Useful stuff for second DC?

[rrreow]

Getting a bit ahead of myself (only 12 weeks), but getting really excited and making a shopping list!

We already have all the big items from last time (pram etc), but was thinking maybe a buggy board would be useful. DS1 will be around 25 months when DC2 arrives.

What did you find you needed (or just found useful) to get when you had your second DC?

I'm in the same position (13 weeks) & a buggy board is the only thing I've thought of so far too! DS will be 19-20 months so quite a similar age gap! I'm expecting this one to be a girl so we'll probably be getting a few pink things but other than that I can't think of anything extra that we'll need at the start. Maybe a highchair later on?!

I would consider looking into doubles maybe? Dd is going to be the same age when my second is born and I have opted for a double (second hand). I was unsure to start off with weather I would need one but as we get closer to due date (march so still ages away) I am glad as she still doesnt walk for long distances. However we don't drive so I walk/bus most places and I think going shopping wothout her strapped in would be a nightmare. Have a look on the pushchairs forum there are a lot on there who have experience of a similar age gap.

Second thing I think I NEED this time around is a sling. So I can hopefully prepare dinner for dd and I easily etc.

A buggy board if there's a small but not too small gap between your babies (still not got one and am 36 weeks [bblush] )
A sling
Second highchair if both will need one at the same time
Potentially a second cot/cotbed?

Honestly, it's more been about buying things for my elder child; he's been moved out of the nursery, so needed new bedroom furniture, the room had to be decorated ... silly things that you don't realise as you have everything for the second baby - but it all has to come from your first!

With a gap under 2.5/3 I would definitely get a double buggy. Buggy boards are only good for older Children. My ds3 is 2 and definitely still needs a buggy because he gets very tired and would try and escape a lot if he was on the buggy board. My ds2 started using the buggy board at 3 and was reliable enough to do it then. If you don't want a double then you could use a sling/single until they are a little older. My ds3 will be 27 months when dd4 arrives and I am definitely buying another double.

Otherwise for subsequent children things like a second changing mat and box to keep nappies in that can be kept downstairs are very useful because you won't have to leave dc1 alone whilst you change a nappy. I also found 2 bouncy chairs really useful, one for upstairs and one for downstairs.

A seat for the bath so your Children can bath together is great.

Mine are also in a cotbed until 3 so I bought another one of those. They can use the bed part until around 6 so it's worth it. We have Trip Trapp highchairs and they have one each because I think they sit better at the table on them.

Good luck & congrats!

That's very helpful thanks. I see what you mean BuntyCollocks it's going to be more about getting new stuff for DS1 (bed when DC2 needs the cot, maybe a booster seat when DC2 needs high chair..).

Also thanks about the tips for double buggies.

See, I disagree, pink, and I think it depends on the child. My DS is not quite 2, and is very happy walking for miles, I think he'll be quite good on the buggy board for the times where he does get a bit more tired.