I love the suggestion of having family come by to help, but unfortunately we live many hours away from anyone. We have opted to go private for the birth so our families can be there to look after our toddler, which will be a huge help. I’m so envious of those who can have the relo’s come over, or even have a sleep over at theirs

Along with my comments below; the other thing we made sure we did when the family grew was to give each other some ‘me time’ which is so very important. Parenting is a busy role and making sure each parent is also taken care of is so very important for the happiness of the family.

My advice would be to enlist the help of grandparents, aunties, uncles, etc. to babysit the toddler for a couple of hours each week. I found that having a toddler and a newborn tiring. I really appreciated having a couple of hours a week where I could have a mini break to potter around the house or catch a little sleep. Best wishes on the impending birth 🙂

Thank you so much for all the advice and tips! I’ve been asking my toddler if he is excited to help bathe, feed and read to his baby brother and so far it’s an enthusiastic yes. A quiet time basket is a great idea, I’m hopeful my rambunctious dude will learn there are times that being quiet is best, or I’ll have a baby that will adapt to loud noises haha.

Another thing that can be helpful is visiting friends or family members who have a baby. Also one of the things I did when I breast fed my 2nd I would get first a special box out we had assembled together with special toys and activities just for my firstborn. Quite often she would cuddle up against me when I breastfed my second and we would read a book together.

The best advise I can give is to relax and prepare your child(ren) for the arrival of a new sibling. Share your excitement together with your partner with your toddler and involve them in the preperations. We bought a book for my eldest who was just 12 months and 3 weeks when her brother arrived. My eldest was a premature baby too so she was basically still a baby when my our second arrives. Involve your toddler in the care and make sure to have one on one with your toddler too

We actually found after the first child that every thing was a little easier because of the experience gained through having the first child. We already had everything we needed in the way of clothes and toys and other items needed for a baby. As always, we enjoyed the time and also had a schedule in place to help with the needs of a new baby.

When I was pregnant with our second son both my husband and I would talk in very positive ways to explain to our first born all the fun things that him and his brother could do and that as a big boy he can help mummy with his brother like help bath him, help getting fresh nappies, giving him big cuddles. He adapted really quickly. While newborn slept I would play with or read to my oldest

You’ve totally got this. Even though every child is different, you’re now an experienced mum, and you’ll be amazed how you can juggle with a baby and a toddler. While you’re feeding bub, have the toddler sit near or next to you and you can read to them or have a fun ‘quiet time’ basket to get activities out of. Be kind to yourself. Accept any help offered. If people ask what you need, tell them. And if you have showered, done washing and fed your kids, you’ve had an awesome day!

I honestly found two much easier than one.
My eldest as a bub was pretty full on and number two was totally different and a good sleeper so i guess i had them in the right order.
As bub grew the two of them would entertain each other rather then demanding of my attention to entertain all the time.
Remember there are no strict rules and you do you. Find what works for you and forge ahead with that.

Firstly, congratulations!!! We had our second when our first was about 16 months old and it was a challenge. We made sure to include our eldest in all taks like feeding where possible, bathing and changing. It made him feel like he was such a big help and to be honest he was. We also kept time aside just for him. Havinging a new baby brings so many changes for a toddler so a little extra love will ease that.