A baby sprinkle is all about celebrating your growing family, and your registry should reflect what you truly need this time around. Instead of starting from scratch, focus on replacing important safety items, stocking up on everyday essentials, and adding a few products that will make life with two (or more) kids a little easier.
Here are some must-haves, along with a few nice-to-have additions, for your baby sprinkle registry.
Is it okay to have a baby registry for my second baby?
If you're expecting your second (or later) baby and planning a baby sprinkle, you may be wondering if it's appropriate to set up a registry. In a word: Yes! It's perfectly acceptable to create a registry for your sprinkle. In fact, it makes things easier for friends and family who want to give you a gift.
"I made a registry for mine. I honestly just don't want to end up with tons of blankets and receiving blankets like I did at my baby shower," says What to Expect Community member steveharringtonsthedad. "There are some specific things I asked for like certain sleep sacks and diaper creams that I know I'll use a lot."
Keep in mind, though, that registry details are usually left off the invitation and shared only with those who ask. Another baby sprinkle etiquette tip: It's fine to include one or two big-ticket items, since friends or relatives often like to chip in on a group gift.
"I have found that people want to buy you gifts and want to support you, so you might as well have a registry so you're getting things you'd actually like/use/need and not always just cute clothes," says Community mom enp90.
That said, your sprinkle registry probably won't be as extensive as your first baby shower registry. You likely still have some essentials in good condition, though there are some items that are safer to buy new rather than reuse. And this time around, you probably have a much clearer idea of what you'll actually use.
Keep in mind that what you'll need depends in part on the age of your older child, but these are good places to start.
What baby gear should I put on my sprinkle registry?
Some baby items are especially helpful for parents of two or more, while others simply aren't ideal to reuse for safety reasons. Those make great candidates for your sprinkle registry.
Infant car seat
You do need a new car seat for each child. Safety standards evolve over time, and materials can degrade, especially if the seat has been involved in even a minor crash.
If you plan to re-use your older child's seat, double-check that it hasn't been recalled by checking recalls.gov. And if it was ever involved in a moderate or severe crash, it should be replaced.[1]
Crib
Unless your crib is only a few years old and still in excellent condition with all its original hardware, you may want a new one. There's also a good chance your older child is still using it, especially if it converts into a toddler bed.
Keep track of your pregnancy and connect with other expectant moms on our free What to Expect app.
Crib mattress
A firm crib mattress is essential for safe sleep. A new mattress is also recommended for hygiene reasons.[2]
Double stroller
Unless there's an age gap of four or more years between your children, a double stroller can be a lifesaver. You may be surprised how quickly a preschooler decides he wants to ride again once he sees a new sibling in the stroller.
Before deciding on a model, test a few to see how easily they fold and unfold with one hand. Check that there's enough storage space, even when the seat is fully reclined, because you'll need every bit of it.
It should also be light enough to lift into the car or carry up stairs if needed. Since you'll be juggling more than one child, easy maneuverability will be even more important for you than it was the first time around.
Soft infant carrier
A comfortable baby carrier can make outings with an older child much easier. Even if you had one before, this is another item that's often worth buying new, especially given how often they've been recalled over the years.
Choose a carrier that's appropriate for newborns, with buckles and fasteners you can operate one-handed. Padded shoulder straps are also a must for comfort.
Bottles and nipples
Many moms toss bottles and nipples once a baby outgrows them, so you may need a fresh set.
What are some nice-to-have sprinkle registry items?
You'll probably think of a few extras on your own — an outfit you've been eyeing, for example, or a good supply of a product, like a favorite baby wash. Here are a few more ideas to consider:
Diaper bag
If your old diaper bag has seen better days — or you'd simply like an upgrade — a new one can be a practical addition. Register for one with plenty of pockets to organize supplies for two kids.
Two-camera baby monitor
Unless you live in a small home on one level, being able to keep an eye on both your babes at once with a double-duty baby monitor can offer valuable peace of mind.
Toiletries
Everyday essentials like baby shampoo, lotion, and diaper cream disappear quickly. Registering for a few months' worth can save you money later, and they also make an easy, budget-friendly gift.
"My registry is mostly smaller things like diapers, wipes, pacis, etc.," says Community mom honorarygilmore1014. "The bigger things we need again different family members have offered to gift us."
"I made a registry for my baby sprinkle," says Community mom apy7668. "Things that I know I will need two of, things I wished I had the first time around, and some basics (nursing pads, diapers, diaper cream, baby soap)."
Baby clothes
You'll probably have plenty of hand-me-downs, especially if you're having another child of the same sex. Instead of registering for lots of cute outfits (which tend to arrive anyway), think about gaps in your baby's wardrobe, particularly if your children will be born in different seasons. Will your new baby need a bunting, a swimsuit, a warm winter hat or a sun hat?
"It's great to get clothes for the opposite gender (if needed), clothes for a different season (if needed), and things that need to be refreshed like diapers, wipes, pacifiers, onesies, etc.," says Community mom stmomma26. "I definitely encourage a registry, and a huge perk is that you can use it as a checklist for things you need to buy and take advantage of registry completion discounts.
"Every baby should be celebrated! Add all the gifts, enjoy your sprinkle!" says Community member kina822.
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