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If you have a small toddler or an older child who is soon to become a new brother or sister, you can do a wide plethora of things to prepare them for becoming a sibling.
Alongside preparing your existing children for life as an older sibling, however, there is also a multitude of things that you as a parent should know before the arrival of your new baby.
So, with this in mind, here are eight things you need to know when you are about to have a second baby.
1. You Are Much More Likely To Show Earlier
Although some people often dismiss this as an old wife’s tale, according to copious research by medical professionals, it is true to say that you are likely to show much earlier during the pregnancy of your second child than you did with your first.
Therefore, if you plan on keeping your second pregnancy private and only telling close friends and family for the first few months, it is advisable to stock up on free-flowing dresses and smock tops to cover the bump!
2. People Might Treat You Differently The Second Time Around
During your first pregnancy, it is highly likely that your close friends and family members treated you with ‘kid gloves’ and fussed around you each and every day.
However, with your second pregnancy, even though you may be experiencing the same worries and feeling similar levels of stress, many people will assume you know exactly what you’re doing and you don’t need any extra tender loving care because you have done it once before – but this isn’t always the case! It’s important to reach out, communicate with your support network, and ask for help if you need it.
3. Your Second Labor is Likely to Be Faster
Although this is not the case for every single mommy the second time around, one thing you are probably exceedingly pleased to learn is that your second labor is typically a little faster than your first.
Therefore, when it comes to the last few months and weeks of your pregnancy, it is wise not to stray too far from your home and your hospital overnight bag, as the baby is likely to want to say hello sooner rather than later.
4. You Should Buy New Baby Items
For the most part, it is natural for second-time mothers to think that everything they used for their first baby they can use again for their second. f you have fed the first child with certain baby formula, this does not necessarily mean that the same formula will suit the second child. Make sure to check reputable online stores such as https://themilkybox.com/ with a large offer of organic gold standard baby formulas to make the best choice for your baby.
However, the reality is that even expensive and sturdier items experience general wear and tear, and in some cases, you may even be compromising the safety of your child if you reuse certain things. For example, it might be better to invest in new items that are needed for your baby’s safety and security, especially larger and more important equipment like cribs and strollers.
You might not actually need a whole new stroller, but you and your baby could at least benefit from getting a few new parts or accessories to bring an older one up to modern standards. For inspiration, check out our top five Nuna accessories for your stroller.
5. You Will Generally Feel More Relaxed
Of course, this is certainly somewhat of a generalization, but for the most part, you have essentially ‘been there and done that’ when it comes to each stage of the pregnancy process.
As a result, it’s often that second-time mothers tend to apply more logic to a situation and avoid jumping to the worst possible conclusion when something isn’t quite right.
Their more experienced and rational approach to their second pregnancy usually leads to a greater overall sense of calm and relaxation, which is definitely healthy for mommy and baby.
