Preparing For Second Baby

There were so many things about our first baby experience that took us by surprise. For starters, he arrived almost 6 weeks early (you can read all about our birth story here), and we had big issues with baby colic for months afterward. Not to mention how our schedules completely changed, the lack of sleep, and eventually learning to balance life with a baby.

Now, as we prepare for baby #2, we want to make sure that we do everything we can to be ready for our little guy. From how we’re prepping the nursery and hospital bag, to the bottles we plan on using (thanks MAM Comfort™ Pacifier & MAM Easy Start™ Anti-Colic Bottles), to what we’re doing to get emotionally ready!

Shop the MAM Comfort™ Pacifier and MAM Easy Start™ Bottles now at Target.com!

Preparing for second baby: the best advice

Some of the best advice we’ve received so far is fairly simple. As we prepare for our second little guy to arrive, here are some of our favorite tips:

1. Expect some jealousy – it’ll pass.

2. Prepare toddler for new baby, but not too soon.

3. Make older sibling your “big helper”.

What’s some of the best advice you’ve heard so far? Let us know in the comments below!

Products for second baby

When our first born was born, we dealt with a lot of colic issues and ended up doing a mixture of breastfeeding, pumping, bottle feeding, and supplementing with formula. It was not easy, but it was what worked best for us at the time!

This time around we want to make sure we are prepared for anything and any combination of feeding approaches by keeping an open mind and having the right products on hand. We’re planning on using the MAM Comfort™ Pacifier and MAM Easy Start™ Bottles (can be purchased online at Target), which make it easy to switch back and forth between breastfeeding and bottle!

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After some research, we’re loving how the MAM Comfort™ Pacifier has a shield with a cut out for baby’s nose, making it easier to breathe. It also comes with a storage case that doubles as a self-sterilizing case. Perfect for on-the-go and keeping in our diaper bag! Simply put a little bit of water in the case and microwave for about 3 minutes. So easy!

The MAM Easy Start™ Anti-Colic Bottles have an anti-colic system that ensures a smooth flow of milk with no bubbles for relaxed feedings. You can also self-sterilize them by simply placing them in the microwave with a little water for about 3 minutes – no need for extra parts! We’re really excited to start our second baby journey with the right, easy-to-use products.

I also love knowing that MAM has been a trusted brand of parents all over the world for over 40 years. They are truly committed to the health and safety of our family, with no recalls in over 40 years of business!

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Prepping the nursery/hospital bag

Since our second baby will be another boy, we are already equipped with almost everything that we need. Our plan is for our little one to share our bedroom for awhile and then move into the nursery with his older brother. A baby and a toddler sharing a room? I’m definitely taking any advice anyone has for me on that!

In the meantime, we will need to prep the nursery with both sizes of diapers (as our toddler isn’t potty trained yet), clean out our toddler’s clothes to make room for baby clothes, and consider how we will fit a toddler bed in there for later.

We will also need to get our hospital bag ready earlier this time around (we were SUPER unprepared last time and ended up at the hospital with only a granola bar and a bottle of water)! Diapers, several clothing changes for us and the baby, snacks, and my pump will be among the essential items in our hospital bag.

Getting emotionally ready for second baby

Another great piece of advice that I’ve been given: you have the capacity to love your second child as much as the first. As we prepare for our second baby, it’s easy to keep questioning how I will love both children equally and give them both the attention they need. I can’t even fathom that right now, but as many parents assure me, it is possible and will happen naturally.

We’re also focused on preparing our mindset for two kiddos – how we will balance our time, manage our work schedules, and do our best to give them everything they need. Making these healthy freezer meals before we have the baby will also be a big help! Ultimately, it’s important to know that the first few months will be focused on survival and we’re preparing to have grace on ourselves during that time. The best way to prepare for our second baby? Do what we can now, and then take it one day at a time!

What are the best tips you’ve been given for preparing for a second baby? Let us know in the comments below!