The best advice I ever got for preparing for baby #2 from moms that have been there and lived to tell about it. For more thoughts on motherhood, click here.
Anticipating Kaitlyn’s arrival, despite only being 2 years ago, seems like such a distant memory. However, some of the sentiments I felt leading up to her May debut are easy to recall.
I remember feeling a little sad that I was revoking Hailey’s only child status. Would she resent me? Then there was the worry no mother likes to admit to- will I be able to love this next child as deeply and completely as my first?
Well, this post isn’t about those things, because though I can emphatically say that giving Hailey a sister was the best gift we ever could have given her (by her own admission).
And I’m sure you’ve heard the human heart is incredible because falling head over heels in love with Kaitlyn was effortless (remember our first day in the hospital together?), I know someone telling you those things won’t ease your worries that it may not work out that way for you. (It will though)
Instead, I want to pass on the real advice for preparing for baby #2, the nitty gritty given to me from friends (both online and IRL alike) that had been through it and decided they liked me enough to pass on the tips for surviving those early days while adjusting to having more than one child in my solo care.
So while I’d like to take full credit for the following, it’s actually way more valuable than my words alone because it’s been tested and proven by multiple moms over several years— so please pin it for later or share it with those that may need it, as these tips really helped me!
1. The baby doesn’t know what you are saying- use this to make the older child feel important. Huh? Let me explain. A newborn demands a lot of attention. Suddenly your older child will seem and look like an adult (when did they get so big?!) and it’s easy to prioritize the baby’s needs because they are so immediate and come so often.
Kids are so perceptive though and too many times of choosing the baby’s need to eat, be bounced, etc over admiring the older child’s seemingly less important scribbling can lead quickly to negative feelings.
So I took my friend’s advice and referenced everything around the older child by talking directly to the baby. For example, if Hailey wanted to show me a tower she built, but Kaitlyn needed a new diaper, I’d say “OK, Kaitlyn, a quick diaper change but then we are going to see the masterpiece that Hailey built before we play.”
If Kaitlyn was getting close to needing to nurse, I’d say “No, baby Kaitlyn, Hailey gets her snack first this time, then I will feed you.”
I know to anyone that could have been listening I must have sounded like a crazy person, but verbally expressing that Hailey came first sometimes or at least making her feel included helped keep us from battling any feelings of jealousy. Kaitlyn obviously never knew or cared what I was saying anyway!
2. Enlist the older child’s help with specific requests. I’m not sure if it’s because my older child was a girl, but Hailey was eager to help with the new baby. However, newborns are so fragile and my mommy instinct wanted to constantly squeal “be careful! don’t touch!” To redirect her loving intentions, I’d ask for help in more specific ways then over exaggerated my gratitude.
I’d ask Hailey to grab a diaper for me and she’d run off. When she returned, I’d factor in a little bit of tip #1 and say “Oh wow, Kaitlyn, did you see how fast Hailey was in getting your diaper? What a great big sister!”
I’d tell Hailey how grateful I was for her help taking care of “our” new baby and would actually refer to Kaitlyn as “our (family’s) baby” because I found it helped Hailey feel more included and take ownership in helping with her care.
3. Invest in some good solo toys. And if you are visiting a friend that just had a baby and want to bring a gift, it’s much more helpful to bring a project for the older sibling rather than a gift for the baby.
Good options will definitely vary by age, but at the time Hailey was 2 1/2 and a couple life savers for us were: this bear dress-up puzzle (still a household favorite), any of these deluxe sticker books, reusable sticker books and magnatiles, which yes I know are pricey but worth every cent as we still use them daily and their possibilities are endless.
Whatever you choose, make sure it is something that the child can do 100% on their own.
4. Remember that for the first few weeks/months is survival time. Whatever you do during this period of time is OK. Really. I worried that whatever I did those first few weeks would become Hailey’s new normal. I was wrong.
