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If you have recently found out you’re expecting a new baby then there could be many things flying around your head. If you already have children you might panic that they won’t have enough of your time with a newborn around. Having more than one child is all about time management and it can be done. The most important thing to remember is not to burn yourself out, you need to conserve energy when you are pregnant and try to keep stress to a minimum. Check out the list below to find out how you can not only prepare yourself for a new baby but your home and family as well.
Involve Siblings
If you already have children around the house then it can be exciting telling them that they are going to be a big brother or sister. You can tell them in a simplified way, depending on their age and understanding. Alternatively, you could throw a big reveal party for them and bring in a photographer to capture the precious moment. Those images can then be put onto a canvas and put in your child’s room so they remember the time they were promoted.
If you are currently breastfeeding your children then it might be a good idea to explain that they will soon have to share their feeding zone. If they are too young to understand then it can be slightly more tricky than explaining it to an older child. It might take some adjusting but tandem breastfeeding is totally possible with two children of different ages. If you struggle when your newborn arrives then it might be worth speaking to your midwife or health visitor who will be able to help you.
Get The Nursery Ready
When you reach the 3rd trimester, you might want to start getting the nursery ready. If you have a spare room that you plan on converting to a nursery then make sure you have all hands on deck. You can do it yourself, but it can be hard work taking on every task yourself. Plan where you are going to put everything, from the cot to the changing table and wardrobe. Make sure you don’t put your baby’s crib or cot by the radiator or underneath any shelves. The last thing you want is for your baby to get injured while they should be safe in their room.
Many places offer matching nursery furniture which typically consists of a cot which converts to a bed, a wardrobe, a chest of drawers, and a changing table. It can vary slightly but it sometimes makes it a bit cheaper to buy as a set. That way you have matching furniture as well so it doesn’t look all mismatched in the room. Keep the colours neutral as you don’t want anything that will disturb your baby and keep them awake at night. Make sure you invest in a good nursing chair that you can use for the night feeds.
Hold A Baby Shower
Something you might have always dreamed of is a baby shower. This can be a great way to get everyone together and have a last party before the baby comes along. It is also a wonderful way to kit out the nursery, saving you money. Your friends and family could get you and the baby presents such as bottles, clothing, sanitary items, and even more prestigious gifts such as buggies and car seats. If you are receiving gifts then it might be nice to put together a wish list so your friends and family know what you still want and need. A baby shower is usually made up of mini games and cake.
Write Your Birth Plan
At some point during your pregnancy you will want to write out your birth plan. This ensures that when you are in labour and may not be able to make decisions that your wishes are fulfilled. Your doctors, midwives, and nurses will check your birth plan in your notes and follow it as closely as they can. Do be aware that if the situation is unsafe then doctors will stray from your plan. However, they will tell you of any changes as and when they happen. They will also tell you why they are happening, for instance you may not be able to have a water birth if you need to have constant heart rate monitoring. Be realistic and flexible when it comes to your birth plan as you don’t want to be disappointed or disheartened when it doesn’t go as planned.
Head On A Babymoon
Finally, before your baby arrives it might be nice to head on a babymoon. This is a small getaway with you and your partner so you can focus on yourselves and unwind a bit before your world is turned upside down by a newborn. Babymoons only recently became popular but they really work for some people. It is all about timing when it comes to jetting off, if you are planning on flying make sure you do this before your 28th week of pregnancy. A lot of airlines restrict pregnant women flying due to the risk of giving birth while in the air.
Speak to your other half and see if they do want to go somewhere to celebrate you as a couple. Of course, you don’t have to go abroad. Instead you could organise a staycation somewhere local to where you live. If pregnancy is taking its toll on you, the last thing you want to do is sit on a plane for several hours. There are so many wonderful places to explore in your home country, it is all about finding them. If you want to take children with you then this is also possible, you don’t have to leave them at home while you have all the fun. How about a babymoon to Disney! This might sound killer but as long as you take regular breaks then you will have a wonderful time.
I hope you found this article helpful and that it gave you some key tips and tricks on how you can deal with being pregnant and introducing a new baby into your life and home. Things may not always be smooth sailing but being a parent doesn’t come with a handbook. Navigate the highs and lows, keep the children happy, and remember to take some much needed time to yourself occasionally.
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