One of the great things about second babies is that parents usually have some of the bigger items saved from sibling number one, especially if they’re born close together in age. These best gifts for a second baby cover some of the things parents may actually need (and want) for their second baby.
Best Baby Gear for Second Baby
Bumco Diaper Clutch
The Bumco Diaper Clutch is perfect for that second-time mom who knows she doesn’t need everything for a quick trip to the park or into the grocery store. It’s super cute and fashionable to carry and it holds several diapers, wipes, and a few other belongings. With the wristlet strap, this can be pulled easily from the diaper bag and hooked to the stroller, cart, or anywhere else it’ll be handy.
This features a water-resistant design and it comes with a reusable wipes container. It’s machine washable with the wrist strap removed and it’s even great for dad when he takes the baby out. In addition to pink, this comes in black, different shades of blue, gray, and even orange striped designs.
Baby K’tan
Even if she already has a baby carrier, the Baby K’tan has a unique design that can be used for infants and toddlers. She’ll find it especially helpful for those times when she needs her hands free, but the baby also needs attention. The K’Tan provides ergonomic support from babies weighing more than 8 pounds up to toddlers weighing as much as 35 pounds. With five different positions from one wrap, it’s a must-have parenting accessory.
Another reason this is a great gift for second-time parents is because of the no-fuss design. They can pull the K’Tan on like a T-shirt, then position the baby. There are no buckles, fusses, excess fabric, or rings to deal with. Plus, the K’Tan has been ergonomically designed for parents and babies. It won’t hurt or cause muscle strain for parents, while proper positioning helps ensure proper leg and hip development for their little one.
Baby Trend Tandem Stroller
The Sit N Stand Tandem Stroller from Baby Trend is a must-have for trips to the park or grocery store, as well as for strolls around the neighborhood. It’s designed to grow with a growing family and has plenty of seating options. Plus, it’s a great price compared to a lot of those other tandem strollers out there.
This has lots of options for travel. Both babies can use an infant car seat (it’s compatible with all Baby Trend car seats and a few other models), or it can be used as a traditional stroller. There’s also an option for the older sibling to stand in the back, which is great for those independent kids who like to move around a little bit. Since it works all the way up to 50 pounds for each child, it’ll be a traveling staple for the next few years.
Portable White Noise Machine
One of the biggest obstacles of having a new baby and a toddler is nap time. Unless the new baby is a solid sleeper, it can be hard to keep a toddler quite long enough for their new sibling to take a nap. This Portable White Noise Machine makes napping a lot easier for the newest addition to the family. It has a clip-on design that can be used in the car seat, on the crib, in the stroller, or anywhere baby might take a nap.
This white noise machine offers three different sounds, including bright white noise, dark white noise, and ocean sounds. It also has an adjustable volume, so it’s easy to get that perfect level of background noise to keep a sleeping infant asleep. Additionally, it recharges via a USB port so it’s easy to keep it powered, too!
Swaddling Wrap
Even though second-time parents may have swaddled down by the time Baby #2 comes along, this Swaddling Wrap from XMWealthy makes it so much easier. The wrap has large, wooden buttons that fasten on either side to secure baby in the sleeping sack. It can also be opened up for a blanket.
This is a great gift for babies being born in the colder winter months. They can use this in their stroller or car seat, as well as during nap time. As an added benefit, the adorable design makes it a wonderful gift for photoshoots. In addition to gray, it’s available in red, baby blue, brown, pink, and many other colors.
Best Bath Gifts for Second Baby
Honest Co. Baby Car Set
The Baby Care Set from The Honest Company comes with two must-have products for a new baby. They are both made using safe, naturally-derived ingredients that won’t dry out or irritate baby’s sensitive skin. With the dreamy lavender scent, this set is also the perfect addition to a bedtime routine.
The baby wash can be used to wash them from head to toe, and even to shampoo baby hair. It’ll leave baby’s skin feeling nourished and moisturized, especially when paired with the lotion. Both products are made without formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, dyes, and synthetic fragrances, for a bathtime routine that is safe for little ones.
