What do I need to do to prepare?

herlysgirly

I am definitely a list type person.  I had a big to-do list (for myself and DH, lol!) that included baby-related, as well as house, and relationship-type things to do before DD came. 

In about 16 more weeks, I'll have two little ones (20 months apart)... and for some reason, feel like I haven't even started getting ready.  I have bought some blue outfits, as this one is a boy - but other than that, I guess I keep thinking I have time.  I know how fast the end goes though, and with a toddler and a big belly in the hot summer, I'm worried it might be harder to "get ready" this time around.  

Any suggestions on things I need to be doing to prepare for two under two?  I don't need to change the nursery, or things like that, as we went neutral on all the big stuff .  I'm going to be transitioning to being a SAHM in about four weeks.  Here are a couple of things I'm thinking about right now:

• Did you do anything to prepare your first child for being "big" brother or sis?
• Most likely going to be tandem nursing - any "prep" for this?
• Anything I can do/set up around the house to make things easier that first week or two?  All I can think of right now is to freeze ahead some meals.
• Anything else that you wish someone with 2under2 had advised you to do beforehand?

Thanks ladies!! 

 

CaitlinJ22

I would just point out babies a lot, talk about the baby, where is baby etc. They are too young to know much more. Baby dolls may help some, show how to be gentle with animal or baby you know...that stuff can help. 

As for nursing maybe go to a LLL mtg and bring DD and show her little babies nurse too, or if you have a friend who is nursing that may help. Or if you have pics of her nursing when she was a newborn.

Im not into freezer meals but I stocked up on basics liek pasta, rice, detergent, TP, tissues, soap etc all that was on sale and I had coupons for.

I would also set up two diapering stations, makes it easier. Make sure one is where DD plays so you can watch her.

Also baby proof the main area of your home so you can nurse and watch her at the same time knowing she wont go upstairs or grab knives from the drawers in the kitchen.

Lists help me too, so make them so you can feel organized. Just make sure you take some breaths and enjoy this time too.

You are smart to do things now...I am too tired to do anything right now! 

Qmommy

I just talked to DD1 about having a baby in my belly and that we were going to bring her home.  We set up her nursery and again talked about baby sister.  We also read some books about being a big sister.  DD1 is 18 months older than DD2.  

I am a tandem nursing mama and let me tell you, it is a lot easier than I thought it was going to be.  There's no preparing really, you just do what you gotta do when the time comes.  DD1 was okay with DD2 nursing but she wanted to nurse with her.  So there were a few times where I was nursing both at the same time.  That was a little challenging but I have since managed to set boundaries with DD1 and she stopped wanting to nurse when ever DD2 nursed.  DD1 is now only nursing at bedtime.  One thing you may want to do is set up toddler snacks (as well as mama snacks) where you are going to nurse.  I also nurse on the floor or while walking around with DD1.  I didn't want her day to slow down simply because I had to nurse.  So DD2 is often nursing on the go.  

 If you don't have one, invest in a good baby carrier.  I have the ergo and use it often.  It's definitely the way to go when grocery shopping.   

Lastly,  you will have more energy post pregnancy than you will at the end of your pregnancy.  You can do this!  

Oh - I share this with everyone because I loved how it worked out.  I had to be in the hospital for 2 days after DD2 was born because I was GBS+ and didn't have enough time for antibiotics (only labored for 2.5 hours with DD2 and was only at the hospital 15 minutes before she was born).  I didn't want DD1 to come to the hospital to meet her sister then have to leave me there.  So I waited until the morning I was discharged to have my MIL bring DD1 to the hospital.  When she got there I made sure DD2 was in the bassinet when she entered the room.  That way DD1 came to me and we could welcome DD2 to our family rather than have DD1 join our new family.  I also set up the video camera in the corner of the room so their meeting was caught on camera!  I love that video!   After they met I had the nurse come in and check us out.  We left as a family of 4.   

CaitlinJ22

Qmommy:

I just talked to DD1 about having a baby in my belly and that we were going to bring her home.  We set up her nursery and again talked about baby sister.  We also read some books about being a big sister.  DD1 is 18 months older than DD2.  

I am a tandem nursing mama and let me tell you, it is a lot easier than I thought it was going to be.  There's no preparing really, you just do what you gotta do when the time comes.  DD1 was okay with DD2 nursing but she wanted to nurse with her.  So there were a few times where I was nursing both at the same time.  That was a little challenging but I have since managed to set boundaries with DD1 and she stopped wanting to nurse when ever DD2 nursed.  DD1 is now only nursing at bedtime.  One thing you may want to do is set up toddler snacks (as well as mama snacks) where you are going to nurse.  I also nurse on the floor or while walking around with DD1.  I didn't want her day to slow down simply because I had to nurse.  So DD2 is often nursing on the go.  

 If you don't have one, invest in a good baby carrier.  I have the ergo and use it often.  It's definitely the way to go when grocery shopping.   

Lastly,  you will have more energy post pregnancy than you will at the end of your pregnancy.  You can do this!  

Oh - I share this with everyone because I loved how it worked out.  I had to be in the hospital for 2 days after DD2 was born because I was GBS+ and didn't have enough time for antibiotics (only labored for 2.5 hours with DD2 and was only at the hospital 15 minutes before she was born).  I didn't want DD1 to come to the hospital to meet her sister then have to leave me there.  So I waited until the morning I was discharged to have my MIL bring DD1 to the hospital.  When she got there I made sure DD2 was in the bassinet when she entered the room.  That way DD1 came to me and we could welcome DD2 to our family rather than have DD1 join our new family.  I also set up the video camera in the corner of the room so their meeting was caught on camera!  I love that video!   After they met I had the nurse come in and check us out.  We left as a family of 4.   

I very much agree about having the baby in the bassinet when LO comes in. I let DS discover her, and I know he would have cried if I was holding her when he hadnt seen me in a while.  

celiabwatson

Did you do anything to prepare your first child for being "big" brother or sis? I tried but he wasn't interested at all. He adjusted beautifully though.Most likely going to be tandem nursing - any "prep" for this? We're tandem nursing and it's the best thing ever. It means there's less time when I'm nursing and the toddler is running around. There's not really any prep necessary, but you could read "adventures in tandem nursing". It's a great book and talks about nursing during pregnancy as well as tandem nursing. My favorite part was seeing the different positions mamas nursed in with two.Anything I can do/set up around the house to make things easier that first week or two? I agree to toddler proof the area where you will nurse, and have a basket of books and toys available. I also agree with the two changing areas idea. We only have the one changing table in the room they share and it's a problem, both when they're sleeping and also when the little one needs to be changed and the older one is playing. Anything else that you wish someone with 2under2 had advised you to do beforehand? I revamped my diaper bag situation. I didn't like carrying everything with me, and it was challenging to change the baby while we were out somewhere anyway. I made a diaper changing basket for my car. It lives in the trunk and has wipes, diapers and changes of clothes for both kids as well as a changing pad. When possible I take the kids to the car to change them, and I change both at once even if it's not totally necessary. I have a small diaper bag with snacks, baby toys and wipes. that I carry with me on short errands and a larger bag with diaper changing supplies for longer trips (zoo, museums etc). It's working great.

wootownlady

To everyone - this is all great advice. I'm taking notes. Thank you!