How to prepare for the arrival of a second child?

Before the arrival of the second child: activate preparation mode

Preparing your firstborn for the arrival of a second child

Just as you anticipate the arrival of your future little wonder, prepare your firstborn too. Explain to them what is going to happen. You love them, and you've decided to grow your bubble of love — also known as your family. Read our interview with coach Maëlys Le Levreur, who explains it beautifully. We don't apologize for bringing a new baby into the world — it's our choice as parents. That said, you can involve your firstborn in the preparations, like choosing the comfort toy!

Putting together your newborn layette

Sort through your first child's belongings. Clothing, furniture, crib, changing table, Moses basket, stroller… Depending on the birth date, the season, and their condition, some items will get a second life. After sorting, you'll have a clearer picture of what you need now.

Arranging childcare on the day of your delivery

To avoid stress, plan ahead for who will look after your firstborn on the day of delivery. Grandparents, trusted neighbors, friends, babysitters… Let them know they are part of your emergency contacts and may be called at any time. In advance, also pack your child's bag with them — the one they'll take if they sleep somewhere else — to create a fun and special moment together.

Changes to make gradually

The arrival of a new little one is sometimes the perfect opportunity to change beds for your firstborn. Since they're going to become a big brother or big sister, it's time to move up to a big kid's bed (and incidentally because you need to reclaim their baby crib)!

If they are very attached to their crib or still too young, don't deprive them of their sanctuary. There are alternatives such as cradles or Moses baskets for a newborn's first months.

If they're ready, then celebrate this milestone as it deserves. Value your little one who is growing up and, most importantly, do it well before your due date. Not only will the transition be smoother, but you'll also avoid too much change when you come home from the maternity ward.

Our tips for preparing for the arrival of a new baby

Planning a celebration for your new family

The idea is to welcome the baby, but also to celebrate your new family! Include your firstborn in these preparations and in the celebration. They could organize it with the co-parent or family while the mother is at the maternity ward with the baby.

Stop feeling guilty

Even if your time isn't always unlimited, your love is. Your heart is going to grow by several sizes — and so will the whole family's! So stop thinking that your firstborn is unhappy because they no longer have all your attention. Instead, they have a little brother (or little sister) with whom they'll share countless laughs and a relationship for the rest of their life.

Accept

When you come home from the maternity ward, your first child may go through different phases: jealousy, regression ("since everyone is only taking care of the baby, I'll become a baby again too")… This last phase is sometimes necessary to help them find their place. Your mantra will be: "every phase is temporary."

Include

Finally, you can involve your firstborn in daily life with your newborn. Ask them simple questions like "the baby is crying, do you think they're hungry?" The idea isn't to give your child responsibility, but to make them feel involved!

To go further, listen to this episode of La Matrescence.

The Charlie Crane Team