Tips For Preparing For Baby Number 2 – Written By Debbie Fazio, Founder Of Precious Moments Babeez

02/02/2013

If you’re having a second baby, here are some tips to help prepare you for life with a toddler and a newborn!

1. Before baby arrives, wash, fold and sort all your old baby clothes and then organize them by size in clear bins.
2. Make sure to have a second sleeping, feeding and changing station on the main floor so you are not carrying 2 kids up and down the stairs.
3. Start a job jar! All the tasks that you don’t get done before baby comes can go in the job jar and when visitors come offering help, you can direct them to the job jar.
4. Invite friends to your house for a last rendezvous and cooking party to help make a stock pile of healthy food you can freeze for when baby comes.
5. If there are any big changes your toddler will need to make like moving into a different room or going from crib to bed, make sure you do these a few months before baby comes so he doesn’t think he has to give up his room for the baby!
6. Buy your little one a doll and start to teach him about caring for a baby. Get a great “I’m a big brother” Book.
7. If there are any skills you need to teach your toddler, like putting on his coat or tying his shoes, you may want to practice this now. This will help cut prep time when you are ready to take both kids on an outing.
8. Prepare a fun toy bin with some great toys that your little one may not get to play with often. Then have this bin available ONLY as the “baby time” bin. When mommy is feeding, changing or putting baby to sleep, your toddler will be excited to play with the toys in the bin that he usually doesn’t get to play with.
9. Start playing some classical music in your toddlers room when he is sleeping to prevent him from hearing your baby’s cries and being woken up.
10. Make sure to try and keep your toddlers “world” intact as much as you can. If he is currently in daycare, continue him in daycare at least a few days a week. If he currently has swimming lessons, make sure daddy or grandma can bring him to swimming lessons.

To read Debbie’s full blog post, click here. Better yet, join us at our next Mommy Connections Baby Shower. Once your wee one arrives, the three of you can join our Toddler Connections program – the perfect way to spend some quality time with both your tot and infant!