When I had my first baby, like many new parents, I wanted to be prepared for everything. I researched, read reviews, and bought what I thought were “must-haves.” But as it turns out, not all the hyped-up gear made a real difference. Now, with baby number two, I’ve learned a lot—and I’m shopping smarter. Here are the bigger baby purchases I now swear by, and the ones I wouldn’t buy again.
🍼 Worth It: Products That Made Life Easier the Second Time Around
✅ A Firm Breastfeeding Pillow
The popular soft nursing pillows didn’t work for me—the inserts shifted, and I was constantly readjusting. This time, I bought a firm, structured breastfeeding pillow, and it made a huge difference in comfort and support.
Best nursing pillow
✅ Bottle & Pacifier Sterilizer with Dryer
With my first, I used a basic sterilizer and let everything air dry. This time, I got a sterilizer and dryer combo—total game-changer. No more damp bottle parts hanging around the kitchen.
Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer
✅ A Second Baby Sleep Space for the Living Area
I added a second safe sleep space in our living room (like the one from Kinderkraft), and I can’t believe I didn’t do this the first time. It saves me so many trips back and forth to the nursery.
Convertible Sleeping Cot
✅ High-Contrast Toys and Play Mats
Forget the aesthetic muted tones. Babies love bold patterns and high-contrast colors—they’re actually better for visual development. My second baby is far more engaged during playtime.
✅ A Bouncy Chair
This is one of the few things I kept and reused. It gives me a hands-free moment, and both of my babies loved it. Definitely worth the money.
Bouncer Bliss
✅ Toddler Report Book / Baby Tracking Log
Keeping track of feedings, wet/dirty diapers, and naps in a baby tracker notebook has made a big difference. It helps me feel confident that baby is eating enough and hitting important health milestones.
Toddler report book
✅ A Great Stroller
I invested in a high-quality stroller early on, and I’ve used it for both kids. It’s durable, smooth, and still looks brand new. Sometimes, spending a little more upfront really does pay off.
ABC Design stroller
✅ A Heating Lamp for the Changing Area
This was one of my first purchases with my second baby, and I can only recommend it. Babies hate being cold—especially during diaper changes. I noticed an immediate difference in how calm and content my baby was once I started using the heating lamp. It’s such a small upgrade that makes a huge impact.
Heating Lamp
💸 What I Wouldn’t Buy Again
❌ A Baby Nest/Baby Lounger
These look cozy and cute, but I found them to be impractical. You can’t safely walk away because the baby can roll out, and they’re not recommended for unsupervised sleep. For me, it just wasn’t worth the risk or the price. This one is similar to the one we had – Baby Lounger
❌ Overly Themed Nursery Decor
I went all out with matching everything in my first baby’s room. The truth is, I spent more time in the living room or bedroom with the baby than in that nursery. Looking back, I would’ve kept it simple and spent that money elsewhere.
❌ Trendy Baby Furniture That Didn’t Last
I bought a few modern-looking baby items that weren’t very functional—and they didn’t grow with my child. Now, I go for items that are sturdy, adjustable, and can be used longer than a few months.
Final Thoughts
The second time around, I realized that convenience, safety, and development-friendly gear matter way more than trends or aesthetics. Baby gear doesn’t need to be expensive, but it does need to be functional. What works for one family may not work for another—but these are the things that really made my life easier and the ones I regret spending on.
Feel free to check out the links I’ve added above for the exact products I loved. I hope this helps you make decisions that truly serve you and your baby.
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