The Do’s and Don’ts for Baby #2

Preparing yourself and your partner for your first baby is a seemingly insurmountable task, so once you tackle it, prepping for any future children sounds like a breeze. But with a little one at home, you’re guaranteed to be more distracted (and tired) as you get ready for baby number two. Here is a list of the do’s, don’ts, can’t-forgets and don’t-worry-abouts as you continue your journey through parenthood.

1. DO: Spend as much time with baby number one as you can! Lots of things will change when your second one arrives, so give some serious TLC to your first born now.
2. DON’T: Forget to pack a hospital bag. This will likely be the last thing on your mind with a little one already at home, but you’ll be happy you remembered when you aren’t stuck in a hospital gown for two days.
3. DO: Prep your first child for the new baby’s arrival. Whether it’s letting him/her feel the baby kick or simply talking about how things will change post-baby (like not being able to sleep in mommy’s bed), this should make the transition slightly easier for your eldest.
4. DON’T: Worry about checking everything off your list. First-time moms have quite a bit more time to make lists, and chances are you don’t have that kind of time with baby number 1 on your mind. Take care of the basics and let go of the unnecessary wants for now. Your second child will be just fine without the matching pajama sets.
5. DO: Cook and freeze meals while you still have some time. Being able to pop a meal into the microwave when you’re nursing at 3 am will be so much easier than trying to order takeout in the middle of the night.
6. DON’T: Be afraid to ask for help. Just because you’ve done this before doesn’t mean it won’t be hard (and exhausting). Remember the saying “It takes a village?” It still applies with two kids.
7. DO: Take care of yourself! You may not be able to get a full 8 hours of sleep or make it to yoga twice a week, but even walking around your neighborhood and remembering to take your vitamins will make a difference.
8. DO: Consider banking baby number two’s cord blood. Knowing you have a plan for both babies’ health will help you sleep a little better at night (or whenever you manage to get some shut-eye).

Download a free Americord info kit to learn more about how cord blood banking could be the right choice for you and your family.