When I had my second baby I was like whaaa?!! It’s not the same as the first go ’round—it’s easier and harder at the same time. I still had lots of clothes saved up from when my daughter was a baby, but that doesn’t mean I had everything I needed. In fact, I think we’d been home from the hospital for like three hours when I sent my husband to the computer to place our first (of many) Amazon orders. And I’m not just talking about material items like diapers and burp cloths; there were a lot of things I needed but couldn’t just go online to click and buy. Like dinner, and clean dishes, and a hot cup of coffee.
If you have a friend or family member expecting baby number two, do them a favor: don’t buy the new baby a stuffed animal or a board book (we’ve still got plenty of those from numero uno). Get the new parents something they really want and will truly appreciate the second time around. Many of these gifts are for sale, but some of them are simple ways that you can offer your time, so take a look at these fifteen awesome gifts and see what might be right for the second time moms and dads in your life.
What are your favorite gift ideas for parents-to-be or second time around moms? Did you get a gift you absolutely loved?
More Baby Gift Ideas:
15 Gifts for Second Time Moms (The Stuff We REALLY Want!)
Family Portrait
Help fill Mom's picture frames by booking a portrait session for the growing family at a local photography studio . Family photos are often something that fall by the wayside, but long after the kids have grown, Mom will be grateful to have these treasured family photographs (where everyone looks good!).
Photo: Getty/Robyn Breen Shinn
Alcohol Breastmilk Strips
Many second time moms are not as strict about the occasional glass of wine (and with two kids, she might need a little help unwinding!). Give her a practical gift like these Milkscreen alcohol detection strips so she can have peace of mind with her glass of wine.
Photo: Amazon
Babysitting
An offer to babysit both kids, or perhaps just the older sibling so mom can focus on baby and get some rest, is another wonderful gift idea. Bonus points for babysitting both kids so the parents can go on a quick date together. And if you yourself can't babysit, try a reputable babysitting service, like Urbansitter .
Photo: Getty/Cultura RM/Laura Beach
A Noise Machine
It's quite possible a second time mom already has one of those cute sheep sleep machines from baby number one, but a top-of-the-line white noise machine could be a godsend with baby number two, especially if the siblings are going to share a room and the older one has to sleep through middle-of-the-night cries.
Photo: Amazon
Hire a Cleaning Service
There may be no greater gift to a second time mom than the gift of a clean house. Consider offering to come help her by washing dishes or setting up a cleaning service to do a full cleaning. Find a recommended service with lots of locations, like Molly Maid , and buy a voucher toward a cleaning so the mom can make arrangements at her convenience.
Photo: Getty/Djedzura
What's New in Baby?
Know of a great item that mom didn't have for her first baby, like a Mamaroo or a baby carrier ? Or has something cool come out since her first baby that you know she'll love, like the Baby Brezza Formula Pro or a baby monitor with two cameras (one for each kid)? Consider chipping in with friends to treat Mom with an item you know will make her life easier.
Send Food
Food preparation is another huge help to a new mom. Whether you prepare a meal yourself or order the family's favorite takeout meal, it will be so appreciated. If you know the mom's group of local friends, consider setting up a Meal Train to take turns delivering meals for a week or two. My Mom's Club group does this, and it is a wonderful gift.
Photo: Getty/Stefan Hoth / EyeEm
A Gift for the Sibling(s)
With so much attention going toward the new baby, it's no surprise when older siblings begin to feel neglected. Show the big sister or brother they're still important by stopping by with a gift for them— something that has nothing to do with "being a big sibling"—like a cool play tent or some new Duplos .
Photo: Getty
Coordinated Sibling Outfits
Coordinated outfits for the new baby and the older sibling are a sweet idea that the whole family will love. It's not entirely "necessary," but clothes are always useful, and matching or coordinated clothes, like this cute set from PeekaBaby , are a great gift that will help the older child feel included.
Photo: Etsy
Milestone Cards or Stickers
Help mom remember to take photos of baby number two by giving her milestone stickers , milestone cards , or even an easy-to-fill-in baby journal for the new baby.
Photo: Amazon
Personalized Item for Baby
Help baby number two avoid "hand-me-down kid" status by giving him or her a blanket, toy, or memento with their name on it. I love personalized blankets, leggings, and hats like these from Boco Baby .
Gift Cards
Gift cards to a restaurant or a store like Target , Fresh Direct , or even Amazon are all great ideas so that the family can get something they need when that need arises.
Photo: Amazon
Diapers & Wipes
Every baby needs diapers and wipes, and lots of them, so these are always appreciated gifts. Or you could consider enrolling them in a diaper and wipe delivery subscription like one from The Honest Company .
Photo: The Honest Company
Something to Pamper Mom
A massage, a pedicure, a bath & body gift set like this Mama's Ritual Set from Zoe Organics, or a relaxing candle like the lavender one from Riles & Co are all great gifts to pamper mom and will make her feel like a new person.
Coffee
What mom doesn't love (and desperately need) a coffee delivery at any given time of the day? How amazing would it be to hear a knock on the door and find your favorite latte waiting for you at your doorstep? Bonus points for donuts, too.
Photo: Getty/Adam Drobiec /EyeEm