With your first baby, you (feel like you) buy half the baby store – with your second, you know you don't need that much! Many parents wonder before the birth of their second child: 'What do I really need for the second baby?' In this post, you'll find out what new items you should get for your second baby and what you can confidently retrieve from the basement. Includes a practical checklist for download.
Download our PDF checklist for first-time parents now, in which we reveal the basic must-haves for your second baby. Including tips.
With your second child, you likely have many items already – but there are a few things you should check:
Season & Size: Was your first child born in summer, but the second is due in the colder season? Then you'll need warmer clothing in small sizes. We recommend purchasing baby clothes made from natural materials here. Long-sleeved wrap bodysuits, tights, cardigans, sweaters and more made from warm merino wool are perfect here. A warm wool overall, e.g., from Engel, with a matching hat and warm booties are also essential. The same applies if the second baby is a summer baby. Here, lighter materials like cotton or bamboo should be prioritized. Ensure adequate sun protection, e.g., with a suitable sun hat.
Condition: It's better to replace yellowed or stained bodysuits.
Tip: Second-hand is worthwhile – many clothes are barely worn.
With your second child, you likely have many items already – but there are a few things you should check:
Season & Size: Was your first child born in summer, but the second is due in the colder season? Then you'll need warmer clothing in small sizes. We recommend purchasing baby clothes made from natural materials here. Long-sleeved wrap bodysuits, tights, cardigans, sweaters and more made from warm merino wool are perfect here. A warm wool overall, e.g., from Engel, with a matching hat and warm booties are also essential. The same applies if the second baby is a summer baby. Here, lighter materials like cotton or bamboo should be prioritized. Ensure adequate sun protection, e.g., with a suitable sun hat.
Condition: It's better to replace yellowed or stained bodysuits.
Tip: Second-hand is worthwhile – many clothes are barely worn.
Safety first
A cozy and safe sleeping area is one of the most important things you should prepare for your second baby. The good news: a co-sleeper or cot can usually be reused. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a close look at its condition and safety. Because over the years, a lot can happen to a cot – screws can loosen, bars can wobble, or the paintwork may no longer be perfect. Carefully check all connections and tighten screws if necessary.
For hygiene reasons, it is worth getting a new baby mattress. Even if the mattress still looks good, mites or mold spores can form inside it.
It's also worth checking the condition of fitted sheets, sleeping bags and cot bumpers, and if in doubt, opt for a new product. Pay attention to breathable, pollutant-free materials.
A safe, clean and comfortable sleeping area not only gives your baby security, but also gives you as a parent more peace and relaxation in the first few weeks.
Safety first
A cozy and safe sleeping area is one of the most important things you should prepare for your second baby. The good news: a co-sleeper or cot can usually be reused. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a close look at its condition and safety. Because over the years, a lot can happen to a cot – screws can loosen, bars can wobble, or the paintwork may no longer be perfect. Carefully check all connections and tighten screws if necessary.
For hygiene reasons, it is worth getting a new baby mattress. Even if the mattress still looks good, mites or mold spores can form inside it.
It's also worth checking the condition of fitted sheets, sleeping bags and cot bumpers, and if in doubt, opt for a new product. Pay attention to breathable, pollutant-free materials.
A safe, clean and comfortable sleeping area not only gives your baby security, but also gives you as a parent more peace and relaxation in the first few weeks.
By the second baby, you know: a functional, well-organized changing station is worth its weight in gold. Even if you already have a lot from the first child, it's worth taking a critical look at the equipment – some things can be reused, others should be bought new.
Diapers & care products are, of course, consumables and must be purchased new. It's worth opting for natural, sustainable products that are gentle on delicate baby skin. Especially with wet wipes, diaper cream, and other care products, care should be taken not to unnecessarily irritate the skin. Care utensils like a baby brush, nail scissors, etc., should be bought new for hygienic reasons. Towels, washcloths, and muslin cloths can be reused without problems. The baby bathtub can also be used again for the second child.
Tip: A bath thermometer is useful to check the water temperature accurately - 37 degrees are ideal for delicate baby skin.
The changing table from the first child can usually continue to be used without problems, as long as it stands stably and shows no damage. For the changing pad, you should check if it is still intact. If it has cracks or is damaged, it should be replaced, otherwise germs can easily accumulate there.
Tip: Many parents also set up a small changing station in the living room or bedroom for the second baby. This saves long walks, especially when the older child wants to be entertained or you need to change diapers quickly at night. A simple basket with diapers, wet wipes, and a change of clothes is often enough.
By the second baby, you know: a functional, well-organized changing station is worth its weight in gold. Even if you already have a lot from the first child, it's worth taking a critical look at the equipment – some things can be reused, others should be bought new.
Diapers & care products are, of course, consumables and must be purchased new. It's worth opting for natural, sustainable products that are gentle on delicate baby skin. Especially with wet wipes, diaper cream, and other care products, care should be taken not to unnecessarily irritate the skin. Care utensils like a baby brush, nail scissors, etc., should be bought new for hygienic reasons. Towels, washcloths, and muslin cloths can be reused without problems. The baby bathtub can also be used again for the second child.
Tip: A bath thermometer is useful to check the water temperature accurately - 37 degrees are ideal for delicate baby skin.
The changing table from the first child can usually continue to be used without problems, as long as it stands stably and shows no damage. For the changing pad, you should check if it is still intact. If it has cracks or is damaged, it should be replaced, otherwise germs can easily accumulate there.
