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Books for parenting siblings w/ a very small age gap

3 replies

MxK · 24/11/2023 10:35

Hi,
I’ve got a DS who will be turning 1 in Jan and am expecting a DD a few weeks later (13 month age gap)
I’ve been looking all over for a book to help with learning to manage having a newborn with another child that is still so young- particularly for the first year or so.
All the ones I’ve come across offer advice that I feel is mostly aimed at siblings with an age gap of 2+ years
Has anyone got any recommendations?
(P.S. I live on my own so I’d prefer a book that didn’t repeatedly tell me to delegate certain tasks to my partner- another common theme I’ve found in books about having a second child)

Thanks in advance x

OP posts:
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luckbealadytonight · 24/11/2023 12:24

I don't think you'll find a book but make a thread asking for tips from other mums with a small age gap and you'll get lots of replies.

I've got a 16mo age gap and I've found people so, so helpful as we all know how hard it can be.

There's a '2 under 2 UK only' group on Facebook that's very active. Sometimes it's just people having a vent but you also get some good advice on there.

You need to be super organised. Start making a list now of all the stay & plays in your area something for everyday of the week. Only do drop ins - don't bother with anything you have to book termly as that turns in to a stress trying to make it. Holy grail is safe space for older child to play without your input with tea and biscuits available (at least).

Follow older child's routine, DC2 just have to slot in as best they can.

Get a baby carrier for the first 3 mo and then explore a double buggy.

Cook a dinner that can be lunch tomorrow as often as humanly possible.

Eat out whenever you can, avoiding cooking and mess.

Rotate your toys. Only getting a few out at a time. Avoiding a big clean up and keeping the interest fresh.

Think now about how you are going to approach DC1's nap time. How will you put him down if baby is awake? Will he nap in the pram or the car?

Can you make sure that baby is asleep before you need to be DC1 down? Which would mean waking baby up at the same time everyday so you can actually plan wake windows and nap time to line up with what you need.

I could go on and on...

I reckon it's easier the smaller the gap!!

MxK · 25/11/2023 12:28

@luckbealadytonight Great idea thanks, dk why I didn't just do that in the first place?? 😅
Much better than paying for one persons opinion on the subject
And thanks sm for all the advice too!!
I hear that a lot (that smaller age gaps are easier)and it's all about getting into a routine

OP posts:
joelmillersbackpack · 25/11/2023 12:32

Best advice I heard was to make lunch in the morning so you can serve it quickly rather than trying to make it when everyone’s hungry.

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