I am winding down my last month as a mother of two. Soon, there will be a new babe in tow…and all that goes with him or her. If motherhood has taught me anything, it’s that babies have A TON of stuff. If being a mother three times over has taught me anything…it’s that babies don’t actually need half of the “must haves.”

Jace and Zoey were born so close together that I hadn’t really gotten rid of most of Jace’s things by the time that I was pregnant with Zo (14 months later) so I dodged repurchasing a lot of things. Actually, this will probably haunt Zoey for the rest of her life, because she will continue to inherit her brother’s hand-me-downs ummmm… forever. Unless I win the lottery, and actually even that probably wouldn’t save her.

This baby however, will have four years between it and Zoey. Yes, I know I should have done this sooner. Yes, I worry about it all the time. I saved some baby stuff, because I always said I wanted one more… but definitely nothing like I had stocked up for Zoey. Therefore, this baby is requiring some new purchases. That I have inevitably put off until the very very end.

Come Baby 3 however, I definitely know the items that I really want (my ACTUAL must haves) and those that I certainly do not need. I find myself requiring far less than I thought I needed with Jace. Seriously, babies grow SO fast and yet we tell ourselves that infants need so many things. It’s just not true. So maybe this list will be helpful to you if you are having your first baby and you feel like you’re drowning in pretty Pinterest nurseries and target ads. Or maybe you’re just curious to see what a 3x mommy considers “the necessities.”

Either way… here we go. The only things I won’t go without  come Baby 3.

Fisher Price Rock N Play

This thing saved my life with Zoey. It was gifted to me by a good friend, and Zoey slept in it until she was like 7 months old. I’ve heard some people say that you shouldn’t let your kids sleep in them all night…but it was all she would sleep in and I never had any problems. I mean, she spent a good chunk of time in bed with me as well… but whenever she would allow me some personal space… it was thanks to this guy.

Vera Bradley Diaper Bag

I seriously love my Vera diaper bag. I’ve had the cheap kind, and they would fall apart so quickly. Zoey’s diaper bag survived YEARS of abuse and then is still perfectly usable. I haven’t needed a diaper bag for about two years now, but whenever I need a bigger bag (as opposed to my purse) for the kiddos stuff, I still reach for this. You can even wash them! My old one is definitely still usable, but I think I’ll opt for the backpack version this time. Ya know… ALL THE FREE HANDS for 3 kids. haha!

Medela Pump in Style

I cannot stress to mommas that want to breastfeed enough, how important a good pump is. I know the price tag is appalling (although some insurance companies cover them now.) But there is just no comparison between a high quality breast pump and a $100 one. None. Just plan for this to be one of your big purchases. WELL worth it. One will likely last you ALL of your children. Considering how much a working and breastfeeding mom uses this item, that’s saying something about the quality. I love my Medela.

On that note; opt for the storage as well. 😉

Baby Sleep Sack

These are just jammies… but they’re amazeballs. Newborns are tiny, and curly. And new moms are tired. Like, real tired. All of those footie jammies are to die for adorable, but those curled up legs just don’t cooperate with them and 2, 4, and 6am when you’re so tired you probably couldn’t put pants on yourself. These have arm holes and giant zip up sacks to keep baby’s curly legs warm. LOVED them for all 3 of my kids.

Tula Baby Carrier

I personally have not even used one of these yet. But it is hands down the thing I am most excited about!! Also, I can’t wait to watch my husband wear our baby. #momporn Don’t act like you don’t know.

Baby Swing

Okay, you could probably do without one of these. But I definitely used mine for Jace and Zo. And they’ve come a long way since my old one! Now they seriously are bouncers AND swings at once?! Genius. Also, there are many less bulky options now. Also cool.

Nursing Bra + Coconut Oil

Yes, these two items belong together. Coconut oil is a raw nipple’s best friend. Self explanatory and au natural. You’re welcome.

And seriously… that’s it. I mean, I have to invest in another carseat (but I’m a carseat freak mom and that could be an entire post in itself.) But those are the only things I’m really making sure to have for this baby in the next couple weeks. We haven’t even put up the crib. I know I know…but we just moved and honestly…none of my kids slept in their cribs until months after they were born. Since we’re renting this house… we’ll likely be moving again before Baby 3 turns one. I’ll probably try to avoid putting up the crib all together. haha!

So that’s our theme with Babe #3; simplicity. I totally understand if you enjoy the plethora of baby accessories available to you instead. I went hard with Jace. The kid had everything. So I understand that too.

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How about you, mommas? Are you an ALL THE GADGETS type mom, or just the bare necessities? I’ve been both. 😉