The second time around, you already know the drill. But with every new baby comes a fresh mix of joy, juggling, and the occasional "do we still have that?" moment. Your days are likely a little busier now, with one eye on your child and the other on your growing bump, so anything that makes life smoother is always welcome.
Whether you're dusting off the old baby gear or considering a few new pieces, this is a calm, thoughtful guide to what’s worth reusing—and what might be better to replace.
Start with a Clear-Out
Before anything else, take stock. What's been hiding in the loft? What did you love the first time around, and what never really worked? Make time for a quiet, honest declutter. Some things may be as good as new. Others might need a refresh (or a respectful retirement).
Pro tip: Anything that looks worn, broken, or has expired (like car seats or mattresses) is worth replacing for safety reasons.
Reuse: Nursery Furniture That Grows with Your Family
If you invested in a quality cot bed the first time around, good news — many are designed to go the distance. With solid construction and timeless design, a well-made cot bed can support years of restful sleep and may be suitable for reuse with your next little one.
Replace: Mattresses & Sleep Surfaces
As tempting as it is to reuse your first baby’s mattress, safe sleep guidelines advise against it.
Over time, mattresses lose their structure, and any sagging or wear can affect safe sleep posture. A new mattress ensures firm support and better hygiene for your newest arrival.
The same goes for bedside crib mattresses - if your CoZee Bedside Crib served you well the first time, you can absolutely reuse the frame, but do consider a fresh mattress insert.
Reuse: The Trusted Bedside Crib
A well-looked-after bedside crib can be one of the best hand-me-downs. The CoZee Bedside Crib is built for repeat use—its sturdy frame, adjustable height, and breathable mesh sides make it a firm favourite for families growing from one to two.
Just make sure:
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All parts are intact and functioning
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The mattress is replaced
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Fabrics are freshly washed and checked for wear
Bonus tip: Keep the crib set up in your bedroom ahead of time so it’s ready when the new baby arrives.
Replace: Everyday Essentials That Take a Hit
Some things just don’t age well. Bibs, muslins, and well-loved sleepwear can wear thin quickly. Bottles, teats, and breast pump parts should also be replaced for hygiene and safety.
The same applies to any items that were favourites but now show wear—particularly those with zips, clips, or fastenings. A fresh set of baby sleep bags, fitted sheets, and mattress protectors can make things feel new again, even if the nursery is mostly familiar.
Reuse or Replace: Changing Setups
Did you use a changing table the first time around—or wing it with a changing mat on the bed? Either way, now might be a good moment to upgrade to a more flexible setup.
Cushi Removable Cot Top Changers are perfect for second-time parents who want to save space and streamline their nursery. Simply pop it onto the cot bed when needed, then store it away once you're past the nappy stage.
Reuse or Replace: Highchairs
When it comes to weaning, a sturdy highchair is a real everyday hero. If your original one still feels solid, stable and safe, there’s no reason not to reuse it. Just give it a thorough clean and check for any signs of wear, especially on straps, buckles and trays.
However, if your first highchair was tricky to store or didn’t grow with your child, this might be the moment to switch to something more adaptable. The Nova Highchair is designed to go the distance — from the newborn highchair stage through to toddlerhood and beyond. With its ergonomic seat, adjustable tray and toddler chair conversion, it’s ready for every mealtime milestone.
Reuse or Replace: Baby Carriers
Babywearing can be a game-changer when juggling two little ones. If you already have a carrier you loved and it’s still in good condition, it might be ready for round two. Just check for loose stitching, worn buckles and comfort for both of you.
If your first carrier wasn’t quite the right fit, now’s your chance to find one that really works. The Boba Carrier Bliss offers soft but sturdy ergonomic comfort, breathable fabric and adjustable support that grows with your baby. Perfect for walks, naps and having two hands free.
For even more versatility, the Boba X Baby Carrier adapts from newborn snuggles to toddler adventures, supporting little ones from 7–45lbs. Its fully adjustable seat and panel ensure a custom fit at every stage, while padded straps and waistband keep things comfortable for you too—whether you’re navigating nap time or the school run.
A Few More Tips for Baby #2
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Second child, same love—but different needs. What worked for your first might not suit your second, and that’s okay.
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Ease over excess. You don’t need double of everything. Choose quality pieces that adapt and endure.
Create calm zones. A cosy feeding chair, blackout blinds, and soft lighting can help your new baby settle, even in a shared space.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for a second baby is as much about mindset as it is about the essentials. You’ve done this before, and this time, you know what truly matters. It’s less about the “must-haves” and more about the pieces that help your growing family feel connected, calm and cared for.
Whether you’re refreshing your nursery or rediscovering old favourites, a few thoughtful swaps and additions can make the transition smoother for everyone — especially you