Lilyseed Towel and Washcloth Set
This Hooded Towel and Washcloth Set from Lilyseed is made from 100% organic bamboo. The result is a super soft bath set made of organic materials that’s warm and welcoming to baby’s delicate skin after a shower. Without any harsh materials or ingredients, it’s even a good choice for baby’s that have sensitive skin or eczema.
The cute, lamb design on the hood is perfect for everything from bath time to impromptu photoshoots. In addition to being super soft, these materials are also really durable. They’re made from material with a 500GSM thickness and double-stitched seams. As an added benefit, the set is machine washable for easy cleaning.
Mold-Free Bath Toys
Bath toys are one of those things second-time parents will want to buy new for their baby, since bath toys are susceptible to mold and the build-up of germs over time. These Bath Toys from SplashEZ don’t have any holes or open areas, so they keep water (and mold) out. The set of five different animals has characters including a unicorn, frog, lion, quail, and tiger.
Bath time will be a blast with these fun toys. They also have smooth, rounded edges so there’s no danger if your little one puts them in their mouth (as babies and toddlers often do). With the durable, mold-free design, these are sure to be a bath-time favorite for years to come.
Bathtime Sink Insert
The second time around, most moms know that sometimes the best way to get things done is using the quick and easy way. Rather than filling up a tub and spending time bent over the bath, she can give baby their bath so much easier with this Lotus Sink Insert from Bundle & Bliss. The insert is made from thick, soft organic bamboo and it’s designed to sit right in the kitchen sink. This means no worrying about hard or cold edges of the sink and no more bending over during bath time!
The sink insert comes as part of a set that includes a washcloth, towel, and bag to carry it all in, too. It’s definitely one of those gifts she may not have realized she needed the first time around. Plus, it is big enough to be used by baby all the way up to 18 months old and the cute, plush design is great for photoshoots.
Useful Gifts for Second Baby
aden + anais Swaddle Blankets
Swaddle blankets are one of those things that you can never have too many of. These Swaddle Blankets from aden + anais are made from 100% bamboo muslin for a silky soft texture. The material is also very breathable, which will stop their little one from getting too hot.
This swaddling blanket set comes with three 47″ x 47″ swaddle blankets, which is big enough to wrap around baby even as they are growing. The large size also makes it multipurpose, great for a receiving blanket, car seat cover, or stroller cover, too.
Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes
Baby wipes are another one of those essential items that parents will always be happy to receive as a gift. These Sensitive Baby Wipes from Pampers come with 448 wipes in seven refill packs. The wipes are fragrance-free and are hypoallergenic, so they’re great for even the most sensitive baby bottoms.
Parents will appreciate how quickly these wipes clean up messes because of the thick design. Baby will appreciate how soft and gentle they are. Wipes also pair great with baby diapers, another one of those essential items parents can definitely use.
Dr. Brown’s Feeding Gift Set
Bottle nipples and pacifiers are some other things that parents should buy new. Even durable materials like silicone can weaken with use and over time and broken pieces are a choking hazard to babies. The First Year Feeding Set from Dr. Brown’s comes with pacifiers, Options + bottles, and even cleaning accessories. It covers a lot of essentials they’ll need for feeding their little ones in their first year of life.
The Options+ bottles come in two different sizes and are clinically proven to reduce colic. This also comes with two sizes of nipples, a soft spout transition cup, travel caps, and HappyPaci silicone pacifiers. Finally, parents will love that this comes with cleaning tools to make sterilizing easier, including a brush bottle and a dishwasher sack.
Graco Pack ‘n Play
I would have loved to pass down my son’s Pack ‘n Play to his little brother after he was born. Unfortunately, my older son had made a lot of messes in there and I couldn’t see any way to get all that mesh netting clean. This Pack ‘n Play makes a great gift for a second baby for this reason. Also, parents that have a younger sibling 1-2 years after their first may still be using their first Pack ‘n Play from time to time.
Some of the cool features of this playpen include a changing table and a raised bassinet that can be used to make baby more accessible until they start rolling over. It also comes with extras like a small mobile, pockets for diapers, wipes, and other essentials on the outside, and wheels on one side, so it’s super easy to move around the room. It also folds easily, so it’s super portable.
