Tips to ease the transition from one to two kids.
Congratulations! If you’re reading this you’re expecting your second baby or maybe considering it. I found out I was pregnant with my second when my daughter was just shy for 2 and half. It was very shocking since we conceived my daughter through IVF, and had only begun discussing transferring another embryo (I’ll save the details for another post.). Finding out your having a second child is a flood of so many different emotions excitement, nervousness, and then probably worry. Worry about how you will do it all. Worry about how your young child will handle the change. Don’t worry Mama you got this. You will figure it out. Once upon a time you didn’t know what you would do with 1 baby and your are getting the hang of it. Here are some things we did to help my daughter with the transition.
1. Before baby arrives start getting toddler used to dad doing more. Chances are dad probably already does a lot for your toddler, especially if your pregnant. My husband starting taking regular night shifts our daughter while I was battling the sickness that is the first trimester with my second. She’s never been a great sleeper and even now well past 3 years old does not sleep through the night. Because of his work schedule I was still the primary parent during the day and completed the bedtime routine solo. Once she was in bed and he was home fore the night he took over. This was helpful because once our son arrived we had to divide and concur often. My daughter was used to her dad assisting her so there was not much push back. She of course has her moments when only wants me and I try my best to oblige if she asks for me.
2.Read books about welcoming a new baby. My daughter has always loved books. We read multiple books a day. I found the books about welcoming a new baby helpful. It gave her an idea what to expect.
Here’s some of the books we read (affiliate links below) :
The Baby Is Here! (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood)
Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready for Baby?
Daniel tiger also has an episode about his mom being pregnant with his sister. My daughter loved to to sing “We Can’t wait to meet the baby”.
3.Once baby is born keep some small toys and books near you to have some cuddle time when you can. I kept them in a small basket at the foot of my bed. WeHere’s some of our favorite
Corduroy – This is my daughters favorite book.
Welcome Little One – We would ready this one together for my son.
Bluey 5-Minute Stories: 6 Stories in 1 Book? Hooray! – The 5 minute character story books are a great substitute for screen time
4.A gift from baby to toddler. We got the cutest custom book from Wonderby. It’s about the baby and toddler growing up together. I read it to our daughter when my dad brought her to the hospital to meet her brother. She was so excited and we will read it pretty often 7 months later. She calls her brother her best friend and it melts my heart every time.
5. Designate some time to have one on one time. Its a great time for dad toget some one on one time with baby. Do something you and your toddler loved with do pre baby. Play cars, sing songs, paint. We love crafts and baking. I got a few craft kits that were perfect for us to do while sitting at the table. Heres a few with we love. Crayola Color Wonder Bluey Activity Kit, Mess Free Coloring, Toddler Travel Activity, Bluey Toys for Kids, Gifts for Boys & Girls, 3+ This was perfect for us to do in bed or at the table when I was feeling up to it.
6. One of the biggest one is talking to baby to tell they have to wait too. Something I am still practocing 7 months later. For example I’ll tell my 7 month old son, “Just one moment brother, I’m going to help sister get a snack.” I can tell my daughter gets amusement from this. I think it helps her feel like her needs are being prioritize too. Give it a shot.
Motherhood is the hardest thing I’ll ever do. Probably the hardest thing you will do, too. Remember to give yourself some grace.
