Having a baby after SN child

Re: Having a baby after SN child

• ToastieSimons member

  July 2014

  CONGRATULATIONS!

  
  

  The Random Tandem can connect a stroller and wheelchair

  https://themobilityproject.com/directory/2012/07/tandemconnector.aspx?admgarea=seniors
  

  
  

  I suggest trying babywearing.

  
  

  They're also making a lot more "typical" equipment that can work with kids with special needs.

  
  

  if you have an Ipad

  https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Ipad-Apptivity-Seat-Newborn-to-Toddler/dp/B00EL4NI5U
  

  
  

  floor seat

  https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/fisher-price-deluxe-sit-me-up-floor-seat/1042556190?device=c&network=g&matchtype=&mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_baby_&gclid=COjWvfHP2b8CFSdp7AodWAEA1w
  

  
  

  Baby Einstein for the TV

  
  

  Is he still interested in the baby gyms?  You could get a larger one for him.  Also, I am IN LOVE with this double stroller

  https://www.gracobaby.com/products/pages/ready2grow-click-connect-lx-stand-ride-stroller-glacier.aspx
  

  The front seat reclines flat and it still accomodates and infant carrier in the back

  
  

  The only good thing is that while nursing baby 2 you don't really have to worry about DS1 getting in too much trouble.  

  
  

  My boys are 2 years apart.  I pretty much made a space that I could care for DS2 on the floor and DS1 could play near me (he was crawling and sitting at that point), or I could care for him.

  
  

  I would try to have all of DS1's "meals" measured out before the day starts.  This way when it's meal time it takes less time to get set up. If you're bottle feeding baby2 then premake bottles every morning.

  
  

  The side to side baby swing was our life saver, as well as a rock n play.  Anywhere I could put baby2 down to take care of DS1 was what we needed.  As well as swaddle blankets.  

  
  

  I would put DS2 down in the swing and he only lasted maybe 15 minutes so I would take DS1 and do stretches and twists and work through some of his therapy routine.  

  
  

  For us, DS2 didn't get the same opportunities DS1 did.  DS1 napped on me everyday for 10.5 months.  DS1 went in the crib at 5 months.  A) he hated bedsharing and we needed the time back for DS1. 

  
  

  Lots of coffee. Video monitors. And diapers and wipes and changes of clothes in every room.  I was uncomfortable leaving the kids alone while I ran up and down stairs, so there were diapers and wipes and fresh clothes in the living room, each bedroom, bathroom.  At 3-4 months DS2 started napping consistently and this was needed less.

  
  

  I also premade lunch and snacks for me everyday.  Rarely did I get 10 minutes straight without someone screaming and I was laying on the couch trying to rest much less make food.  It was nice that I could be bouncing a baby on my hip eating a pre made snack.  Also, fill water bottles or a pitcher and put in the fridge.  I'm much more likely to drink it then.  

  
  

  Ask for help if you need it.  Anyway mom or MIL could come stay for 2 weeks after baby2?  This way you can fully recover.  Hire someone once a week to give baby2 attention while you give DS1 attention or vice versa.

  
  

  You will be okay  It will be hard, but once your baby2 gets interactive it will be so good for DS1

  
  

  To my boys:  I will love you for you Not for what you have done or what you will become I will love you for you I will give you the love The love that you never knew
  

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• mommy0411 member

  July 2014

  Congratulations!!!! I third baby wearing! I got a ring sling for DS2 and it was a life saver when he was tiny because I could get him in and out quickly and had my arms free to carry DS1 if I needed to. Also make sure you tell your OB about your DS's special needs. We are trying to get pregnant with #3 and my ob was very interested in the fact that DS1 has autism (he was diagnosed in the middle of my pregnancy with DS2). Good luck!! 

  
  

  
  

  DS1: 4/15/2011

  Dx: ASD, SPD and receptive and expressive speech delay at 21 months

  BFP #2: CP 5/2012

  DS2: 4/24/2013

  BFP #4: Miscarriage at 5 weeks 7/2014

  BFP #5: 8/8/2014 Due 4/20/2015 

  Its a healthy girl!!!!! 

  
  

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• oandmplus1 member

  July 2014

  Baby wearing was survival for me! And I also Second baby video monitors, I put DD in a childproof room with toys and take it with me down the hall if I need to put away laundry, or do my make - up in the morning. DS just comes with me.
  
  Now that DS is getting a little older, I have found as his development is almost on part with hers (and even more advanced in some areas) he has become "helpful". He brings her toys, tries to tickle her and comb her hair. I am just hoping it means as he gets older he will continue to look out for her and help her. He is very sweet with her most of the time (unless it comes to sharing me)

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• Junebug060609 member

  July 2014

  Congrats!

  We have a 3 month old at home in addition to our (almost) 3 year old son who has ASD.  I've found babywearing to be really helpful.  There are times when she wants to be held and he needs dinner and something had to give.  My slipping her into a sling or the ergo solved the problem.  I have a beco Gemini as well...though I need to get it out as it's still packed away.

  I also did what I could to get him prepared for the baby.  Not so much explaining it, though I did talk to him about baby sister that was coming and such, but things like making adjustments in his routines (especially quickening bedtime) and letting him get used to the baby gear. 

  We got a video monitor as well.  We knew his switch to a toddler bed was imminent and wanted a cam in there to spy on him.  We got one that can take two cameras so that we can also watch her.  Very glad we sprung for them, wish I had sooner. 

  BFP#2 2.5.11 (EDD 10.15.11) DS born 9.28.11

  BFP#4 8.27.13 (EDD 5.6.14) DD born 4.23.14
  

   

  
  

  
  

   

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