Snacking all day instead of making her meals? Letting her eat on the couch? Letting her wear her pajamas for a quick Target run? All a-ok; it’s all about survival.
A friend of mine brought over a couple new kid movies even though I insisted I wouldn’t need them. Well I remember the day that I popped two of those suckers in the DVD player back to back then cried to my friend that I’d failed as a mom (postpartum-hormone-induced-drama perhaps?). She assured me she had felt the same way.
So let me pass along this grace to you that if your child watches 3 movies in a row on rough day, you did not ruin them. Drop the guilt; you’re doing a great job.
5. Laugh. Even if it’s through your exhausted tears. My first week alone with the girls was filled with ups and downs. Nothing humbles you like trying to wipe a toddler’s bottom while simultaneously nursing a newborn and looking up to see your own disheveled reflection in the mirror.
It’s not glamorous, and some days are downright hard, but I look back fondly now on those crazy memories that bonded us as a family of four.
Miscellaneous. Of course there are some great common sense tips too when preparing for baby #2, like always say yes if someone asks if they can help. Some great assistance can come in the form of them taking your older child to the park, pool or anywhere to ease your guilt of having them housebound.
It can also be nice, once you’re ready, to have someone come watch the baby so you can have some one on one time with your older child. Keep lots of easy to grab snacks around (like these or these) for both you and your older child instead of just freezer meals.
And take a lot of pictures because during the crazy whirlwind– they grow so fast!
Expectant moms of two- what are you most worried about or excited for?
Veteran moms- please weigh in! What are your best tips for handling the early days of more than one child?
John J. says
Such beautiful tender pics. Good to see innocence during these turbulent times.
Amanda L says
It’s like you are reading my mind with this! We are expecting baby #2 in about 7 weeks and will have a (currently very demanding – I guess that’s my fault??? 😉 ) little boy at the time. I love the suggestion of talking to the baby about the importance of the older kid – its really amazing how much of what you say toddlers pick up and I think this will work great. And yeah, while we don’t watch a lot of tv, and we try to eat healthy, I need to probably just get over the fact that those days of goldfish snacks and multiple episodes of Daniel tiger will happen, and that it will all be ok. thanks for sharing this and everything else about your sweet family!
Amanda L says
I meant to say 22 month old little boy – bc I feel like mentioning his age will give me more street cred (/whining rights?)
Brittany Dixon says
Street cred fo ‘sho! 😉 Bring on Daniel Tiger!
Kate says
These are wonderful tips. Number 1 – genius!!
We are nowhere near to add a second child to the mix, but eventually we want more than one. And those doubts that you were referencing – will I love the second child enough, won’t I feel bad towards my son because he is no longer the center of attention – have crossed my mind.
Definitely bookmarking this. Thanks for sharing!
Erin says
This is fantastic. We aren’t expecting a second baby anytime particularly soon, but I am saving this for when we are! This is great advice.
Karen says
As a veteran mom I can honestly say…..it never gets easier the issues just change as they grow. However, that being said, it will be the best, most rewarding thing you will ultimately do in your lifetime.
Being a mom is one thing that you will cherish forever no matter how old they are.
Brittany Dixon says
I always love when you comment, Karen! I feel like you always have love-filled, wise advice to pass on. Just wanted to let you know I admire you and appreciate your input!
Jess says
I have a 2.5 year old daughter and am 7 months pregnant with number 2 – so this is perfect timing. Thanks for the tips!!
Katie D. says
Perfect timing! I’m 29 weeks with #2 and #1 will be 22 months when the baby is born. I’m most worried about keeping Eleanor occupied and safe while nursing #2.
I am thankful for daycare, because there is a baby there and Eleanor is used to baby cries/needs/wants, so I hope that helps ease the transition a bit.
