What's it like having a second?

[Mumday]

I have a wonderful 14 month son and have just found out I'm pregnant. I'm really worried this is too soon and that it will be really hard on him when the new baby comes around. Anyone have siblings with similar age gap? Any advice for managing it and what have people's general experiences been like? Is it really stressful or are there positives too? Would you recommend having a second? Any experiences good or bad will be appreciated

I love love love having a second. I'm not saying that things haven't been hard work but I just can't imagine having only one child. My dds play together now, and dd1 was very tender with dd2 as a baby (bit trickier once she started crawling and could get in the way).

It's really bloody hard for the first Year (my two are 18 months apart) and then it becomes really good. I love having a second and they are fantastic chums now, but I'd be lying if I said that I didn't have some very dark days in the beginning.

My advice is to accept all help that is offered by family and friends!

Does your little boy go to nursery - I would start him six months before the birth if not so that you have a couple of mornings at least with just the baby.

Don't bother about potty training - he will be too little (and will regress if you manage it as soon as he realises that accidents are a good way of getting your attention!).

Agree with 2cats that you should accept lots of help. My DD spent more time with my mum when dd2 was born - she loved that and didn't seem to notice that dd2 took up a lot of time.