I thought it might be helpful to share what I’m buying for baby #2 – it’s a much more streamlined list after going through this once and learning what we really needed, and already having a lot of the essentials from our first.
A new crib mattress – Newton breathable mattresses weren’t around 3 years ago when I had Hudson, and I just remember the hours and hours I laid awake trying to see if he was breathing in the dark while he slept. Since Hudson just moved into a big boy bed, we don’t actually need another crib mattress, but this is the one more expensive item we are buying this time! They’re also completely washable! Lots of influencers have codes for $50, but I first heard about it from @heymadinelson so I’ll use hers (MADISON50).
Stuff to make the stroller work for 2 – We have and love the Uppababy Vista stroller (our big splurge item with Hudson – read more about why I love it here!), and it has the capability to convert to a double. Hudson doesn’t really ride in the stroller a ton anymore, but he can’t always last on a longer walk. So I think he’ll love the Uppababy Piggyback! He can stand on the back of the stroller by mom and “help push” baby sister when he gets tired from walking. Uppababy also makes the Rumble Seat if you want to truly make the Vista stroller a double, but Hudson is already too tall to fit comfortably in that seat, so our only option is for him to use the toddler seat we already have (that comes with the stroller), and snap the baby in the bottom in her carseat or the bassinet (that also came with it). So we’ll be getting the upper and lower adaptors to make those set-ups work.
Swaddles – There have definitely been some improvements in the swaddle scene since I had Hudson, which is great news because that little houdini could get out of everything! My learning with him was to get 2-3 different options, but only take out and wash the first one you’re going to try (and then only use the others if needed, otherwise return). So the ones I got for baby girl that were the most highly recommended are: Happiest Baby swaddle (by the makers of the very popular Snoo), Woombie Baby, and Love to Dream. We’ll see which one ends up working best for her and then get a few more of those!
Extra camera for monitor – We actually had to recently get a new monitor for Hudson, and decided to go with the Vava after a good bit of research. I’m not into using my phone as the monitor, so all the snazzy wifi ones were out. Lots of people love the Infant Optics, which is what we originally got with Hudson but had constant issues with it. So far I’m loving the Vava! So we’ll just get another camera to add to that.
Feeding supplies – We have all of our bottles from Hudson and they’re in good condition, except I did toss the nipples to them because they started to yellow. So we’ll get some new nipples for our Avent bottles.
Baby Wood Gym – I’m sure we have something similar in brightly colored plastic from Hudson, but I just really loved the look of this one. I’m thinking of going with more of a boho vibe in her nursery, so this will go well with that, and it was a great price!
Wildbird Sling – I do already have one of these from Hudson in a light blue, but I couldn’t NOT get a blush pink one for baby girl! I wanted to try out their newer modal fabric (new since I had Hudson) and they just released a super pretty light pink color, Gaea.
Nursery decor – We already have a crib, rocker, dresser, changing pad, noise machine….all the essentials for her nursery really! So the only things we really need are the fun girly decor items to really make it hers. I’m still deciding on what I want to do as far as a theme for her nursery, but I’ll definitely share as I start making progress with that!
And last, but certainly not least, is all the fun girly clothes!!! By far the most exciting! I actually didn’t buy a single thing until I was over half way, but now that I’ve started…it’s hard to stop. Here are some of my favorite brands and finds!
Zara baby – Their stuff is killing me! I know from experience that she won’t wear many “outfits” the first few months (especially with it being winter, flue season and a pandemic going on), but I had to grab a few sweet items for those times she does actually get dressed. Like this knit set, and this romper, and these precious leggings.
SpearmintLOVE – They have adorable and really soft onesies and sleepers, which I know is pretty much what she’ll be in 98% of the time. Love the ruffle details on the girl ones!
Pehr Baby – Beautiful and high quality basics – lots of great neutrals.
Barefoot Dreams Baby Blanket – The softest! I don’t even have one, but baby girl needs one of course 🙂
Target – They just came out with some really adorable baby girl stuff, like this little sweater romper! Also a great place to stock up on inexpensive but cute sleepers and onesies.
Zutano booties – The only things that would actually stay on Hudson’s feet!
These are my other baby essentials that we already have, but I highly recommend for first time parents!
Uppababy Vista Stroller – Read about why we love this so much here (along with my other top picks from registering the first time around)!
Fisher Price Swing – He loved this one way more than the fancier, more expensive options. He honestly took pretty much every nap in here for his first 6 months!
Bumbo Changing Pad – If there’s one thing you need to be easy to wipe down/clean, it’s your changing pad!
SnuggleMe Organic – Similar to Dock-A-Tot and we think helped Hudson to be a great sleeper from the start!
Boppy Lounger – He basically lived in this thing.
I hope this is helpful if you’re putting together a registry (whether it’s for your first baby or not)!
Xo,
Shannon
