Congratulations!!
Whether you're expecting your 2nd, 3rd or maybe 4th child, this is such an exciting time in your life and for the littlest members of the family it can be a busy, confusing time for them to understand the new changes that are happening.
You will experience all sorts of emotions when preparing for your new little bundle to arrive, and I am here to tell you that these feelings are all SO normal. Having had 3 children myself with big and small age gaps, I have learnt that you should allow yourself to feel these emotions but also be kind to yourself and remember that these feelings are temporary and change is a wonderful thing.
I am in no way a specialist in this field, I am simply a mother myself and these are things I have noticed along the way.
Ways to get prepared before/after baby arrives
- Talk about the new baby frequently before they arrive. Use their name if you have picked one and discuss all the things that will happen once baby arrives. Things like taking baby for a walk in the pram, nappy changes, where they will sleep and what they drink.
- This ones a big one - have them be apart of the process. Let them pick things out for the baby like a toy or outfit and get them use to the new baby items they may see around the house. This is of course if they are old enough to do this.
- Spend one on one time with them. You are inevitably going to become busier once baby arrives but try keep some sort of familiar routine going. If you did bath time, read a book before bed or sit and have breakfast together in the mornings before baby was there then make a point to keep some of those things afterwards. They may not feel like significant things to you, but I can guarantee your toddler will feel different. - consistency is so important.
- This is also a great opportunity for dad to spend some extra one on one time with your toddler by doing something fun, new and exciting!
- Help make them feel important. Allow them to safely have a hold of baby with assistance and ask them to help by getting a nappy or soother for the baby.
4 Things you may notice once baby has arrived
- You may notice some temporary sleep disturbances/regressions happen once the new baby arrives.
- Frustrations and emotions are very common. It is important to reassure your little one that it's okay to feel this way.
- Changes in their behaviour may occur.
- Your child may want to start sleeping in your bed because their new sibling is (or at least in the same room)
Additional tips
- If you are needing to switch rooms prior to baby's arrival, do it as far in advance as possible. This will give them lots of time to settle into their new space before all the baby items start coming out of storage.
- While on this subject, if they are ready to transfer from a cot to a toddler bed again it's best to do this well in advance. When we found out we were expecting our third, our son was at the stage where he could go into a toddler bed which meant we could re-use the cot. We made sure we made the entire process fun and exciting and most importantly about him.
- Getting your toddler a baby doll and teaching them how to be gentle can be a great bonding experience. Pretending to feed, change and snuggling the doll will help with the transition.
- Set up the nursery in advance so your toddler gets use to the new space. The more "old news" this space becomes the better.
I hope you find these tips helpful while preparing for your new journey as a family.
Lastly...
I just want to say that the fact you are concerned enough to be looking for ways to make this stage easier for your little one indicates that you're doing an amazing job and kicking goals as a parent. Try not to be so hard on yourself and if you need help, ask. If someone offers, take it!
I wish nothing but the best of luck to you and your family on this incredibly raw and special time in your life and I hope you one day look back with a full heart knowing that you made the right decision to have kept a piece of this moment to re-visit time and time again.
Are you interested in capturing these moments for yourself? Click the link below and send me an enquiry. I would be absolutely honoured to capture this beautiful stage for you to love and cherish even when years have passed.
Aimee x
