Things you wish you would have known when second child arrived.

[frolicmum]

I am not sure if this is the correct thread as I believe most people here have more than 2 but I just wanted to asked experienced mums how to handle 2 (when no 2 just arrived).

First would be 2 1/2 if everything goes as planned 🤞🏻

Putting the baby on the floor is less safe - literally the first time I put my second down on a floor mat, my oldest tried to jump over her... He seemed to think it was a fun way to play with her, we had to show him other ways.

Get a sling and a double pram now, otherwise you end up carrying one of them around or never do the washing up as the newborn always wants to be held when the other one is occupied, don't listen to people who tell you the older one will definitely be walking enough, so you can keep your single and use a buggy board. (My oldest hates the buggy board and refuses to stand on it) 2 year age gap.

I totally agree with PP that a double buggy is a must, we've used ours non stop. Also try and keep your older ones routine the same - so keep them in nursery if they currently go and you can afford it....it also gives you some quality time with the baby.

I haven't found the solution to this one, particularly after lockdown, but try and carve out some time for yourself, because two is a lot more work than I imagined, you are constantly needed for something and it's HARD at times. Good luck!

A more positive one for you - that it felt much easier emotionally going from 1 to 2, than from no kids to 1. Physically its knackering, but I've never felt overwhelmed in the way that I did with my firstborn. You know what you are doing second time round and feel more confident with everyday decisions. Mine are 2.5 and 6 months.

The older child will love the new baby but also get very jealous for a little while. For the first couple of months, DS would hug his sister and try to give her toys, then thump her the moment my back was turned. However, the best thing about a small age gap is their short memories... it didn't take long before DS forgot life before DD and now he's very used to sharing me.

And definitely get a double buggy. I thought sling + single would be fine, but pushing a heavy toddler with a baby strapped to your chest is hard work.

Lastly, the best thing I've bought is a play nest. It gives DD a little space of her own with her baby toys, and I know she can't roll over and shove duplo in her mouth. You can use the nests from birth but they come into their own when baby gets mobile!

Thank you!

Double buggy it is - any suggestions? I do know it'll be a lot of work, and I don't underestimate it.

I love my Phil & Ted inline sport - it converts easily from single to double so a good one for when toddler suddenly decides not to walk. It's also the same width as the average single buggy so easy to use around shops.