Life is certainly different with two little ones! I see a lot of moms asking about recommendations for things like strollers, carriers, diapers, etc… So I thought I’d share my opinion and recommendations! If you saw my first blog post about a year about with my first year baby essentials, you’ll notice some of the items are the same, while other items have changed.

This list reflects items I felt were a game changer for me with a newborn the second time around. Hopefully this will give you ideas for shower gifts or ideas to add to your registry!

1. Diapers. You never really realize how many diapers you change until you are changing two baby butts. I cannot wait for Bella to be potty trained, yet we haven’t had the time or energy to fully commit to it. She is ready, but we are waiting until this winter to start.
With a newborn, expect to change at least 10-12 diapers a day. If your friends are throwing you a shower, especially a couples joint shower, consider asking them to do a diaper shower!

2. BOB Stroller

I did a LOT of research regarding a new double stroller. Actually, I wasn’t even going to get one figuring I could wear Teagan my newborn and push Bella my toddler if I needed. Then I changed my mind. I am not a big runner, but occasionally I like to get out for a jog. It’s not recommended to run with newborns until the are older, so we don’t actually go out running, but I can still take both my babies to my Stroller Moms workout with this, go for a walk around the neighborhood, or go walking around the mall with the double BOB. We purchased the BOB FLEX on Amazon here. 

If you aren’t sure if the BOB is worth the investment, just like I recommend with a baby carrier, ask to borrow a friends. That is what we did. I tried the neighbors Double Bob for a few weeks before I was convinced I wanted to shell out the money for one of our own.

Don’t forget that you need to get the attachments for your car seat to sit in the BOB stroller so your newborn can ride in it with you. I wish I had gotten a single BOB with my first, but we had a great hand-me down stoller that worked just fine!

The pros:

• So easy to maneuver. Rides nice and smoothly for both babies.
• Will last us a long time.
• No need to get a different one for running/jogging vs just walking/shopping.
• Narrow enough you an get in and out of most normal doors.

The Cons:

• Heavy.
• Big.
• It is heavy to lift into the truck of my Explorer, and it takes up most of the trunk space, but it fits and is doable!
• You need to buy all the attachments (car seat attachement, cup holders, etc) separately. Make sure to look for an attachment that fits your carseat brand specifically.

3. Mommy Hook

Along with the double BOB stroller pictured above, you’ll see my toddlers shopping cart being hung from the back of the stroller with my MOMMY HOOK. As long as you aren’t carrying anything heavy enough for the stroller to tilt backwards, this is SUCH a nice thing to have. I actually need to get more for my other strollers! 🙂

4. Medela Electric Breast Pump- DOUBLE Pump

Call it brand loyalty, but during my training as a Lactation Consultant, Medela had the best educational resources, training and people working for them, so I wanted to support their company which fully supports breastfeeding moms.

With my first, I opted for a single breast pump. Even if you plan to exclusively nurse, like we do, having a pump can help increase your supply in the early weeks, means you can pump so someone else can help with feedings, and maybe even extend the length of time your baby gets breastmilk if you can build up a big enough stash. I nurse baby Teagan 95% of the time. However, when she sleeps about 3 hours at night, she often wakes up and will only nurse on one side, no matter how hard I try to keep her awake. So, I pump both sides, and every night I am able to pump about 3-5 ounces.

This time, I was able to get a brand new Double Medela Pump covered by Tricare Insurance, and even if you are only pumping occasionally like me, a double pump is the way to go!

Talk to your healthcare & insurance provider, some insurances will cover the cost of your breastpump!

5. Milkies Breast Milk Savers

Another way I’ve been able to build up my milk supply stash? These things! While you are nursing, you put one cup on the other breast, and it catches the milk you leak. I don’t remember leaking this much with my first, but sometimes I am able to get up to an ounce of milk in these! Then, I transfer it into a bottle or milk bag for storage! This is the brand I use found on Amazon, Milkies is another brand.

6. Swaddle Sleep Sack

I don’t know if it is because Teagan is extra squirmy, or what, but the Swaddle Sleep Sacks have been a game changer for us! I never used them with Bella, but we were actually given on during our stay at the hospital, and I have since purchased extra. Babies can stay extra snuggly to get a nice long sleep.

7. Baby Swing.

This was so magical when we first got it and was completely worth the money for about 6-7 months. It is just a nice, simple baby swing to rock the baby during nap time or just to relax before they get too mobile. I have heard some babies grow out of them too soon, but you can usually sell them and get your money back. We got ours on sale from Babies R Us and used some generous gift cards also. You can order one from amazon also. 

9. Tula.

I tried a lot of different baby carriers before I got a Tula. Tulas start around $130 and go up to $1000 based on the “add-ons” people do. I didn’t do any add-ons to mine, and we love it. I like it because it is super simple, just click & click and the baby is in. I didn’t like fussing so tons of fabric, wraps, etc. I tried bobas, mai-thais, infanitino.. and Tula is our favorite.  I recommend finding a local babywearing meet-up in your area. There you can usually try on other types of carriers and find what is most comfortable for you and baby.

For my Tula review, read more here. 

 10. Bumbo.

Once your baby is starting to keep their head up on their own, a bumbo is a fun way for them to sit up, and play with toys. 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and if you order any products with these links I will receive compensation. I recommend these products because I use them personally within my home. For my full disclosure policy, visit here.