Best Cute Clothing for Second Baby
Player 4 Baby Onesie
This cute Player 4 Onesie is the perfect gift for parents expecting the 4th member of their family. It’s great for impromptu photoshoots once baby comes home. Families that love gaming will especially appreciate this onesie, which has the picture of a gaming controller and the words, “Player 4 has entered the game.”
In addition to making a great gift for once the baby is home, this is a good gift for baby announcements. It’s available in white, black, blue, pink, and gray. As an added benefit, the cotton is soft and comfy and the printed ink won’t fade with washing.
Disney Onesies
This 5-pack of cute Disney Onesies will offer lots of opportunities for parents to get cute photos. The set is available featuring characters including The Lion King, Pixar, Mickey Mouse, and more. It features all kinds of cute characters and fun, bright colors. The screen-printed onesies also won’t fade easily in the wash, which is always a plus with messy babies.
The onesies are made from a blend of cotton and polyester, for a soft, breathable piece of clothing that won’t shrink in the wash. They also have traditional snap closures, which are easy enough to use. While these are designed more for boys, there is also a Disney Onesie Set for girls that features characters like The Little Mermaid, Belle, and other Disney princesses.
Baby Booties
Baby Booties is another one of those things that it can be hard to track down pairs of after the first baby. Since they’re so easy to lose, these make a great gift. These booties are made by HsdsBebe and come in a wide variety of colors. With a Velcro closure around the top, they stay securely on the feet. This means they keep their little one’s toes warm, instead of being kicked off in the car or stroller.
These make a great gift because they’re affordable, so a few different pairs for different outfits are great. You can choose unisex colors and designs, or choose those for boys or girls if you know what they are having already. In addition to solid colors, these are also available in stripes, animal prints, star-print patterns, and more. The fleece inside keeps little baby feet warm and the non-slip bottom helps prevent accidents once baby starts moving around.
Gerber Sleeper Set
This Sleeper Set from Gerber comes with 4 long-sleeve sleepers that are perfect for keeping baby warm during the cooler months. Even though jammies are something that might be handed down, sleepers sometimes get stained or messy, especially if they are worn a lot. Baby #2 will also look cute in some original clothes of their own!
These are made from cotton, so they are soft and durable, but still breathable. They also have a zipper closure. For parents that are starting for the second time around, they may have realized that zippers are a lot easier sometimes than struggling with snap closures at night. In addition to the cute, unisex design with sheep pictured here, these are available in other patterns and colors.
Non-Slip Socks
Baby socks are one of the things parents may not have from the first time around, especially since socks are always getting lost in the wash, left in the car, or kicked off at the park or supermarket. These Non-Slip Socks feature a cute, unique design so they are also great when you don’t want to give something too simple as a gift. The set comes with four pairs of cute socks that say things like, “Of course I’m cute, Just look at my mom” and “Don’t make me cry, You wouldn’t like it when I cry”.
These socks come in neutral colors, so they’re great for little girls or boys. They are also incredibly soft, which baby’s tiny, soft feet will appreciate. As an added benefit, the wording on the bottom is non-slip, so it’ll help prevent slipping once baby attempts taking their first steps.
Best Gifts for Parents of Second Baby
The Sh!t No One Tells You About Baby #2
Even parents who mastered the first year or two find themselves unprepared for their second baby. It’s very different the second time around. The Sh!t No One Tells You About Baby #2: A Guide to Surviving Your Growing Family is a must-have for parents tackling this new obstacle.
Written by Dawn Dais, this book has a ton of personality. It discusses topics like second-time breastfeeding, the effect that a second child has on its sibling, sleeplessness, and more.
Heated Shiatsu Back Massager
This is a gift that most parents won’t have on their registry, but the Heated Shiatsu Back Massager from MoCuishle is something they’ll definitely appreciate. Having a second baby often means lots of sore muscles. From carrying the new baby to chasing around their toddler, it can be a lot of work.
This shiatsu massager has four nodes and an ergonomic design that makes it easy to target different muscle groups. It can be used on the back, neck, shoulders, legs, feet, and more. As an added benefit, there’s an optional heat button that can be used to relieve stress and tension. Since all they have to do is plug it in and put it in place, the massager is also really easy to use any time they have five or ten minutes of downtime.
