It’s no surprise—shopping for a second-time parent can be difficult.
Depending on the age of the first child, parents may already have many of the baby items typically found on baby registries, including some of the bigger baby gear items like a bouncy seat, swing, and jumperoo. (If you're looking for gifts for a new-mom-to-be, check out our list of favorite natural baby products here).
There are, however, many items that will need to be repurchased or upgraded to accommodate families that are adding another child to their home.
We’ve compiled 17 of the best gifts for second baby that are sure to leave the parents-to-be smiling (and well stocked to prep for their little one's arrival).
1. Hands-Free Breastpump
If mom plans to breastfeed, a Willow Wearable Breast Pump will allow her to pump without being tied to a wall during pumping sessions—a necessity for chasing around a toddler while tending to a baby. Although this is the priciest item on the list, it could make a great baby shower gift from a group.
$499.99
2. Double Stroller
With so many stroller options on the market, it can be tough choosing the right one. The Zoe Twin+ is a side-by-side stroller that is easy to maneuver and narrow enough to fit through nearly all doors and aisles—common issues for many side-by-side strollers. As a bonus, the stroller can easily expand to a triple or quad stroller with the purchase of add-on seats—a great option for families who plan to expand their family in the future.
$329
3. Baby Monitor with Split Screen
Although the parents likely already have a baby monitor, not all monitors allow for the addition of a second camera. The VAVA Baby Monitor with Split Screen, on the other hand, allows for up to 4 cameras—perfect for children’s bedrooms and playrooms. The split screen design allows parents to keep an eye on up to two children on the screen at once. Many parents also love that it doesn’t run on Wi-Fi like many other baby monitors, so it’s less likely to get hacked.
VAVA BABY MONITOR WITH SPLIT SCREEN
$279.99
4. Second Crib
A second crib is often overlooked, as second-time parents typically already have a crib. And while this item won’t be necessary if the first child has already successfully moved into a bigger bed, many parents make the mistake of moving their older child out of the crib before the child is actually ready. If the older child is under the age of 3 and not yet ready to transition to a bigger bed, purchasing a second crib could save the parents from fighting a seemingly never ending bedtime battle.
The Graco Hadly 4-in-1 Convertible Crib will transition with your child as they grow—from a crib, to a toddler bed, to a daybed or full-size bed. The drawer provides additional storage space for spare sets of sheets or extra diapers—as parents of multiple kids know, you can never go wrong with more storage space.
GRACO HADLEY 4-IN-1 CONVERTIBLE CRIB WITH DRAWER
$259.99
5. Bigger Diaper Bag
A backpack-style diaper bag allows for the option to baby-wear in the front, carry the diaper bag on your back, and still remain hands-free. The La Mère Grand by Azaria provides plenty of space for all of your diaper changing supplies, spare outfits, and even some snacks or activities for your oldest. The side pockets are even big enough to hold a generously sized water bottle for mom or dad. It comes in a variety of colors in both leather and vegan leather options.
AZARIA LA MÈRE GRAND DIAPER BAG
$179.95
6. Baby Carrier
While a baby carrier is handy for new parents in general, it becomes almost a necessity for parents welcoming their second little one home. A baby carrier allows parents to be hands-free to get the older child a drink or fix lunch, while also keeping the baby close. The Tula Free-to-Grow Adjustable Baby Carrier can be used from 7-45 pounds, making it a great option for parents of two little ones who don’t want to miss a thing.
TULA FREE-TO-GROW ADJUSTABLE NEWBORN BABY CARRIER
$159.00
7. Sound Machine
The parents likely already have one sound machine; however, a second sound machine is a must-have item for a second baby. Not only will it allow for better sleep as the baby adapts to life outside of the womb, it will help drown out some of the noise from the older sibling playing while the baby naps.
The Hatch Rest+ offers 11 soothing sounds, a customizable night light with brightness and color options, and the ability to create sleep and time-to-rise programs to help your toddler learn when it’s time to get out of bed in the morning. It also has a back-up battery, which comes in handy if the power happens to go out during a storm in the middle of the night.
$89.99
8. Car Seat Mirror
If the oldest child is still rear-facing in their car seat, then a second car seat mirror would give parents the ability to keep an eye on both children during car rides. The Brica Cruisin Baby In-Sight Entertainment Mirror also gives parents the ability to control the mirror’s music and lights from the front seat with a small remote—perfect for times when the little one gets fussy in the middle of a car ride.
BRICA CRUISIN BABY IN-SIGHT ENTERTAINMENT MIRROR
$40.00
9. Second Humidifier
It’s likely that the parents already have a humidifier to help keep the air comfortable in the oldest child’s room, especially during the winter months. If the new baby will be in their own room, a second humidifier will be a necessity to help alleviate symptoms of the inevitable cold, like a stuffy nose and sore throat. The Vicks Filter Free Cool Mist Humidifier is easy to clean and reduces the potential risks associated with the heating element on warm mist humidifiers, making it a great gift to go in a baby’s nursery.
