Tips for first few weeks needed!

samiam2304

Those of you who already have 2u2, what tips can u give me for the first few weeks. Things that made it easier, harder, what I can do to prepare. Also, any tips I can give DH are appreciated.

TIA!!! 

Monsieur_et_Madame_Ha

Double strollers are nice, but when it comes to going to the park and such, I much prefer to carry the baby in the sling. Didn't have a sling doe DD1 and now I wish I did because I LOVE IT. lol.

Don't be afraid to accept help. With DD1, I wanted to prove to the world that I could do it all. This time around? Not so much. I KNOW I can do it all if I have to, but if someone wants to help, why deny them, right? 

Not sure how much your LO will understand about this whole "new baby" concept, but I know my DD1 loves to get involved in caring for the baby. I'll admit her helping doesn't help me at all most of the time lol, but that way she doesn't feel left out. Here are some things I let her "help" with: bath time (I set the plastic tub on our kitchen counter, DD will stand on a chair, wash cloth in hand, and she will "wash" the baby), nursing (she will just sit next to me and pat the baby's head, kiss her, etc.), diaper change (she'll grab a wipe and hand it to me)

kcisthebombdotcom

Prep everything you can before the kids are up for the day. Keep supplies for changing diapers in every room of the house. Keep snacks/water/books next to the chair you feed your baby in so you're not scrambling to find supplies when the baby needs to eat. Try not to spend the end of your pregnancy worrying about how everything is going to work out and enjoy. Everything will fall into place when baby arrives and you will eventually find a routine that works for you.

I also agree with the PP that have your oldest help out in any way he can and give lots of praise. This will promote independence in your older child.

GL!

kattyleigh

Sorry for the ginormous paragraph, on my phone. Remind yourself that you did not do anything hurtful to your older child by giving them a sibling so close in age. I think all of us felt that hormonally-driven guilt like "what have I done, now my LO hates me" but reminding myself that I gave her a lifelong playmate really helped. Now she's totally smitten with him. Also, know that it will take you an extra hour or so to get everyone fed and out the door. The logistics of 2under2 are impossible at first (how the hell am I supposed to put both kids/gear/me and my coffee in the car at the same time??) but eventually you'll find what works best for you and go with it. Finally, have a lot of distraction tools for your older LO. Seems they love to do dangerous/naughty things like dance on the kitchen table just when you get #2 to latch. My DD is obsessed with Elmo so often she got to watch Sesame Street while #2 and I figured out how to nurse.