Mommy Must-Haves for The Second Child

Since she’s been there, done that, what do you get a veteran mom with a new baby?

According to Kids II, one of the fastest-growing infant toy companies in America, selecting baby gifts for second-time-around parents can be as simple as A-B-C.

* A is for age gap. Consider whether the latest bundle of joy is far or close in age to siblings. Moms with two children under 2 might appreciate a second helping of necessities such as monitors, car seats or diaper disposals.

Second babies are a welcome opportunity for duplicates of essentials like bouncers, play gyms or swings. Moms will appreciate not having to move gear from room to room or floor to floor as they move their babies to where their toddler siblings may be playing.

If the age gap is bigger, think about items parents might need for an older child, such as booster chairs, rails or bedding for big boy/girl beds, or perhaps a new convertible car seat.

* B is for better features. To keep up with an evolving market, toy designers and manufacturers often incorporate new features and technologies into their products, providing new twists to classic favorites.

For example, the Bright Starts “Around We Go!” activity station takes play to a new level by incorporating a seat that safely moves around the outside of the table. Named one of Dr. Toy’s Top Ten Toys of 2005 and a recipient of the National Parenting Seal of Approval, this innovative toy features an electric piano, drawing station and removable dishwasher-safe snack tray. Parents love the open design, which provides room for siblings to share in activities.

* C is for clean slate. Hand-me-downs are great for clothes, but not for personal items such as pacifiers, teethers and stroller/car seat toys, which tend to spend more time on the floor than in little hands and mouths.

When buying teethers, make sure they are soft, durable, easy for a baby to hold and easy to clean. Mom will appreciate replacement of much-loved items such as rattles, play keys and toy phones, while baby will enjoy having something fun and new to sink his teeth into.

Also, consider other items that get used over and over, like sleepers, undershirts, hooded towels, burp cloths and washcloths.