Preparing for a Second Child

Having a second child can make you a little nervous just thinking about juggling two kids and taking care of the family. You may also be worried about the increased daily budget allocation you will have to consider once your second baby is born. Although more than the budgetary concerns, most mothers are more concerned about raising two children well and helping them develop physically, mentally and emotionally.

Before you consider having another child, it is advisable that you focus first on your first child and give him a little time to be an only child for a while - at least three years - five is ideal. However, as parents, we know that sometimes we can't wait to have another baby because time is a-ticking or we want our children to have a close age range. Whatever your reason, it is best to be prepared for a second child before he comes.

1. Fix your finances. A second child will mean more expenses on milk, diapers, baby furniture, clothes and trips to the doctor. Although some of the baby stuff can be hand-me-downs from your firstborn such as crib, stroller and some clothes; a second child will still mean more expenses for you so it's best to start saving for his arrival. You will also need to put in more money into your emergency fund for incidentals.

2. Prepare his quarters. Where will your newborn sleep? It might not be advisable to room him in with your first child especially if the older child is still in his toddlers because children are naturally curios beings and he could end up hurting the newborn or hurting himself. He might also be irritated with the constant crying of a newborn and when this happens, you will have to pacify two very irate babies.

3. Talk to your first child about the arrival of his sibling. This is the most important task you will have to do before your second child is born. You will have to explain to your first child what his role is going to be concerning his younger sibling.

He may get jealous because they do not understand why you are not paying as much attention to him since the new baby came. Involve him in the preparation for the new baby and explain the importance of being an older brother. This way, he will not feel excluded.

4. Ask for help! A second child can be very overwhelming especially right after giving birth. You will feel postpartum blues and this may greatly affect your mood and your emotional/mental health. Before you feel that the world is on your shoulders, talk to your family and friends about having to ask for their help once in awhile once the baby is born.

Better still, check out nanny and housekeeping services that you can call every now and then. List down all the numbers of the people you'd want to call for help and post it where you can easily see it. Fix a daily schedule for your firstborn so he will have activities that will occupy him if he is still not going to school.