If you’ve got one child, will it make much difference in your lifestyle when you add a second? Second-time parents generally have a much better idea of the things to expect when they bring home a brand-new baby. Diapering, breastfeeding, bathing and other tasks of tending a newborn are easier the second time around. There’s more to raising a second child than that, however. Here are some strategies that are sure to be of interest to couples who are thinking about adding to their family.
Get ready before baby #2 arrives
The time to prepare your home and family for a second child is well before delivery day. Ease your eldest into the idea of a new sister or brother with plenty of casual conversations about what newborns are like. Explain how small they are and let your older kid know that at first, newborns spend most of their time sleeping and don’t offer much in the way of a backyard playmate. Tell your oldest that even though the new baby won’t be much fun at first, their soon-to-be new sibling will grow to into a great companion when they’re a little bit older.
If you plan to breastfeed, you might wish to take your older kid to a La Leche League meeting where they can see nursing mommies and maybe even meet other kids who are about to become big brothers and sisters. Remind your first child that she or he was once a tiny baby, too, and breastfeeding is a very good way to feed a newborn. If you plan to bottle feed, offer to let older sister or brother help feed the new baby when they arrive.
The first few months
If you kept your first baby’s bassinet, crib, changing table and other newborn gadgets, set up the nursery at least a month before your due date. When the “nesting instinct” kicks in, you may relish the idea of painting murals and stocking up on diapers and other baby stuff.
If your older child still uses their car seat, get another for the new arrival. Install car seats in the back seat of your Dodge Dart or other family vehicle, and be sure you are familiar with their operation. Many hospitals and birthing centers insist that newborns go home in an approved car seat, so getting that out of the way before delivery day is sure to streamline the taking-baby-home process.
Don’t forget to spend alone time with your older child after the little one arrives. Let dad watch the baby for an hour or two while you and big brother or sister visit the library or go grocery shopping. Little me-and-mom moments go a long way toward helping an older sibling adjust to no longer being an only child.
How second babies are different
First-time moms and dads usually go to great lengths to ensure everything is perfectly perfect for the new baby. Experienced parents tend to be a lot more casual and relaxed with baby #2, says Parents magazine.
With just a bit of advance planning, bringing home a new addition to your family can be a joy for everyone involved.
Phoebe Stevens is a stay at home Mom with a newborn and a toddler. She freelances and also writes articles in the little free time she manages, usually choosing to write on parenting topics.
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