When preparing for my second baby, I thought it was going to be so easy because I could reuse all the stuff I had from my first baby. I kept every single thing I used for him for that very intention. I thought great, I don’t need to spend any money on baby #2 except for diapers, wipes and toiletry items. Well I was wrong. After she was born, I realized a few things I had to replace for a second baby.
I wish I would have known about these items in advance that I couldn’t reuse with my second baby. Instead, I found myself scrambling a bit after she was born. So I want you to be prepared in advance for your second baby and use these tips below on what to replace for second baby.
Feeding and Eating Supplies
One of the big things you do with a newborn is feed them. We spend a lot of time nourishing our babies especially the first several months. Whether you breastfeed, breast and bottle feed, or formula feed you will probably have things to replace for a second baby.
Bottles and Parts
If you used bottles for the first baby all the nipples should be replaced. The actual bottle is ok to use as long as it still works properly and is not worn in any areas. The old nipples may have turned a yellowish color, so they are not appealing to use again anyway.
All babies prefer different speeds of nipples. Start out by getting a couple different speeds to find out what works for your baby. For my second baby I had gotten some slow, medium and fast speed nipples. I quickly realized my baby could not handle the fast. Before you go nuts and buy, boil and prepare lots of nipples figure out which ones work for your baby. Once you know get enough to make your life comfortable so you aren’t washing nipples all the time.
I used a nipple shield while breast feeding my first baby. After he was done breastfeeding I saved the three shields thinking I could use them again. However, they were yellowed and yucky just like the bottle nipples. So I tossed them and got 6 for the 2nd time around to make my life easier. I put two in the baby room for night feedings, one in my bedroom, and the rest in the living room. This way I didn’t have to continually wash and transport them around the house.
Cups, Dishes, Utensils
Even though they will not be used for the first few months, before baby #2 comes go through other baby eating supplies.
Check over sippy cups, straw cups, open top cups – basically all cups your first baby used. Some of the straw and sippy cups will probably be worn down if they were used a lot. Most of these should be replaced for a second baby. Open top cups that your toddler used when they were a little older should be ok to use again.
Spoons and other eating utensils should be inspected for sharp edges, worn down areas, or other safety hazards. If they look ok, they are good to use for baby #2.
Plates, bowls and other baby dishes that were not in direct contact with a baby’s mouth should all be fine to reuse. It never hurts to inspect them just in case.
Pacifiers and Other Mouth Items
Pacifiers or nuks should also be replaced for second baby. You might not have any nuks left. They may have broke from baby #1 or you got rid of them all as a tactic to get your toddler off the nuk. The same goes for nuks as nipples – each baby may like a different style. So before you buy multiples of a nuk, be sure the baby likes and uses a nuk.
Also, be sure you know what kind of nuk they like best. For example, my newborn didn’t like the 0-6 month nuks. She would cry and not take a nuk at first. Then I decided to try a 6-18 month nuk and she took it. So here she liked the bigger nuk. Once I knew that we got more of that kind.
Basically anything that is in a baby’s mouth for an extended period of time or for feeding should be replaced for second baby.
Replace Baby Items that Expire
Before baby #2 check expiration dates on baby items.. There are some baby items that expire and may not be good for another baby. It will depend on how far apart your first and second baby are from each other. In addition, it will vary if you got an item brand new or used. If a baby item is expired do not use it for safety reasons.
Items to Check for Expiration and Safety:
- Crib
- Crib mattress
- Car seats
- Thermometer
- Leftover Toiletry Items
Check All Items In Storage
Babies use lots of different gismos and big and small gadgets. They use items for all different lengths of time. Some things, like a bassinet, your baby may have only used for a month. On the other hand, a high chair may get used for nearly 2 years. Items might have different wear and tear. An item that was used often for a long period of time may need to be replaced.
After your first baby was done using an item it probably got put down in the basement or put somewhere for storage. A few months before baby #2 arrives pull these things out and check them over. Make sure they aren’t broken, damaged, and that they work properly.
Bigger Items to Check Over
- Bouncy seat
- Swing
- High chair
- Stroller
- Bathtub
- Standing Toys
- Walker
- Gates
Look Over Baby Toys
Before baby #2, pull out all of the baby toys in storage. Look them all over to make sure they are in good condition. Check specifically for any areas that are chewed off or worn down. Toss any toys that are unsafe.
Once you have all the toys you will be reusing, wash and sanitize them thoroughly. This way they are ready for the new baby to play with.
Personally I wouldn’t replace any broken toys as chances are Baby #2 will get some new ones as gifts.
Other Baby Items to Keep or Replace
There are a variety of items to go through from your first baby to see if you can use them again. Inspect each item to make sure it is usable and safe. Most things are just fine to reuse. Then everything you are reusing should be thoroughly washed.
Items That Are OK to Use, But May Be Discolored:
- Burp clothes
- Bibs
- Onesies especially white ones
- Clothes especially white ones and around the neck
- Changing table pads
- Changing table pad covers
- Mattress pads
- Bath towels
- Wash clothes
- Boppy
- Boppy covers
- Bottle drying racks
What If My Second Baby Is the Opposite Gender – Should I Replace Everything?
Save time and money by reusing almost all your baby stuff again the second time around. My first baby was a boy and my second was a girl. We used almost all of the same things for my girl – even if they were blue. She used the same bathtub, burb clothes, sheets, changing table covers, high chair, swing, bouncy seat, toys, boppy covers, bedroom furniture and decor, blankets, car seat, and stroller.
The only thing that she somewhat got brand new is clothes. She got so many girl clothes as gifts. Also, as her mom I had to buy my baby girl a couple dresses and girly clothes. However, she wore lots of her big brothers’ onesies, pants, jammies, and outfits.
Before our son was born we purposely registered for lots of gender neutral things to fit a boy or a girl. We planned ahead for multiple kids from the beginning, so we got items that would fit both genders.
We did not find out the gender of either baby, so this made it easy to go neutral on all of the big baby items. However, even if we had known the gender, I think we still would have went neutral on most items in case our second child was the opposite gender.
Final Thoughts
Generally when you have a second baby you can and should reuse the things from the first baby. This is a way to save money and time because you don’t need to go out and get new things. Most items will be in great shape. However, in good shape or not, there are certain things to replace for a second baby for safety and sanitation reasons.
Feeding items such as bottle nipples and shields need to be replaced. In addition, nuks and any other items that were sucked on should be replaced. Check the expiration dates on toiletry items, other furniture and baby items. Look over all your baby items for broken or damaged areas or pieces. Other past items may have discolored a bit but the are ok to use. In the end, save time and money reusing most baby items, except a few things to replace for a second baby.
For more on how to prepare for your baby check out my Ultimate Baby Planning Guide. Grab your free 30 item checklist HERE.
Let me know what you think of the list in the comments below. Is there anything you would swap in or out on the list?
Related Posts:
- 10 Items to Stockpile Before Baby Comes
- What Clothes Does a New Baby Actually Need
- 30 Things to Do to Prepare For a Baby
- 10 Things to Know to Prepare Yourself For Life With a Baby
- What Paperwork to Prepare and Expect When Giving Birth
- 15 Items to Pack in Your Hospital Bag
- How to Prepare Your Home For a Baby
- 25 Baby Things You Don’t Need – What Not to Register For
- 20 Best Baby Items to Buy Used or Borrow
Leave a Reply