VICKS FILTER FREE COOL MIST HUMIDIFIER
$39.99
10. Matching Sibling Pajama Set
With all of the inevitable changes, it’s common for the older sibling to feel left out of the fun. A matching sibling pajama set is a great way to make them feel included and excited about their new little brother or sister. Little Sleepies offers the softest bamboo viscose pajamas for the entire family. Their size range spans from Micro-preemie to 3XL in an assortment of styles—including zippies, 2-piece long sleeve or short sleeved pajama sets, and knotted gowns.
LITTLE SLEEPIES MATCHING SIBLING PAJAMA SET
$30.00+
11. Electric Baby Bottle Brush
A second baby means more bottles to clean and let’s be honest, nobody enjoys washing bottles. The E-Brush Electric Baby Bottle Brush by Nanobébé helps speed along the bottle-washing process so new parents can get back to doing… anything except washing bottles. It also comes with a replaceable nipple head, and can also be used for sippy cups and pump parts as well. The rechargeable battery will last weeks even with regular use, making it the perfect gift to help save parents a little bit of time.
Nanobébé E-Brush Electric Baby Bottle Brush
$29.99
12. Serenity Kids Pouch Variety Pack
Making sure that both children are getting the proper nutrition is always important. While the new baby will be getting their nutrition from breastmilk or formula during the first months of life, Serenity Kids provides families with nutritious options for the older child—and eventually the baby.
You can choose from a selection of variety packs focused on organic veggies, ethically sourced meats, and nutrient-packed bone broth pouches. These make for an excellent option for busy toddlers to get the necessary vitamins and minerals in their diet, without the added preservatives. You can choose from a one-time purchase or a subscription delivered at a chosen frequency.
SERENITY KIDS POUCH VARIETY PACK
$26.95+
13. Snotsucker
A NoseFrida Snotsucker is a must-have item for the new baby’s inevitable snotty nose. While it’s likely that the parents already have one for the first child, for sanitary purposes it’s recommended that each child have their own.
$16.99
14. Diapers and Wipes Bundle
Unless the new parents are planning to cloth diaper and already have all of the supplies from their first child, diapers and wipes are one of the most practical gifts for all new parents. A bundle is a super thoughtful and gives new parents one less thing to worry about a trip to the store for after sleepless nights. and we love HELLO BELLO since they are made from totally chlorine free (TCF) fluff pulp from sustainably managed forests, a high-performance Super Absorbent Polymer, polypropylene/polyethylene/polyester non-woven fibers, plant-derived PLA non-woven fiber, spandex strands, and an elastomeric film. The HELLO BELLO diapers and wipes bundle is made without Chlorine Processing, Artificial Fragrance, Phthalates, Parabens, Lotions, Latex, TBT, DBT, MBT.
$65.99 +
15. Gift Cards to Restaurants for Pickup or Delivery
One of the last things new parents—especially if they have multiple children—want to worry about is what to cook for dinner. Depending on location, you may choose to buy gift cards for the restaurants directly or buy gift cards for food delivery services like GrubHub, DoorDash, or Postmates. Meal delivery services would allow them to pick from multiple restaurants and have it delivered straight to their door; however, it’s not available everywhere. We love supporting local, too, so try to grab a gift card for a neighborhood restaurant near your BFF that does delivery.
$10.00+
16. Baby Food & Toddler Snacks Gift Card
Speaking of gift cards, Baby will be ready to start solids before you know it! Giving moms a helping hand in the kitchen, with baby food made from whole food ingredients you can trust (in a super convenient pouch!), is a huge help when she may be juggling mealtime with a toddler/older kiddo(s), and a newborn. Whether it helps her out with dinner or snack time, a Serenity Kids electronic gift card makes the perfect present for the busy mama. She can also use it toward grain-free puffs, nutrient-dense purees, or grass-fed A2 whole milk toddler formula.
$25.00+
17. Entertaining gifts for siblings
We know all the focus gets put on the baby on-the-way when it comes to sprinkle gifts, but what can really help parents having a second child (or even third, fourth, etc.) is for other siblings to get small, thoughtful gifts that can help encourage independent play and/or provide entertainment. Think coloring sets, interactive books, books that celebrate becoming an older brother/sister and gaining a sibling/new BFFL, magnetized play sets that can provide quiet time activities, etc.
$19.99+
Looking to shop for a new mom and her first baby? Maybe she's a bit crunchy or you're on the lookout for a more sustainable shopping list to choose from? Check out our new mama natural product must-haves/baby registry here.
Author: Jennifer Wirth, a professional health writer, leveraging her scientific background as a Chemical Engineer to uncover the most interesting aspects of infant nutrition, pregnancy, and parenting. As a wife and mother of three young children, Jennifer is passionate about providing the best possible nutrition for her family. She believes that developing healthy eating habits early helps build the foundation for a long, fulfilling life.
