Preparing For Second Baby

Are you ready for baby number 2? Are you ever really prepared? That’s a whole other story! But, in all seriousness- whether you planned on have more than one baby or want to make your child a big brother or sister … you may be ready for another adventure.

Every family is different, and what may work for one family may not work for another. Family planning is a whole new ballgame. It’s exciting and nerve-racking, to say the least. Can you picture yourself with a double stroller? How about having an infant car seat and convertible car seat in your car? Are you ready for extra chaos and tiredness? There are no right or wrong answers, of course.

You and your partner can ask yourself some questions to help decide the next step to take. And if you ARE trying and it’s not happening—we have some advice on having a second child that can help.

★Should You Have Second Baby?

Fortunately, it’s only up to you and your partner to decide when the right time to have a second child is. If you started to get “baby fever” again, it may be something to look into!

• Would you prefer long periods of time between pregnancies so you can devote enough “special time” to only one child?
• Do you want to space children far apart to decrease possible sibling competitiveness?
• Do you wish your kids could be close in age so they can play with each other?
• How do you feel about sleepless nights and dirty diapers all over again?

If you answered “Yes” to the first two questions, you might want to wait a little bit longer to have baby #2. If you answered “Yes” to the last two questions, it might be time to start making your second little guy or girl!

We apologize for your head spinning, but of course, there are other factors to keep in mind as you decide on your future. Your family finances, child-care choices, biological clock, and work responsibilities are just some other aspects that come into play while making this life-altering decision!

Having children is a true joy in life, however spacing scenario you may choose. There are pros and cons for both. For example, two kiddos in diapers will love playing with each other (and sharing toys and clothes!). But they may become more prone to “sibling rivalry.” However, some experts feel that the likelihood of sibling rivalry can decrease when parents celebrate individuality and treat kids fairly, not equally.

Alternatively, having children further apart allows you to have more one-on-one time with each child. Your kids may not be playmates when they are young, but no doubt they have a good chance of being best friends when older. Your eldest will always look out for the youngest! Just keep in mind when you want to become “empty nesters.”

Also, it’s important to note that having kids will constantly be exhausting no matter what the age! Especially having a second baby with a toddler, at least we think so. Plus, the whole sleeping thing is up in the air.

★ Preparing For A Second Pregnancy

Prior to conceiving your first baby, you probably wanted to be as healthy as possible. It definitely is the same the second time around! However, you may find it somewhat challenging to take care of yourself and possibly when taking care of a toddler. Taking care of a toddler sometimes leaves less time for taking care of you. Therefore, we recommend taking prenatal vitamins prior to conceiving.

Taking a prenatal vitamin from a trusted brand is like a mini-insurance policy, ensuring that your body has all the nutrients it needs to help you and a growing baby thrive. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends women try to avoid becoming pregnant within six months of giving birth and ideally waiting at least 18 months to help give your body enough time to restore depleted nutrient stores. ACOG also recommends women take prenatal vitamins at least three months prior to conceiving a baby to get your reproductive back in baby-making shape. Even though the chances of early labor with second baby are slim (around 20%), it is best that your body be in the best shape as possible.

These guidelines may not be for everyone, so if you are thinking of having a baby sooner rather than later, always check with your OB/GYN for personalized recommendations.

★ Getting Pregnant A Second Time

No two pregnancies are the same. Do you remember what labor felt like? Or what those little baby kicks felt like? How early can you feel a baby move in second pregnancy? Are you ready for all of that again? How about adding another little one to your family? Although you are giving your child a beautiful gift—a best friend for life—it also comes with many conflicting emotions. There are so many emotions that happen between trying to conceive and actually getting pregnant. Is it harder to get pregnant the second time? Unfortunately, it can take some couples longer than they imagined, which opens up a whole different container of emotions.

Sometimes, couples may experience secondary infertility, which is infertility that happens after you had your first baby. It can be difficult to get pregnant for a second time.

Click here for more info on Feed Mom & Me Complete Prenatal with DHA, a great prenatal vitamin for second child!

★ Second Baby Checklist

Having more than one child brings lots more to love and sometimes more stress than you would like. Back-to-back babies can stress you for several reasons, but of course, there are a lot of pluses too!

The pros of back-to-back pregnancies

• If you’re concerned about your age and fertility, starting a second pregnancy sooner will help you face those concerns.
• Your first baby will keep you moving and grooving, which helps with exercise, which is so good during pregnancy (plus you’ll be so busy you may not even recognize any pregnancy symptoms!).
• You are always ready for mom life and probably have all the up-to-date baby gadgets, gear, and toys that your younger one will need.
• Both of your kids may have common interests and play together. They will learn from each other.
• You’re amazing at all things baby!

The cons of back-to-back pregnancies

• You won’t be able to rest as much as you did during your first pregnancy. Hello toddler years!
• You may feel tired all the time.
• Having two kids back-to-back leaves less time to save money.

Having a second baby is definitely an added expense no matter when it happens, but the timing of your second pregnancy can significantly affect any finances. Especially if you come up with all of those second baby must haves! Try coming up with a family budget together and make sure to discuss everything from existing payments to any additional costs to prevent any surprises!

There’s so much to consider when trying for baby number two. Ultimately, only you know what’s best for you and your family (and your body!).

★ Best Prenatal Vitamin For Second Pregnancy

One of the best over-the-counter prenatal vitamins after giving birth is Feed Mom & Me Complete Prenatal with DHA.

This prenatal is formulated by an OBGYN & Registered Dietitian, containing all the nutrients needed during and after pregnancy. Each small and easy-to-swallow pill is packed with 22 key natural nutrients to provide nutritional support for you and your breastfeeding newborn. It contains calcium, iron, folate, vitamins A, E, C, D, and B complex, iron, choline, DHA, magnesium, iodine, selenium, and zinc.

The vegetarian formula is free of artificial colors or flavors, chemicals, preservatives, non-GMO, non-dairy, soy-free, and is gluten-free. Each of the capsules contains Vitamin D, B-12, Selenium, Zinc, DHA and Iron to help give you energy to take care of your first child

Adding to that, it is a women-owned company. Who better than a female would understand pregnancy!

Click here for more info on Feed Mom & Me Complete Prenatal with DHA, a great pre-pregnancy pill!