I am struggling with guilt though about the diminished attention Eleanor will get 🙁 But as the oldest for 3 sisters, I can attest that my little sisters are the best thing to happen to me during my childhood. So thankful for them, especially as adults 🙂
Allison says
My youngest turned 6 months old today, and my son was 26 months old when she was born. My husband and I are celebrating today for surviving the past six months, because, truth: it was HARD! I was ready for sleepless nights when she was born, I was not ready for the guilt and hormone roller coaster. The tip about being in survival mode is great, I got way too caught up in trying to accomplish things each day, but some days, we accomplished nothing except feeding and changing diapers. And that is TOTALLY OK. In fact, that’s WINNING! I also wasn’t ready for how much I missed my oldest child, since the newborn was attached to me (literally) all the time. It’s an adjustment, so cut yourself some slack and enjoy the craziness of it all!
Brittany Dixon says
I LOVE that y’all are celebrating 6 months of survival- congrats on making it! 🙂 I’m sure it was incredibly challenging having them close in age like that and I totally agree that days where kids get fed and have diapers changed in somewhat of a timely fashion (wink), it’s a win!
Brittany Dixon says
My friend kept her older daughter in daycare and it worked out really well for everyone involved! Hope it does the same for you 🙂 Congrats!!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says
How is Kaitlyn already so old? Goodness, I remember anxiously reading through every blog post, waiting to see if you were going into labor yet. I cannot believe how quickly time has passed!
Brittany Dixon says
Great point Christy! At some point I did have to back off a little and make sure Hailey knew Kaitlyn was a person too with her own feelings and needs, especially once Kaitlyn started refusing to be dressed up like a baby doll- ha!
A good friend of mine has two girls really close in age (12 months apart almost to the day) and she says the squabbling can be really challenging some day so you certainly aren’t alone in that challenge. <3 Thanks so much for your input!
Christina says
This post could not have come at a better time! We are expecting our second little girl in early May, and my daughter (4) could not be more excited to have a baby sister and help out with the baby….but truth be told I’m a little nervous that she’ll love on the baby a little too hard, or that I’ll walk into the baby’s room and find that my daughter has over-enthusiastically filled the crib with stuffed animals and covered the baby in blankets. We’re considering putting a baby gate across the door to the baby’s room, more to keep her big sister out than to keep the baby in! I’ll definitely be making use of your first tip – great idea!
Julie says
My daughter is an only child, & she’s 16 now so I don’t need these tips nor do I have any personal experience to pass along, but I couldn’t resist commenting just to say what an EXCELLENT post! Such great tips!!!
Sarah says
I feel like I have scoured for any advice on this topic and yet I have never seen these tips – so relevant. The language one is great. I want to start practicing with the dog right now to get in the habit! (I talk to the dog all-the-time anyways…) I’m also going to be entering 2 under 2 this summer. I shared with my pediatrician my concern that my toddler has no attention span for screens (a good thing?). After 15 seconds, she is going and getting me a book or puzzle to read/do with her. While I think this is wonderful on some levels, I’ll be solo-parenting for a month at a time straight off and even my pediatrician agreed that I’m going to want to try and find a video/show that my toddler enjoys. I can’t believe my parenting goal for the next 5 months is ‘find TV/movies my child enjoys….’
Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life says
This is fantastic, Brittany – thank you!!! I have all.the.fears. right now, but lots of excitement too! My Lucas (who will be about 2 months shy of 3 when the baby is born) is SUCH a mama’s boy…I’m already feeling SO incredibly guilty and am so worried that he’s not going to take it well. I’ve already carried the guilt since we found out we were pregnant with #2, and I know it’s going to be an adjustment for me (and all of us!). It’s certainly something we’ve wanted…I’m just so nervous on how it’s all going to play out! 🙂
Caitlin says
This could not have come at a better time for me. I just found out I’m pregnant with #2 and for the first few days I was more anxious and worried about how this will affect my son (who will be about the same age as hayley was when kaitlyn came!) than being more excited and joyful 🙁 I’ve started to calm down some and I am of course so happy about the news but I was so thankful that you posted this today. It was just the boost of confidence I need and I’m sure I’ll reference this post in the upcoming months. Thank you!!
