Baby Essentials for Baby #2

We're almost 6 months into being a family of four, so I thought it was time for an update on must have essentials for a second baby. I talked about favorite baby products last year, but have to say that not all of them turned out to be essentials for baby #2, so here's an updated list.

Coconut Oil

I recently fell in love with coconut oil. I use it on my own body as well as on the kids'. It smells great, is all natural, and feels fantastic. I love that I don't have to worry about Ava licking it off of me or putting her hands into her mouth after I've put oil on her after a bath. It also works great as diaper cream. You can purchase it here: http://amzn.to/1LwjkjG

Baby Carrier

This is one of the items I knew would be important for baby #2 and I did end up purchasing a Moby wrap in addition to the Ergo Carrier I already had. The Moby is super comfy to wear and was great especially in the early days to carry Ava around in the house. She loves it, and especially on days where both kids were cranky, this was so helpful to have her wrapped in and happy, but I could also take care of Noah. Definitely a must have. http://amzn.to/1Rrfuur

Bouncer

A portable bouncer became a life saver in the evenings when we were all working on getting dinner on the table, while making sure that both kids stayed happy after a long day at work and daycare. I picked one up at a second hand store and I'm so glad I did. It can sit on on the kitchen island while we're preparing dinner or breakfast or on the table when we eat, allowing us to be hands free and Ava to be part of what's going on. This model is similar to what we have: http://amzn.to/1TWxFIQ

Activity Mat

It sounds sad, but being a second child, Ava just doesn't get the same insane amount of attention as Noah did as a baby. It has its benefits; she's already much better at entertaining herself than Noah ever will be, and an activity mat like this one helps out tremendously. We usually plop her down on it in the mornings and let her wiggle around. In fact, that's where she is right now. Unlike the bouncer this let's her move freely and she can practice rolling over and reaching for things. This is not the one we have but I really like the basic color scheme. If I were to get a new one, this is the one I'd get: http://amzn.to/1Rr7Tfi

Diaper Backpack

A diaper bag is good, a backpack is better. With two kids, one usually being in a baby carrier and the other ready to explore the world, I just don't have a free hand or shoulder for a normal diaper bag. A backpack is just so much easier. Those that are designed as diaper bags often come with a changing pad, an insulated pouch, and just lots of different compartments. This one would be a great option, especially if you're expecting it to work for both mom and dad: http://amzn.to/1RrfeLV

Baby Registry

Whether you're planning a baby shower or just want to keep track of things you want to get for your baby, signing up for a baby registry at Amazon is always a great idea. Amazon does pretty much have everything you might need, but what I really like about it is that you can also add products from other websites. That way you have everything in one location. And as with most registries, you get a completion discount when you purchase items that are left on your registry. Why wouldn't you take advantage of that? Click on the banner below to get started.