Last week, Sasha turned one. It’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that an entire year has flown by, but here we are—with a toddler who has gone from squishy newborn to curious explorer seemingly overnight.
With a second baby, something shifts. You gain a certain calm confidence you simply don’t have the first time around. With Nate, I spent hours researching every piece of baby gear, second-guessing myself at every turn. This time, I relied more on experience, trial and error, and the wisdom of knowing what actually makes life easier (and what ends up collecting dust in a closet).
So, to celebrate Sasha’s first birthday, I thought I’d share my “master baby list”—the gear that truly carried us through this first year. These are the items I leaned on constantly, the ones worth every penny, and the things I’d recommend to any new parent navigating those early months.
Transportation: The Gear That Gets You Out the Door
Bugaboo Stroller
I often joke that I use my stroller more than my car, and it’s true—I walk everywhere. That’s why investing in a good stroller felt non-negotiable. With Nate, we bought the Bugaboo Cameleon, and believe it or not, four years later it’s still going strong with Sasha.
Bugaboo strollers are beautifully made, incredibly smooth to push, and durable enough to withstand years of daily use. We did a little “tune-up” (replacing the handle grips), but otherwise it’s still in amazing condition.
The only drawback? Storage. Compared to options like the UPPAbaby Vista, the under-basket isn’t as spacious. If hauling around bags, snacks, and random toddler treasures is a priority, you might want to test both brands in person to see which fits your lifestyle best. But overall, I can’t recommend Bugaboo enough—it’s been worth every mile.
Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller Combo
If I could write a love letter to one piece of baby gear, it would be the Doona. Whoever invented this deserves a medal. It’s a car seat and stroller in one, which means no juggling heavy bases, no transferring a sleeping baby from seat to stroller, and no wrestling with complicated gear in parking lots.
For Sasha’s entire first year, anytime we were in the car, the Doona was our go-to. It made errands, travel, and even dining out so much easier—you can literally roll it right up to a restaurant table. Honestly, I cried a little the day she outgrew it.
Of course, it’s not perfect. It’s on the heavier side when lifting it into the car, and yes, it’s pricey considering you’ll only use it for about a year. But knowing what I know now, I’d buy it again in a heartbeat. It saved us so much hassle, and I only wish we had it when Nate was a baby.
Nuna PIPA Car Seat
After retiring the Doona, we switched to the Nuna PIPA, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best infant car seats on the market. It’s consistently rated as one of the safest, and compared to some others, it’s a little lighter (which matters when you’re lugging it around).
It’s not the ideal option if you’re constantly in and out of cars or traveling often—it can feel heavy over time. But if your main goal is a reliable, high-quality seat that mostly lives in the car, Nuna is an excellent choice.
JJ Cole Cocoon Car Seat Cover
Since Sasha was a November baby, keeping her warm during those early months was a top priority. Instead of piling on blankets (which never stay put), we used the JJ Cole Cocoon. It kept her cozy and snug without compromising safety in the car seat. It was such a small thing, but it made our winter outings so much less stressful.
For Moms of Multiples: The Double Stroller Dilemma
When Sasha was born, I debated whether we really needed a double stroller. Couldn’t Nate just ride on a buggy board attached to the Bugaboo? We tried that, and let’s just say… it didn’t work. It was awkward to push and not comfortable for anyone involved.
So, I caved and bought the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller. It may not win awards for being the chicest option, but honestly? It has been a lifesaver. It’s smooth, easy to maneuver, and surprisingly lightweight for a double stroller. I regularly push 65–70 pounds of kids in it, and it still glides effortlessly.
The biggest win: it allows us to keep up with our daily walks without complaints from Nate, who isn’t exactly a fan of long distances on foot.
Lessons Learned the Second Time Around
Looking back, I can see how much unnecessary stress I put on myself with my first baby. I thought the right gadgets and gear would solve every challenge, when really, it’s about finding a handful of things that truly make your life easier.
For me, those were strollers and car seats. Having reliable, easy-to-use gear meant I felt more confident leaving the house, which in turn made me feel like myself again. And when you’re in the thick of those newborn days, that confidence is everything.
With Sasha, I was able to cut through the noise, ignore the endless lists of “must-haves,” and focus on what actually mattered for our family. And that’s what this little “master list” is all about.
Final Thoughts
Every parent’s essentials will look a little different, and that’s okay. The beauty of a second baby is realizing you don’t need all the things. You just need the right things. For us, that meant a reliable everyday stroller, the genius of the Doona, a safe car seat, and a stroller that could handle two kids at once.
If you’re a new parent—or about to become one—my advice is this: don’t be afraid to invest in gear that truly makes your day-to-day easier. It’s not about having the fanciest items, but about finding what helps you feel capable, confident, and able to enjoy the little moments with your baby. Because at the end of the day, that’s what matters most.
