Best Gifts For Second Baby
Are you looking for the best gifts for second baby to show your love to a new mom?
Then our guide on what to buy for second baby is sure to inspire you!
Buying gifts for a second baby is different than buying gifts for a first-time parent. First-time parents need everything, including the larger ticket items. Plus, they are brand new to the parenting world, but now, your feet are wet, and you know what you need and don’t need for parenting your second baby.
Buying gifts for a first baby is easy. Parents still need everything, which is why most parents have a baby shower or sprinkle.
The second baby is more challenging because you may not know what the parents need and don’t need. Chances are the first baby is when they received all of the essentials, and the parents are more than likely reusing all of the baby gear.
So, to help make your gift giving easier, we have put together this list of 2nd baby gifts ideas that new-again parents will definitely appreciate receiving.
And if you love this guide on gift ideas for second baby, then may sure to check out these guides on second baby must haves, inexpensive baby shower gifts, how much to spend on baby shower gift, things new moms need for themselves, and best non baby gifts for new parents.
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25 Best Gifts for Second Baby
Below is our list of thoughtful and practical gifts that will be appreciated by any parent of a second child.
1. Double Stroller
Chances are the parent registered for a single stroller when she had her first baby, and depending on the age gap, now she will need a double stroller. It’s one of the few larger ticket items parents need when they have their second baby.
Consider several options when buying a double stroller, so if the mama has a registry, consult that first. For example, some parents prefer a tandem stroller over a side-by-side double stroller.
One of the most popular sit and stand options is a Baby Trend Sit-to-Stand Stroller because it gives parents flexibility. For example, if you have a toddler, remove the back seat and use the stand, where the toddler can stand or sit.
Some parents prefer the side-by-side models, and the BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Double Stroller is a top-rated choice. It is in the higher price range, but it is a luxury stroller that covers a multitude of terrain. So, the parents can take it anywhere!
You may like these guides on buying a double stroller:
- Best Double Strollers
- Best All Terrain Double Strollers
- Best Travel Double Strollers
- Best Sit And Stand Strollers
- Best Convertible Strollers
This high quality stroller gives you a great deal of space and options that a lot of other strollers don’t.
It comfortably accommodates two children up to 50 pounds each and with its front-wheel suspension it allows for easy maneuverability and a smooth ride for your children.
You'll also find a bunch of practical features such as multiple cup holders and easy folding making this sit and stand stroller a great choice for any parent!
BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Double Jogging Stroller suspension system & air filled tires provide are such to provide an ultra-smooth ride over any terrain, including sand!
We love the 360° swivel front wheel as it means you'll get great maneuverability and it's additional features full upright seat and peak & chat window ensure your baby's comfort too.
And with an extra large cargo basket and phone pocket, you'll be able to have all your essentials on hand.
2. Cosleeper
Another one of the best gifts for a second baby is a co-sleeper. Not all parents receive a co-sleeper for their first baby, but they are helpful and keep your baby close during the few weeks of life.
Parents love the Halo BassiNest Swivel Sleeper. It’s a bedside bassinet with vibrations and a nightlight, but it also swivels to make it easier for you to get your baby out of the bassinet in the middle of the night. One of the coolest features is that one of the walls folds down lower, making it easier for breastfeeding or c-section mothers.
3. Car Seat
Most parents save their infant car seat, which is only used for a few months, before transitioning to a convertible car seat. So, if you want a valuable gift for a second baby, get a new convertible car seat.
This is also another gift that you should ask about before purchasing. Make sure they don’t need one and see if the parents have a preference. Some car seat models work better in different vehicles, so see if they find one they enjoy first.
You’ll find plenty of popular picks. Consider the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat; this makes extended rear facing easier for parents. Another option is the Graco 4Ever DLX, a 4-in-1 cart seat lasting from infant to toddlerhood. It offers ten years of use in one car seat – that’s impressive!
Or you may even want to check out the Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat which is our top pick for the best narrow car seat!
With a width of 16.75 inches the Chicco KeyFit 30 is our top choice when it comes to a narrow infant car seat!
Chicco is easy to install with it's spring-loaded leveling foot to ensure the base angle is just right, with two bubble-level indicators providing visual confirmation that the seat is in place.
The material is also easy to wash and breathable, with a machine washable seat pad.
The Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat is designed for babies between 4-30 lbs. and up to 30” tall.
4. Play Gym
Find out if the mom needs a new play gym for their second baby. Right now, the most popular pick is The Play Gym by Lovevery. It’s a stage-based, developmental play mat for babies and toddlers, starting from tummy time and moving up to a play fort!
Lovevery created this play gym with five play zones, all with a specific goal. Some areas teach focus, while others encourage sensory exploration.
Without a doubt, moms love this play gym, and babies enjoy it just as much!
5. White Noise Machine
If their first baby uses a white noise machine, they’ll need a second one. Babies sleep much better when they have white noise in the background; the womb wasn’t quiet!
6. Backpack Style Diaper Bag
Chasing a toddler with a baby is difficult, and carrying a diaper bag over your shoulder makes it even more cumbersome. That’s why many parents with two kids switch to a backpack-style diaper bag.
