Preparing for having two children

[Cbell]

Any books you can recommend or a list of top tips?

So far I have:

1. Get a cleaner
2. Set up online shopping
3. Stock pile wine

What would you add?

4. An extensive disney dvd collection - invaluable for plonking older child in front of while you feed baby / grapple with dirty nappies and poop everywhere / need a cuppa in (relative) peace.
5. A baby carrier (I got my BabyBjorn off eBay) as it is so much easier for getting about locally than trying to hang onto a buggy as well as a toddler.
6. A few emergency toys for older dc which will occupy them for a time, according to their age, eg jigsaw puzzle (nice wooden alphabet one from Amazon in the shape of a crocodile was good for 4yo ds). Can be fished out when things are desperate and you have a grouchy child hanging off you for attention while the other demands more milk.

The wine sounds sensible

Am laughing at the wine!

Thanks for the tips. Panicking a bit here too [worried emoticon]

1. Stretchy wrap for newborn so you have hands free for toddler (although you don't say how old is dc1?) (and see point 3 below!)

1. Definitely stockpile DVDs for dc1 to entertain while feeding baby.

1. Double buggy depending on how old dc1 is. The few times I've taken my DDs out without it I've regretted it, tantruming toddler not easy to deal with when baby is in the sling and toddler refusing to walk!

1. Make lunches etc the night before (you and dc1 if poss) as saves time during day and so much easier than juggling baby at meal times.

1. Co sleeping crib, saved my sanity during night feeds. Especially knowing dd1 could be relied on to want to get into our bed in the morning, safe place for baby is great.

1. Accept help!! I was too proud and daft first time round, second time I've learnt my lesson and found it much easier.

Also agree with copious amounts of wine!

Good luck :)

Watching with interest. DC2 is due in August when DS will be 2.4.

Read Siblings Without Rivalry.

Get a bag/box that has toys in which you can whip out to entertain older DC while younger DC is being fed.

Depending on age of child, storybooks like "Topsy & Tim and the New Baby" are good prep.

Second Child Survival Guide (can't remember author but def on Amazon) is a great book for a few hints & tips, but also for reminding you you're not weird/the only one etc. I found the emotional impact far greater than the practical/physical. This doesn't down-play that but equally reminds you there are good things about having 2DC too.

Congrats & all the best :)

I always recommend 'Three Shoes, One Sock and No Hairbrush' by Rebecca Abrams - still find it useful seven years in ...!

Down load a ton of kiddy apps in to your smart phone. Toddletube is great it makes it easier when they have to wait around while you feed. I said I would never let dd1 have games etc. I was a fool!
Secondly I agree with bringing toys. A genius friend of mine bought dd2 a baby present and dd1 a little hello kitty box with pencils and pad in. I carry it in my change bag dd1 is always pleased to see it
I have had a stretchy wrap (good with nb but fiddly and they go baggy if baby is in and out much) a ring sling (easy in and out bloody killed my back) and now and an ergo (amazing and worth every penny). I take lazy 3.5 year old dd1 in my zapp extra and we manage really well out and about.
Think about activities where either dc1 goes in on their own or you can all f
Do together.

Do some planning. For example I bought an extra changing mat and shoved it under the sofa so I didn't have to keep leaving dd1. Then I moved my playroom around to accommodate a tiny sofa so I could sit there and feed but still be with dd1 and her toys.
Try and get a lot of shopping done online so you don't have to drag them both around. Boots deliver for free if you spend £45 so I bulk buy nappies and they come to the door
Get really really organised. Dc1's life has to go on regardless of baby chaos. Get a planner and make lists.

The Second Baby Survival Guide - Naia Edwards. :)