Growing families - how to prepare for baby number 2
You’re having another baby—congratulations! You may be wondering how much your life is going to change with another baby. On the one hand, you’ve been around this block before. You know how to deal with the lack of sleep/endless crying/feeding thing now. But how will you do all that with your toddler in tow? It’s true that having a second child does mean double the work, but fortunately, it also means double the love. Here are a few things you’ll need to do to prepare for baby number two
What sort of car seat will you need?
Like the first time around, you will definitely need a new car seat before the baby arrives. The question is: do you move your older child into a new seat or do you buy a new seat for the newborn?
Firstly, will you be doing lots of pick-ups and drop-offs with the newborn in tow? If so, you might want to consider buying a Britax Safe-n-Sound Unity or Steelcraft capsule. You can clip it in and out of the car and simply carry it on your arm if you’re ducking into preschool. Lots of parents say they couldn’t have lived without a capsule when their second child was little.
If space is at a premium in your backseat, consider the Britax Safe-N-Sound Graphene Tex. It allows rear facing up until 2-3 years and its narrow and compact installed depth make it a great car seat for growing families. Up to 3 seats can easily fit in the back seat. Plus, the combination of Thermo5® high performance bamboo charcoal fabric and Nanotex® liquid barrier technology means little accidents like water or milk simply bead up and roll off the seat, while your baby stays dry and comfortable.
If your older child is starting to outgrow their current seat, you might want to consider upgrading their car seat. For toddlers and pre-schoolers, you can’t go past the Safe-n-Sound Maxi Guard Pro +. Not only is it fitted with super comfortable Thermo5® fabric, but it’s Britax’s most advanced harnessed car seat and is suitable for children up to approximately eight years of age. It features memory foam body conforming properties for extra comfort as well as dual layer head and torso Side Impact Cushion Technology to minimise crash impact forces and protect your child.
Will you need a double pram?
Now you’re out of the house, what will you need to get around? There will be a few factors you’ll need to think about when you’re considering a double pram. How old will your older child be? Do they like being in the pram or do they prefer walking?
Instead of investing in a two-across double stroller, look into a convertible tandem stroller like the Britax Flexx, Steelcraft Strider Compact Deluxe edition or Steelcraft Strider Signature. All of these strollers allow you to add a second seat with a range of forward and rear facing configurations. It’s a perfect solution for an older child who can walk some days but other days needs a little rest in the stroller.
How will you cope at home?
Getting two children ready in the morning can be quite different from just one. Your morning routine has to be done while also navigating feeding a new baby and getting a clingy toddler ready for the day. Lots of new parents recommend preparing everything you can in the evening. Have your shower, pack your nappy bag, get snacks ready, even pack the car if you can. Then in the morning, all you need to do is get everyone dressed, fed and out the door.
Also consider getting a rocker for your baby, like the Steelcraft Melange Rocker. It has a safe, harnessed seat that you can put your baby in while you do all the other things you need to do. You can choose a stationary or rocking position and it even comes with removable toys so when bub is a bit older, it will keep them entertained.
Go easy on yourself
It’s no secret, the transition from one to two can be tough. But this is not the time to put pressure on yourself. Accept all offers of help, whether it’s meals, babysitting, cleaning or just some company. Realise that some days, you won’t get out of the house and that’s ok. And most of all remember that although it’s tough now, this too will pass and soon you’ll be parenting two children like a pro! You’ve got this.