You carry all your kids’ needs in the diaper bag while it’s strapped to your back and out of your way. A nice backpack diaper bag isn’t expensive; the Ruvalino Backpack is large and offers plenty of capacity to hold the most needed items.
7. Car Organizer
With two kids, having a car organizer is a great idea. It keeps all of your items for your two kids in one place. Of course, they’re road trip essentials, but parents use them all the time for storing extra diapers, wipes, and other essentials.
Being able to find what you need quickly is always helpful!
8. New Baby Clothes
Even if your friend has the same gender as their second child, new clothes are always appreciated. Clothing companies create unique and adorable outfits for babies, so spruce up the second baby’s wardrobe with some new outfits.
Remember, you always need some new onesies or sleeper sets!
9. Disposable Diapers
Babies spend most of their time sleeping, eating, and pooping, so diapers are ALWAYS a safe bet regarding gifts for a second baby. Diapers cost families a small fortune, so help save them money and get a few packs of diapers.
Grab any size! You can always start with some newborn diapers, but remember, they will also need all the future sizes.
Before you grab your friend some diapers, make sure you know if they will use disposable or cloth diapers. You want to make sure you grab the right type of diaper.
A popular choice, widely found in supermarkets and online, Pampers Swaddlers offer everything that babies need and parents want in a diaper. From great absorbency to an umbilical cord notch for newborns to their super soft lining, these value for money diapers are our top pick for diapering your baby with disposable diapers!
10. Cloth Diapers
More families than ever are switching to cloth diapers than in previous years. Cloth diapers are environmentally friendly AND budget-friendly, helping ease the burden for parents in the first two years of life.
Buying cloth diapers for someone else is tricky, but there are some great options! Be sure to ask the mom if she has a particular brand that she uses or sizes she needs in particular.
You can learn more in our different types of cloth diapers guide!
11. Baby Wipes
Another thing that all parents are going to need is more baby wipes. Babies go through more baby wipes in a day than diapers; some poops take plenty of wipes!
Try asking the family if they have a preferred brand or go with a safe brand. For example, Water Wipes is 99.9% water-based, perfect for hypoallergenic and sensitive skin. They’re a safe bet if you aren’t sure what the family uses.
12. Diaper Rash Cream
Diaper rash cream is something that all parents need more of when they have a new baby. Chances are she has an opened tube, tucked away somewhere, but diaper rash cream typically is only suitable for a year after opening.
The time that parents need diaper rash cream the most is when their infants are young. Repeated pee and poop diapers cause rashes and irritations, so having some on hand is always a wise idea.
One of the best rash creams on the market is Boudreaux’s Butt Paste. The thick cream stays in place and knocks even the most stubborn rash out of the way.
You may also like these guides on best natural diaper rash creams, best diaper cream for cloth diapers, Aquaphor vs Vaseline, and Desitin vs Aquaphor.
When it comes to diaper rash creams, Butt Paste is our go to cream! It's fast acting with visible results within 24hrs. It's thicker so won't wear off as soon as your baby wets their diaper. It's more natural. And it can be less expensive!
13. Nipple Cream
If the mom is breastfeeding, a new container of nipple cream is always a great idea. Nipple cream won’t last too long, so chances are she didn’t have any leftovers from her first child.
Nipple Butter by Earth Mama is an excellent option. It’s lanolin-free, so that babies can nurse with it on your nipple. Other brands require mothers to wipe off the cream before feeding their babies. Plus, this is organic and non-GMO.
14. Nursing Pads
Breastfeeding moms also need more nursing breast pads. Again, you have two options: reusable and disposable. Consider asking her which she prefers, or you can get her both!
Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads are most readily available and affordable for parents. Each pack comes with 200 nursing pads so that it will last her a few weeks.
Bamboobies Nursing Pads are reusable and washable pads and come in regular and overnight varieties. The overnight pads are thicker, so you won’t have to change them in the middle of the night.
15. Breast Milk Storage Bags
Grab your nursing friend some breast milk storage bags! Disposable storage bags are the most common choice; Medela and Lansinoh are the two top brands for milk storage bags.
Recently, reusable milk storage bags entered the scene, and more mothers are trying those nowadays. These Momcozy Silicone Storage Bags are leakproof, freezer-safe, and BPA-free.
You can read more in our best breastmilk storage bags guide!
The Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags are hygienically pre-sealed with durable material and double-zipper protection to prevent leaking.
You can use these bags to safely store breastmilk in the freezer, fridge, or when traveling.
The storage bags have even been designed to lay flat for space-saving storage. This unique feature also allows quick thawing of frozen milk.
They are also self-standing and come with a large write-on area, so you can document the date and other vital information for safer storage and use.
16. Something to Keep Older Kids Busy
It’s not required, but many of us have been the older kid and remember all the focus on the new baby. Receiving a gift is much appreciated, and if possible, try to bring a gift that will keep the older kids busy. Remember, this doesn’t have to be expensive.