Whitney says
Such a great post! We are expecting our second in August, a month after our daughter turns 3. To say I’m scared is an understatement! Excited for sure but just feeling a little overwhelmed on the emotional front already. I fear not devoting the same quality interaction with my first when my hands are full with a new little one. Praying for peace, calmness, and sanity as we go through this transitional phase 😁
Lauren says
Great post!!! I am 13 weeks pregnant with my 2nd (my son is 3.5 years old). My biggest worry is paying enough attention to him once the baby comes. I have already felt a TON of guilt around feeling like I’m neglecting him due to my morning sickness. I just don’t have the energy to play with him the way I used to and it makes me feel awful….so I’m worried that once the baby comes it will start all over again. Everyone keeps telling me that he won’t remember a month or two of not getting as much attention as he’s used to so I’m trying to take this to heart. I will most definitely use some of your tips!
Amy says
All wonderful ideas and most we did when our second son came! I would also add to prep meals the night before, plate out breakfast and lunch, so helpful to not have to think about food. And pre portion snacks to keep where the big kids can take one.
While I was still pregnant with baby #2, we never asked our son if he wanted a brother or sister. (We feel that if he can not control the answer, why ask?) We simply said it is a baby, and when we found out the baby was a boy, we told him! I felt like it never created resentment because he never thought he had a choice. (Does that make sense?!)
Oh and I tried not to blame things on the baby. For example if we had to leave the park bc the baby needed a nap, I would just say it is time to go. Not your brother needs a nap. Again, I don’t want my older son to feel his fun is stopping bc of his brother. (Well not ALL the time!)
Christine says
We aren’t expecting baby #2 yet but I do get scared about it! I love that we have a routine, that I have time to workout, that we can go run errands together, etc right now with my 15 month old. (I feel so selfish!) With a second child routines will get crazy, sleep will be lacking, etc. Just the thought of starting over sounds daunting. I know I shouldn’t worry because I’m sure I will figure it all out but I do get a little stressed about it. I do think that my thoughts are a sign that we are definitely not ready for #2…but are you ever ready? haha
Brittany Dixon says
I understand how you feel! I remember telling David if I wasn’t pregnant by the time Hailey was 2 that I wasn’t sure I’d ever be ready to go back to an itty bitty baby because it just gets so much easier!
Brianne says
I read this when you published it & just came back to read again. I am 37wks with a 3yr old at home. I always love your insight on parenting (you got me through BLW!) and I’m loving the tips on handling two. I’m so nervous about the transition, but this advice will help immensely. (I even sent it to my mom who will be here helping me with the kids.) Thanks, as usual, for giving me the advice I needed!
Brittany Dixon says
Congratulations on baby #2 arriving soon! That’s SO exciting! That is so kind of you to take the time to leave this comment and it made my day. It’s so chaotic when baby #2 arrives, but it gets sweeter (and a little easier) everyday. I’m so excited for you and this new journey you’re about to embark on! 🙂
Seralyn Keen says
I’m about to embark on my own solo mum, baby number 2 adventure and feeling very apprehensive about it all but this has really helped me feel more positive. Thank you for sharing!!
Mindy says
I’m going to be a SAHM with a 15 month old and a new baby in July. I’m terrified. I’m afraid I won’t be good enough. I’m afraid I’ll mess up with things not being stable and just chaos. This post made me feel at ease that not every day will be easy or perfect. It’s about controlling the situation by being flexible and taking it easy on yourself. I really needed this. I struggle with anxiety and PPD (it stuck around and became something that looms in the background), but I lean on therapy to help me out. It’s good to know I shouldn’t feel guilty. It’s good to know other moms feel the same way.
This article is still relevant in 2023. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
The fact that you’re thinking about it this much already proves you’re going to be GREAT! That doesn’t mean some days won’t feel challenging, but you’ve got this. Keep your support team close and lower your expectations for how it should look. Oh! And congratulations <3 <3