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Parenting

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Original poster

Top tips from going from 1 DC to 2 DCs?

6 replies

amorningperson · 15/09/2022 10:39

Hi all!

Overdue with my second baby waiiiting for him to come along- and wondering if anyone has some parenting pro tips for the transition or just the best hack they discovered for parenting two kids?

OP posts:

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minipie · 15/09/2022 10:47

Make sure your partner does his share. Going from 1 to 2 was probably a bigger change for my DH than me, as he hadn’t had much sole charge and wasn’t as familiar with our older one’s routine, but then when the baby was born he had her a lot.
Lower your standards. Lots of the “ideals” like baby napping in same room as you went out of the window with DC2, as it just wasn’t realistic.
Try to get DC2 used to napping in the buggy so you aren’t tied home for nap times.

bakewellbride · 15/09/2022 10:49

How old is your firstborn?

Mol1628 · 15/09/2022 10:59

I found having my second a lot easier. I had a small gap. My life didn’t change really at all having a second.

Just go with the flow. You’ll find what works. It’s different for each child/family

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nervousnelly8 · 15/09/2022 11:02

Same as @minipie - your partner's input is really important.

I found the arrival of my second a complete breeze compared the first, although objectively she was a much more difficult baby. If your eldest still wakes in the night or is up early in the morning, having that be your partner's responsibility will make a massive difference. I did all newborn-related things by myself from 8pm - 8am with no problem second time round, but would have found it much harder if I was having to get up at 5.30/6am with DS or resettle him in the night.

RoutineLow · 15/09/2022 11:17

What's the age gap? I have 5 years between my first and second and it was like having another firstborn. The eldest is very mature for their age and was very independent. If they were a different personality or the age gap had been smaller I imagine it would have been tougher.

Eldest was a terrible sleeper whereas second was no bother. Again, this would have had a massive impact on our experience.

I think there are too many variables really for anyone else's experience to have a bearing on yours.

PuttingDownRoots · 15/09/2022 11:20

There will times they both need you now. Unless one is in immediate danger, do the quickest thing first. (Like finish making the breakfast before feeding the baby).

Make time for your eldest.

Enjoy it and good luck.

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