts sleeping longer stretches. Fewer leaks = fewer wakeups!
2. Move Up Nipple Sizes Sooner for Fuller Feeds & Longer Sleep
One of the biggest game-changers I learned? If baby is taking too long to finish a bottle, it’s time to move up a nipple size. If they’re working too hard to get milk, they may stop drinking before they’re actually full. A faster flow means they get a full feed in quicker, which helps with longer naps and longer nighttime sleep.
3. Magnesium Lotion on Feet for Calming Sleep
This is one of my favorite sleep hacks! I rub magnesium lotion on the bottom of baby’s feet before bed to help them relax. Magnesium supports nervous system regulation and can help little ones settle into deeper sleep. I swear by this for both babies! I also love this calming lotion that I use on their chest before bed.
4. Gripe Water for Gas, Hiccups & Digestive Issues
Gripe water is amazing for helping with gas, hiccups, tummy troubles, and fussiness. I keep both the daytime and nighttime versions on hand. The nighttime one has a little added chamomile, which helps calm them even more before bed.
5. Warm, Fuzzy Towel & Diaper Post-Bath
Want to avoid a fussy, cold baby after bath time? Throw their towel and diaper in the dryer while they’re in the bath so it’s warm and cozy when they get out. I did this with baby #1, and I still swear by it for baby #2. A warm diaper = a much happier baby post-bath.
6. Wear Collection Cups Overnight for Extra Milk
If you’re breastfeeding or pumping, wearing collection cups in a super supportive bra overnight (this one is specifically made for sleep) is such an easy way to collect extra milk while you sleep—without actually waking up to pump! It’s a hands-free way to build your stash with zero effort.
7. Breast Milk Bag Organizer & Milk Stash App
If you’re freezing milk, get a breast milk bag organizer—you will thank me later. It keeps everything neat, easy to grab, and prevents the dreaded milk avalanche in your freezer. Also, the Milk Stash app is a lifesaver for tracking how many ounces you have stored and making sure nothing expires before you use it.
8. Probiotics for Baby’s Digestion
In those early months, newborns have an immature digestive system, which can lead to gas, discomfort, and reflux. A high-quality baby probiotic makes a huge difference in keeping their gut happy and reducing tummy troubles. I started using one with my first baby and now won’t go without it! I use this one in the morning bottle, it also has vitamin D.
9. Eucalyptus Steam Showers for Congestion
I know humidifiers get all the hype, but in my experience, a eucalyptus steam shower works so much better for clearing up congestion. Here’s what I do:
- Shut the bathroom door
- Turn the shower on the highest heat
- Place baby in their bouncer in front of the shower (not in the water!)
- Drop eucalyptus oil along the shower walls (this one is a clean brand)
- Let the steam fill the room and work its magic
The key is that you can get way more steam going than if you were holding them in the shower with you. Follow up with saline drops and a strong nasal aspirator (this is the best one!!) for maximum decongestion.
These little tricks made life easier with my first baby, and now they’re on repeat with baby #2. If you’re expecting again, I highly recommend keeping these in your toolkit!
What are some must-have baby items you’ve used for multiple kids? Let me know in the comments! 💕
