5 Things to know when planning for a second child

While pregnancy is a best period in any woman's life and the first time round doesn't require much of planning other than enough resources, the second pregnancy involves lots of planning from your side both as a couple and most importantly as parents. Hence planning a second pregnancy requires a thorough planning. But worry not; as we will give you a quick run-down of things you need to have or to do while planning a second child. So

When To Plan For A Second Pregnancy?

The ideal gap between the two siblings should be 2 to 3 years. But planning a second pregnancy depends a lot on you as a family. 

How To Prepare Your Child For A Sibling?

Depending on the age of your child and the prospective gap between the children this can be a tricky step to conquer if you are planning for a second child. And conquer it with such smoothness so that there is no scope of bitter sibling rivalry. When you are planning for a second child, you can ensure few things, to help your first born feel loved and wanted before and after the baby is born.

1. Understand the fears and put them to rest: Remember that your first born child, while gets promoted as an elder sibling, is still a child who will need your love and support. And while he or she will be excited at having a sibling there will always be underlying fears like will he have to share the bedroom, wardrobe, toys among other things. And you as a mother need to reassure him that for a while no but eventually yes, he would have to share those things with his brother or sister
2. Spend as much time as possible with your first-born: Once the baby is born you will be giving most of your time to the second child, so ensure that you spend as much time as possible with your first child and tell him that you will be looking up to them in caring for the second child
3. Quench all the queries: Your first born may think that he or she will get a playmate as soon as the baby is born, and that's where you need to make him or her understand that it will take some time for the younger sibling to be able to play with him or her. It is better to make your elder child this beforehand so that there are no disappointments later on

What Are The Other Things I Need To Do If Am Going For A Second Child?

These are other 5 things you need to do-

1. Train your first child: Start training your first born for his/her daily chores like eating meals, using washroom, putting toys/stuff after playing. Train him/her as much as you can. Even if he/she won't do it perfectly well but, do help them understand their day-to-day responsibilities. This will give you a lot of relief, as you won't have to run after him/her for every small thing, after your second pregnancy.
2. Giving much love to your first born: Children get jealous and feel lonely when all of a sudden a new member arrives (especially child). Express your love and keep telling your child that he/she is special. Show your emotions in small matters and try to convince him/her about your feelings.
3. No Hiding/Telling the Truth: Tell your child that he/she is going to be an elder sibling. Convince your child that it will be fun when his/her little brother/sister arrives. Tell him/her the responsibilities of the elder one.
4. Take enough rest and eat well: It has been observed that mother expecting second child become slightly over confident and thus neglect taking extra care during pregnancy. Take proper rest and eat well. Visit your Doctor regularly for check-ups and medicines.
5. Be prepared as a family: As a family it will be your duty to give equal priorities to both your children. In many families it is often seen that the second child is pampered a lot and receives all the attention. It will be your responsibility to treat both the kids in an equal manner.

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