Tip: Many parents also set up a small changing station in the living room or bedroom for the second baby. This saves long walks, especially when the older child wants to be entertained or you need to change diapers quickly at night. A simple basket with diapers, wet wipes, and a change of clothes is often enough.
Whether you breastfeed, pump, or bottle-feed – you'll need a few new things for your second baby. Bottles & pacifiers should be purchased new. Usually, each baby has its preferred nipple shape. The breast pump can still be used. New tubing & attachments ensure hygiene. Breastfeeding accessories such as nursing pillows or muslin cloths can also be used again. It might be worth getting a new cover for the nursing pillow.
Whether you breastfeed, pump, or bottle-feed – you'll need a few new things for your second baby. Bottles & pacifiers should be purchased new. Usually, each baby has its preferred nipple shape. The breast pump can still be used. New tubing & attachments ensure hygiene. Breastfeeding accessories such as nursing pillows or muslin cloths can also be used again. It might be worth getting a new cover for the nursing pillow.
Being out and about with two children is a logistical challenge – but with the right equipment, it quickly becomes routine. First, you should check if your current stroller can be extended with a second seat to become a double stroller. This way, the older child can also ride comfortably or take a nap on the go. If the double stroller option is not available, a ride-on board can be attached to certain stroller models. A buggy board saves time, nerves, and ensures that the older child doesn't tire out.
A new car seat for the second baby is usually not needed. The TCS recommends replacing the infant car seat after the third child.
A baby wrap or an ergonomic baby carrier is particularly practical when you need both hands free in everyday life – for example, when shopping or at the playground.
Being out and about with two children is a logistical challenge – but with the right equipment, it quickly becomes routine. First, you should check if your current stroller can be extended with a second seat to become a double stroller. This way, the older child can also ride comfortably or take a nap on the go. If the double stroller option is not available, a ride-on board can be attached to certain stroller models. A buggy board saves time, nerves, and ensures that the older child doesn't tire out.
A new car seat for the second baby is usually not needed. The TCS recommends replacing the infant car seat after the third child.
A baby wrap or an ergonomic baby carrier is particularly practical when you need both hands free in everyday life – for example, when shopping or at the playground.
Of course, the anticipation is huge even with the second child – and it's completely normal to treat yourself to one or two new favorite items. After all, every birth is a special event that deserves to be celebrated. So, in addition to the practical basic equipment, there should also be room for a few heart's desires.
Whether it's a new outfit for the first photos, a cuddly sleeping bag, pretty decoration for the nursery, or a modern gadget that makes everyday life easier – small new purchases bring a breath of fresh air and increase the anticipation for family life with four.
Tip: Our Must-Haves for the initial equipment contain many lovingly selected ideas – perfect for buying yourself or as inspiration for gifts for the birth.
Of course, the anticipation is huge even with the second child – and it's completely normal to treat yourself to one or two new favorite items. After all, every birth is a special event that deserves to be celebrated. So, in addition to the practical basic equipment, there should also be room for a few heart's desires.
Whether it's a new outfit for the first photos, a cuddly sleeping bag, pretty decoration for the nursery, or a modern gadget that makes everyday life easier – small new purchases bring a breath of fresh air and increase the anticipation for family life with four.
Tip: Our Must-Haves for the initial equipment contain many lovingly selected ideas – perfect for buying yourself or as inspiration for gifts for the birth.
With two children, everyday life changes – much remains familiar, but some things require new routines. Good organization helps to avoid stressful moments and create more time for what matters most: the family.
The older sibling can be involved in the preparation from the beginning. Looking at the new crib together, helping to choose small items of clothing, or taking on a small task – such gestures strengthen the sense of togetherness and prevent jealousy.
Structure is also beneficial in everyday family life. Clothes and changing essentials should be neatly organized to be quickly accessible. Thinking ahead about a well-organized changing station, as described above, helps here. Fixed routines – for example, fixed meal times or shared cuddling moments – provide security and orientation, especially for the older child.
At the same time, the demand for perfection can decrease. With the second baby, many things are different, and that's perfectly fine. With growing experience comes serenity – and that is exactly what ensures harmonious coexistence. Love, closeness, and a little flexibility are often the best form of organization.
With two children, everyday life changes – much remains familiar, but some things require new routines. Good organization helps to avoid stressful moments and create more time for what matters most: the family.
The older sibling can be involved in the preparation from the beginning. Looking at the new crib together, helping to choose small items of clothing, or taking on a small task – such gestures strengthen the sense of togetherness and prevent jealousy.
Structure is also beneficial in everyday family life. Clothes and changing essentials should be neatly organized to be quickly accessible. Thinking ahead about a well-organized changing station, as described above, helps here. Fixed routines – for example, fixed meal times or shared cuddling moments – provide security and orientation, especially for the older child.
At the same time, the demand for perfection can decrease. With the second baby, many things are different, and that's perfectly fine. With growing experience comes serenity – and that is exactly what ensures harmonious coexistence. Love, closeness, and a little flexibility are often the best form of organization.
For a second baby, you don't need a huge new layette. As parents, you are already a little experienced and usually know very well what was valuable to you with the first baby. Even if two children are never exactly the same, it is worth focusing on the essential things and making more specific purchases later. Use what you already have, invest in safety and hygiene – and enjoy the anticipation of the new family member.
For a second baby, you don't need a huge new layette. As parents, you are already a little experienced and usually know very well what was valuable to you with the first baby. Even if two children are never exactly the same, it is worth focusing on the essential things and making more specific purchases later. Use what you already have, invest in safety and hygiene – and enjoy the anticipation of the new family member.