When We Became Four
The When We Became Four Memory Book is a great gift for parents expecting a second addition to the family. Their new baby will be part of all kinds of new memories and this book is perfect for recording them. It’s well-written and organized, giving lots of inspiration for building the scrapbook.
This memory book has a table of contents that organizes it into sections like “When We Were Two,” “When We Were Three,” and “When We Were Four”. There are fun writing prompts to fill in about favorite activities and dates and also has a chapter for other memories and dates to remember.
Papa Mama Bear Tumblers
This cute set of Tumblers is a great way to celebrate becoming Mama and Papa Bears all over again! The set of 2 tumblers is available in black and rose gold or black and white. Each of the tumblers has a bear on the front, with the words “Papa Bear” or “Mama Bear” inside of it. They hold 20-ounces of hot or cold fluids and are sized to fit in a standard cup holder, so it’s easy to take on the go.
The tumblers are well insulated and keep hot drinks hot for 5 hours and cold drinks cold for 9 hours. Each tumbler comes with two lids that can be used to slide open drinks or use with a straw. Additionally, this set comes with 2 cleaning brushes for the included metal straws. Any parents would love to receive this gift to celebrate the birth of their second baby.
Best Gifts for Mothers of Second Baby
FridaBaby Hospital Aftercare Set
Even though most women experience a lot of pain following the birth of their little one, few talk about those things that actually help. This Hospital Aftercare Set by Frida Mom is the perfect gift for postpartum recovery. It has gifts for during the delivery, including a bathroom essentials bag, a labor gown, and socks that are a little cuter than the ones most hospitals have to offer. The set also comes with gifts to help her heal after.
Some of the things she’ll appreciate after giving birth include underwear, padsicles (which are cooling underwear inserts), a peri bottle, and witch hazel panty liners. It also comes with perineal healing foam, which can soothe and encourage the healing process.
Nursing Pajama Set
Even if she didn’t get rid of all her maternity clothes before the announcement of baby #2, that mom in your life will appreciate this Nursing Pajama Set from Ekouaer. The blend of materials used for this set results in a stretchy, soft, and breathable fabric. This is great for wearing around the house while she’s taking care of the kids, plus there’s really easy access for when it’s time to feed her new addition!
Something else great about this set is that it comes in lots of colors. There is also an option to buy the set with shorts or pants so you can plan around the weather. She’ll love wearing this comfy loungewear set, whether it’s right after the birth of her little one or while she’s chasing a toddler around at home.
Munchkin Lactation Cookie Bites
From personal experience, one of the biggest struggles of becoming a mom of two was remembering to sit down and eat. Second-time moms will appreciate these Lactation Cookie Bites by Munchkin Milkmakers. They come individually packaged, so they’re easy to take on the go. Plus, the cookies are full of good-for-her ingredients and can even help boost milk production.
Not only are these a healthy snack, but they also taste great. They come in flavors like oatmeal chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and chocolate salted caramel. If you aren’t sure what she’d like, there’s also an option to buy a variety pack!
Palmer’s Postpartum Skincare Kit
This Postpartum Skincare Kit is the gift for second time moms. The body undergoes a lot of changes through pregnancy, stretching as her belly grows with her baby. This set comes with Vitamin E oil to nourish the skin, tightening lotion for her body and breasts, and even nipple cream. All the products are made with phthalates, parabens, and other dangerous ingredients too, so they’re safe for breastfeeding moms.
Even though motherhood is something that should be embraced, that doesn’t always mean embracing the loose skin and stretch marks that follow. This is a great gift for mothers trying to tone their skin after a second baby, which may not always be as easy as the first time around.
Best Gifts for Older Sibling of Second Baby
Sibling Clothes Set
Even though having siblings come with it’s struggles, many siblings also form an inseparable bond. The Sibling Shirt Set is perfect for encouraging that relationship. It comes with a size 3T for their toddler and a size 0-3 months for a newborn. The set is perfect for those early photo shoots when the older sibling is still excited about having a little brother or sister.
This is a great gift for an older sibling to encourage some of that early excitement that comes with adding to the family. They’ll appreciate you thinking of them, as well as the reminder that they aren’t any less loved just because their family is growing!
