How To Prepare For Your Second Child
Planning for the arrival of your second baby can be both exciting and daunting. In this guide, we’ll help you get your home, your firstborn and your mind ready for number two.
When I was pregnant with my first child, I had plenty of time to buy all the baby items I needed, rest when I was tired and decorate the nursery. The second time around, I had to try to meet the needs of a high-energy toddler while feeling doubly sick and exhausted (I was expecting twins!). Plus, we moved interstate when I was six months pregnant, so I no longer had family nearby to help me.
Let’s just say no nurseries were painted and no cute outfits were purchased. I had to focus on preparing my home and my family for the two baby bombs that were about to explode into our lives, so I whittled down my to-do list to items that needed to get done and that would make my life easier once they’d arrived. And while life with three kids two-and-a-half years apart has been crazy, it’s also been wonderful and full of joy. All those fears about not being able to “handle it” that had cluttered my mind when I was pregnant didn’t come true. Not only can you do this two-child business, you’re going to rock it. Time to get organized, mama!
In this guide, I’ll go over:
- Practical tips for preparing for your second child
- How to prepare kids for the arrival of a younger sibling
- The best double strollers and products for second children
Scroll down to learn more!
Practical Tips For Preparing For Your Second Child
#1 Check your health insurance coverage
Call your health insurance provider ASAP and ask for a breakdown of the pregnancy and childbirth costs that are covered by your plan so you can budget for additional costs. You should also notify your provider that you’ll soon be adding another child to your plan.
#2 Sort through your baby items
Pull all your baby items out of storage and decide what you’ll reuse and what you’ll sell or give away. Check all electronic items to make sure they still work and replace the batteries. Wash all soft toys, blankets and swaddles, as well as the material parts of car seats, bouncers and other items. Sort through your baby clothes and wash the items you plan to use. Make a list of clothing essentials that you’re missing and buy them before baby arrives.
HART + LAND Organic Pima Welcome To The World 3 Pack
$74
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
#3 Check the expiration date on your car seat
Say what?! Because regulations and safety standards are always changing, most car seats expire after six years. Check the label on yours to ensure it’s still safe to use. Because there are so many options out there, we’ve put together a handy guide on How to choose a car seat.
Clek 2020 Liing Infant Car Seat w/ Base
$429.99
Available in more colors
#4 Buy a double stroller
Unless there’s a big age gap between your children, you’ll probably want to invest in a good-quality double stroller to make getting around easier. We love the Bugaboo Donkey3 Duo which can be used from birth with a bassinet or for older children, with a reversible seat or the Nuna Demi Grow Stroller, which lets you use a compatible car seat, bassinet or second seat to transport two siblings at once.
Bugaboo Donkey3 Dua Black Frame
$1759
Nuna Demi Grow Stroller
$849.95
#5 Cook in batches and freeze meals
I can’t stress the importance of this tip enough. On those days when you’re juggling a crying baby and a cranky toddler at witching hour, you’ll be so grateful to be able to pull a healthy meal out of the freezer.
Beaba Babycook – Macaron Edition
$149.95
Available in more colors
#6 Stock up on essentials
There’s nothing worse than having to throw two kids in the car for an emergency diaper run. Buy all the baby and household essentials you’ll need for the first three months, including diapers, wipes, formula if you use it, unscented laundry detergent, cleaning products, toilet paper, toothpaste and other personal items.
healthynest wet wipes – 8 pack
$56
EXCLUSIVE
healthynest EWG Verified Diapers – 3 Pack
$90
EXCLUSIVE
healthynest Our Laundry Concentrate System
$60
EXCLUSIVE
#7 Reorganize your diaper bag
Fill your diaper bag with everything you’ll need for your baby and big kid, including diapers, wipes, diaper disposal bags, a change mat, changes of clothes, toys, feeding essentials and snacks. Repack the bag every night so you’re not scrambling to find stuff as you’re running out the door.
Kibou Diaper Bag
$89
Available in more colors
#8 Declutter your house
Get rid of any items you no longer need and reorganize your cupboards, drawers and storage spaces. You probably won’t have time to do it again until your baby is in high school. This is also a good time to up your storage game.
studio duc Juno Stackable Toy Storage
$345
Available in more colors
#9 Baby proof your home
Get rid of toys with small parts, cover electrical sockets, tuck up window blind cords and remove any other hazards lying around your house. Take a look at our guide on How to baby proof your home.
#10 Taking care of yourself
- Enlist others to help you rest: You’ll find it much harder to have an afternoon nap or to duck off for a pregnancy massage than you did the first time around. Ask a friend or family member to come over and entertain your eldest child for an hour or two so you can rest or have some much-needed me-time.
- Have a date night with your partner: Head out for a nice dinner or to see a movie as a last hurrah before baby arrives. You probably won’t get much alone time over the next few months, so fit it in while you can.
How to prepare kids for the arrival of a younger sibling
#1 Don’t tell them too early
Nine months is a long time for a young child, so there’s no need to rush the big news. When you do tell them, point out all the awesome things about being a big brother or sister and reassure them that you’ll still love them and have time for them. There are books that can help children understand and get excited about welcoming a sibling.
#2 Make arrangements for your child’s care
Designate a friend or family member to take care of your child at their home or yours while you’re in labor. Explain to your child what will happen when the baby comes and how long you’ll have to be away. Pack an overnight bag and a list of instructions for your child’s carer.
STATE Bags The Mini Logan Suitcase
$165
Available in more designs
#3 Plan a special day
Before you get too heavy and tired, plan a special outing with your big kid. You could take them to the zoo or out for ice cream – it doesn’t matter what you do as long as you have quality one-on-one time.
#4 Let your child visit the baby as soon as possible
Your child will miss you when you’re in the hospital and be curious about the new baby, so plan to have someone bring them in for a visit as soon as possible after the baby is born. If you can, place the baby in the bassinet or have someone else hold it when your firstborn arrives so you can greet them with a hug and avoid having them feel jealous.
#5 Have your children exchange gifts
Let your big kid pick out a gift for the baby and give them a present “from the baby” too – they’re small gestures that can help your children bond.
Albetta Crochet Gerald Giraffe
$27.50
Continue exploring
- Did you know that toxic chemicals in your couch can enter your breast milk? Or that toddlers and infants playing on the floor are at the greatest risk for exposure? Click here to learn more about what flame retardants can do to your child’s health.
- At The Tot we’re all about finding the best of the best when it comes to safe, ethical, stylish and genius products. In an effort to help make your next trip easier, our team is sharing our top 12 essentials you won’t want to leave home without!
