Expecting a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or beyond baby is usually less about all new things and more about pulling out tubs of clothes, washing pillow cases and old baby blankets, and dusting off baby gear. However, I do believe there is definitely a need to make a baby registry even if you already have kiddos!
We are currently have five children. Meaning we’re definitely not new to the newborn stage or what we need vs what we don’t need. And even though we have kept so much over the years to pass down between children, I have found that with every new child, there are definitely baby registry must-haves.
I think my second child is the only kid that I didn’t make a registry for and realistically making a registry has been more fun with each iddo because you have a better idea of how your family operates and you definitely know what postpartum looks like. So instead of just focusing on baby, subsequent baby registries I have found are a better mixture of providing for both mom and baby.
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What to add on a registry for a second baby and after
I think the number one thing to consider when making a registry if you have already had children previously is “how can I make life easier for the family once the baby is here?”
The second thing to consider, especially if you’re looking at having a home birth is “how can I offset my expenses?” I mean, this is the reason we have showers for weddings, babies, and other big life events. However, it’s not just about others buying things for you and your family. In fact, people are less likely to do so after a certain amount of children. But the registry companies don’t actually care and they do offer discounts just for making a registry,
Make a baby registry
Amazon, for instance, will let you order twice from your registry with many items at around a 10-15% discount. Therefore, I create an Amazon Baby Registry to buy from for myself. I do an early buy to get their free baby box, and a second buy closer to or after the baby’s birth to fill in the gaps. Create your Amazon Registry Here.
And you can support local or other online venues that you love by creating baby registries there and/or Creating a Baby Registry at MyRegistry.com!
What to include in a subsequent baby registry after your first child
- Just a few fresh sets of baby clothes (especially is baby is born in a different season). I also found that maybe I liked snaps for one child, zippers for another, or those nifty jumpers with zippers that go both ways.
- Sunscreen and sunhats
- Diapering needs – even if you’re doing EC to teach your baby to potty train, you will need supplies. You might also choose to cloth diaper a newborn this time around or vice versa.
- A good soft structured carrier or other baby wearing device. For my second and third babies, I loved having a ring sling. The more I had though, the more I wanted something much more secure… because let’s be honest, my core was not what it used to be. My 5th baby I used a Boba 3G until he was big enough to fit in a Tula. However, I have used a lot of carriers and they’re all helpful if you can have your hands free to help other children.
- Laundry needs
- More laundry baskets
- Stain brushes
- Laundry detergent and enzymatic cleaner
- Bags to keep newborn socks together
- Tools to help other children be more self-sufficient
- For my second and third babies, I asked for things like child-sized silverware sets, small glass pitchers of what they are allowed to get themselves to drink, and other supplies to help little hands be a little more able when I was busy tending the baby. I have ordered several child-sized items from Montessori Services and highly recommend them!
Related: Encouraging Independence in Toddlers
- Toys and books for older kids and that can grow with baby. This could include things like a Pikler Triangle, wooden stacking toys, early learning materials, etc..
- A car seat for an older kiddo. I always did this so at the very least I could order it at a discount or have people contribute towards it. Then I could switch a bigger child into it and the baby would get the old seat. (I use clek car seats for the most part. We have 3.)
- Ways to entertain older children such as puzzles, gift cards for renting movies to stream, and even museum passes to get out of the house on harder days.
Related: How to empower your toddler with 5 simple secrets to dress themselves
Birth and postpartum supplies to include on a baby registry
I found that the more babies I had, the more I desired to have good nursing wear and wish I would have gotten more of it in the beginning. I also found that it’s something people were more inclined to want to help with and buy from a subsequent baby registry.
- Nursing bras
- Comfortable nursing gowns and/or robes. I basically lived in either one of these for my 4th and 5th babies.
- Witch Hazel
- Reusable straws
- Perineal Ice Pack
- Breastfeeding supplies and storage. You might even consider getting a hands free pump like the Willow or eevie.
Related: How to thrive in the 4th trimester with a Postpartum care kit and new mom resources
- Snacks
- A good water bottle – especially important if you’re a nursing mom.
Need help preparing for your birth? Check out these other guides:
Kara is an author and advocate for positive, grace-filled parenting. She is homeschooler to her 5 children living on a farm in New England. She believes in creative educational approaches to help kids dive deeper into a rich learning experience and has her degree in Secondary Education & Adolescent Childhood Development. She is passionate about connecting with and helping other parents on their journey to raise awesome kids!
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