Just Me and My Little Brother
The Just Me and My Little Brother is a cute book that paints a fun picture of what siblings can do together once the baby is a little older. Through the book, Little Critter and his younger brother go on adventures, doing everything from picking apples and sharing bunk beds to standing up against bullies.
This book by Mercer Mayer features a lot of favorites. It’s ideal for the Preschool to 2nd-grade reading level, from ages 3-7.
Daniel Tiger: The Baby is Here!
The Baby is Here! by Angela C. Santomero features lots of favorite characters from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Like the television show, it tackles feelings that a child might have. This particular book talks about feelings like jealousy and being upset because the baby takes up time. At the end of the book, however, these feelings are resolved.
Like most Daniel Tiger episodes, this focuses on learning how to handle emotions. It’s a great way to open that conversation about the harder part of parenting a second child. The book is also a great way to remind their child that even though the baby needs a lot of time at first, it doesn’t mean that their parents love them any less.
Big Sibling Stuffed Animal
What better way to get an older sibling excited for a new baby than with a gift from the little one? This cute sibling gift by DEMDACO is available for big brothers or big sisters. The soft, plush dog is 13″ tall and it comes with a personal message from baby to their older sibling.
Any big brother or sister will love snuggling up with this soft, plush puppy as they await the arrival of their new sibling. Once the tag is removed from the front, they’ll also appreciate the embroidered heart that says “Best Big Sis” or “Best Big Bro”. With the durable stitching and fabric, this is machine washable and a keepsake item that they’ll be able to appreciate for years to come.
How We Selected Gifts For a Second Baby
Usefulness
As we compiled this list of the best gifts for second-time parents, we considered how useful different products would be. While parents may have some bigger items like cribs, pack-n-plays, and baby gates leftover from their first baby, there are plenty of great gifts that they can use that they may not still have from the first time around. If you are ever unsure, don’t be afraid to ask the parents what they need most.
Clothing
Even though second-time parents don’t need everything new, it’s still nice having sentimental and cute items the second time around. Don’t be afraid to buy that extra cute onesie, dress, or outfit that you’ve seen as a gift. Clothing is a great gift even when the baby is the same gender as their older sibling. Plus, there are good chances that there are at least a few pieces of clothing with stains or excess wear and tear that can’t be passed down anyway.
New Baby Gear
Even though parents might already have some things leftover from their child’s older sibling, odds are there are new products that would make a great gift. This might include new styles of baby carriers, a dual-stroller for both siblings, or anything they may not have had the first time around.
Gifts for Mom
We also tried to include some gifts for mom. Even though she’s raised a little one before, having a second baby comes with its own challenges. It can also be stressful and even a little overwhelming, especially if the kids are close in age. These gifts will let her know that you’re thinking of her and are there for support if she needs it.
Unique Gift Ideas
Finally, we also tried to include some really unique gift ideas. This includes things like offering to babysit for the new parents or taking their older siblings for some one-on-one bonding time. Parents will appreciate however you’re willing to help. If you aren’t sure what they need, don’t be afraid to ask!
FAQs – Gifts for Second Baby
What is a good non-traditional gift for a second baby?
If you don’t want to buy a gift, there are lots of non-traditional ways to help new parents. Offer to cook a meal or help clean around the house. Another great gift is watching the older sibling. Give them a day to feel special while the parents bond with Baby #2. Gifts for the mother or both parents are also a little less traditional. However, they are sure to be appreciated by parents who might be feeling stressed or overwhelmed as the birth of their second baby gets closer.
Should I buy a gift for the older sibling of a second baby?
First-born siblings might react to the newest addition in several ways, which might range from excitement to jealousy. Buying a gift for the firstborn might help them feel a little less left out at the baby shower. It’s also a nice reminder that even if the new baby takes up a lot of attention, they are still loved.
Should I offer to host a second baby shower?
One of the ways that you can help celebrate the birth of a second baby is by offering to help with the shower. Second baby showers are often called sprinkles. While they are still celebrations, second baby showers may not be as big as a shower for a first baby. It’s also not uncommon to have a low-stress get-together with friends. For example, you might go out for a baby shower brunch with a few small gifts or have a diaper party.