Coloring books are a go-to item, but you could also grab puzzles, new art supplies, small LEGO sets, and little Dollar Tree craft sets. Then books are a good choice, but if you buy for older kids, ask their parents if they have a favorite book set.
17. Snack Basket
New moms often feel starved in the days and weeks after labor and delivery, especially while breastfeeding. So put together a basket with delicious snacks the new mom will appreciate.
Here are some suggestions.
- Protein bars
- Granola bars
- Chips
- Trail Mix
- Crackers and PB
- Fresh Fruit
Check out our best snacks for breastfeeding moms and best protein shake while breastfeeding for more ideas!
18. Gift Cards to Stores
If you aren’t sure what gifts for a second baby you should get, consider getting some gift cards to Target, Amazon, or Walmart. Families often go shopping later for their new baby once they realize the things they need, so gift cards always come in handy!
19. Gift Cards for Restaurants
Food is always appreciated. With a new baby in the house, dinner starts to get later and later as the parents try to figure out how to juggle two kids while healing from childbirth.
It’s rough!
Meal trains are always a blessing, but only some people want to cook a meal. Gift cards to local restaurants are a great way to give the gift of food without cooking it yourself.
20. Cleaning Certificate
We all want a clean house! So it’s a thrill to receive the gift of a cleaning service, even if it’s a one-time service. A thorough deep cleaning makes your house feel much better, and it will take the burden off the mom’s mind about getting things done around the house.
Always reach out to the family before purchasing this. Not only is a cleaning service pricey, but it requires strangers to come into their home. They may not be comfortable with that, so be sure to ask.
The cheaper variety of this is to offer to clean yourself. Help with some tasks throughout the next few weeks; offer to come over on Fridays – with coffee! – and fold clothes for her. Offer to cut grass for the next few weeks. All this requires of you is time; often, giving your time is more appreciated than your money. Time is just as valuable.
21. Robot Vacuum
Another cleaning gift is a robot vacuum. These are helpful when you have kids and pets but are pricey, so many won’t purchase one for themselves.
A budget-friendly choice is the Eufy by Anker. It’s a quiet, slim robot vacuum that self-charges and works great on hard floors and medium-pile carpets. The parents will surely appreciate all the crumbs their toddler leaves behind being cleaned up without lifting a finger!
22. Coffee or Starbucks Gift Cards
Caffeine and motherhood go hand-in-hand often. Coffee is a welcomed gift as long as she drinks it. You can grab a new coffee mug, a bag or two of coffee beans, and some new coffee syrups – it will be a gift basket she surely appreciates.
Another option is to get a gift card to your nearest Starbucks or another coffee shop. She may prefer Dunkin’ Donuts over Starbucks, so ask what she prefers if you aren’t sure.
23. Spa Certificate
The weeks after having a new baby are a serious whirlwind, and you know the mama hasn’t stopped to take care of herself too much. A postnatal massage is much-appreciated, and be sure to offer babysitting with it as well. Unfortunately, the lack of babysitting is why many parents never cash in their spa gift cards.
24. Self-Care Items
Maybe your friend isn’t someone who enjoys going to a spa, but we all need self-care, especially after having a new baby. So put together a basket of some items she may appreciate for herself.
Here are some suggestions.
- Coffee mug
- Coffee syrup
- Chocolates
- A new candle
- Bath bombs
- Sugar scrub
- A bottle of wine
LifeAround2Angels Bath Bombs are a popular and highly-rated brand of bath bombs that offer a luxurious and relaxing bath experience. These bath bombs are made with natural and high-quality ingredients, such as essential oils, shea butter, and coconut oil, that leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and moisturized. They are also free of harmful chemicals and safe for use during pregnancy, making them a perfect treat for expectant mothers.
The scents are not overpowering, and they leave a subtle fragrance that lingers on your skin after you've taken your bath.
LifeAround2Angels Bath Bombs are available in different sets, each with a unique theme, such as "Love," "Relaxation," and "Eucalyptus." Each set contains twelve individually wrapped bath bombs that are perfect for gift-giving or for treating yourself to a relaxing bath experience.
25. A Membership to Something
You have a lot of free reign here to consider what the parents would appreciate and use the most.
If your friend enjoys reading, an Audible or Kindle Unlimited subscription would be an excellent gift. She will spend many hours with her baby awake, so why not spend that time reading?
Families also benefit from memberships to Amazon Prime, a Costco or Sam’s Club membership, a gym membership, or a membership to the local Children’s Museum. Of course, it’s best to check with the family before buying the membership, but it is valuable to consider!
Final Thoughts on gift ideas for second baby
Finding the perfect gifts for a second baby takes some thought. Go for items they use a lot of, such as diapers or things they need a second of with a new baby. You also can always get gifts that focus on the parents instead of the baby, which is always appreciated!
And if you’re looking for more great baby gift ideas, then check out these guides on buying diapers for baby shower, best breastfeeding mom gifts, and baby items starting with a to z. Or even our minimalist baby registry and how to announce baby registry without baby shower guides!
