I’ve gotten a lot of questions about third baby must-haves. To be honest, there aren’t a lot. We have tons of baby gear from the first two kids (here are the first year essentials I recommend for all new moms) and hand-me-downs from friends and family. We also have baby boy and baby girl clothes, so regardless of the gender, the baby won’t go naked. Still, I’m realizing we do need to buy some things for our third baby. Some of our third baby must-haves are replacements for things that were lost or used to death by our first two like bottles, pacifiers, etc. Some stuff are the essentials like diapers and wipes and a container of formula (in case it’s needed) that I like to have on-hand before baby arrives. And some stuff is because the baby gear world changes so fast that there are already a bunch of new items that seem like they might make our lives easier this time around. In fact, most of our third baby must-haves are new gear that has come out since Charlotte was born two years ago. And then because the onesies get stained and worn to death, we will need some new ones to round out our collection.
It sounds like a lot of you are gearing up for your third child too, so I put together a list of third baby must-haves. It’s stressing me out a bit since I have yet to buy a single thing and I’m seven months in, but here’s what we’re planning on buying for baby #3.
Doona
Everyone says we need this. We have the UppaBaby Mesa carseat (which I recommend), but I sold our UppaBaby stroller and need to buy a bassinet for one of our others if it’ll work when the baby is really little, so I may invest in this. Everyone I talk to says it’s a life-changing, and we will need an extra car seat for our nanny and/or Andrew’s car.
Bassinet or Mini Crib
Charlotte is still in her crib and I plan on keeping her there until she’s 30. Kind of kidding but not really. But James slept in the crib until he was almost four, and I won’t be upset if Charlotte does the same. I always keep the babies in the bedroom with us until they’re usually six months or more — I found it easier with night feeds while breastfeeding and I am paranoid and like being able to wake up in the middle of the night and check to make sure baby is breathing (yepl, I do that). We used the UppaBaby stroller bassinet with Charlotte for a bit before we moved but I gave away our other bassinet and I love our Baby Bjorn travel crib, but it’s low and I want something higher up so I don’t have to reach down to get the baby. I don’t think I have it in me to splurge on the Snoo (unless this baby is a terrible sleeper), so let me know your recs. I’m thinking this Halo one. Any recs?
Bottles
I didn’t really use bottles that much with Charlotte because we were home during the pandemic and I breastfed for a year. We didn’t really go anywhere so I didn’t need to pump or make bottles that much. I tossed the bottles we did use though because after two babies they were ready to go. Going to stock up on some to be safe. I loved these with Charlotte and were so much easier to clean without all the parts and I like that they’re not plastic.
Newborn Diapers
I’m a fan of the Honest company diapers, but I’ve had a lot of friends rave about Coterie so may try next – anyone love? I always like to have a pack on hand and wipes even though the hospital usually sends you home with plenty.
Organic Formula (Just in Case)
I am hoping I will be able to breastfeed again, but I’m not going to put crazy pressure on myself either way. I like to have formula on hand in case my milk doesn’t come in right away, there are latching issues, or I just need to supplement. I would love to breastfeed but fed is best, and I like to be prepared. Debating between using this one I used with James, this, or this one that I know a lot of people recommend. Any favorites?
Onesies
We have some but the onesies tend to get worn down and stained, especially the first few months, so I want to stock up on some more. Kissy Kissy makes my favorite.
High Chair
We’ll probably stick with our Stokke but I’m tempted to buy this high chair that seems like it’s super easy to clean and easier to put together and take apart. I like how slim the Stokke is but it’s actually hard to clean – I struggle to get the tray on and off, the straps have to be taken off with a screwdriver, and it’s also hard to get off the pad. I do like how slim it is and do we need really need another high chair? No.
Artipoppe Carrier
I love our Bjorn carrier, but this is so chic that if anyone wanted to get it for us as a gift, I wouldn’t say no.
A Baby Toy or Two
I gave a lot of baby toys away and Dakota chewed a lot, so I may invest in one or two for the new addition. I love this pull pup from one of my favorite baby and toddler retailers. They have so many great kits and learning toys for babies and toddlers. Both James and Charlotte have loved pull toys and I can’t locate ours, so may get this to help baby crawl, walk and just because this is one of those toys littles seem to love.
Comment