Preparing for Baby Number 2: 11 Tips From Real Moms

Whether you’re considering having a second child, you’re deciding whether to start trying again, or you’re already pregnant with baby number two, we’re here to help with top tips on how to prepare for baby number 2! Whatever situation you’re in, it’s definitely a whirlwind of emotions: questions, doubts, happiness, worries, concerns, and excitement.

Hearing from other mamas who have been there and know what you’re going through can help.

That’s why we spoke to the mamas of Peanut to compile their ultimate tips.

In this article: 📝

When should I start preparing for a second baby?

There's no best time to start preparing for baby number two, except now.

Whenever you are in your pregnancy or family planning, the resounding answer from our Peanut moms is to start prep-work as soon as you can.

So if you're reading this article, you've already begin planning for baby number two!

Is having a second baby harder than the first?

There's no one answer to this.

Every baby is different, every pregnancy is different, and every situation is different.

While the experience you gained in your first pregnancy will surely go a long way for number two, that doesn't mean this will be a carbon copy experience.

So it could be harder in some ways, easier in others, and altogether different!

Is it easier to give birth 2nd time?

Sometimes, yes.

Generally speaking, labor is an average of 13-14 hours for first-time moms (but this can vary a lot), and for veteran moms, the average shrinks down to just about 5-6 hours.

But that's not a hard-and-fast, written-in-stone rule.

As we said before, every pregnancy journey is different.

What should I do to prepare for baby number 2?

So what can you do to prepare for your second baby?

Well, we put the question to our Peanut moms, and they didn't disappoint:

1. “Wait until you’re ready and feel like ‘yourself’ again. Put your physical and mental health first.” ‒ Nicole
2. “Communicate with your partner. Discuss your desires, worries, and concerns. Talk about finances, time management, and responsibilities.” ‒ Christie
3. “Remember your love is multiplied, not divided. If you're worried that trying for a second baby will mean you will be giving less love or attention to your eldest, don't. It's gonna be okay, I promise.” ‒ Sam
4. “Don't give yourself strict deadlines or expiration dates! But if things are taking longer than you'd like, see a fertility specialist.” ‒ Hannah
5. “One thing that shouldn't be on your list is worrying whether your babies will connect or not! Sibling connection isn't determined by an age gap, they will be just fine.” ‒ Jessica
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6. “Have a quick check-up with your OB-GYN - just to make sure it's completely okay for you to start trying.” ‒ Gina
7. “Remember that things might not be the same this time around. Although your first pregnancy and labor will definitely leave you more prepared, know that your second will probably be a bit different.” ‒ Gwen
8. “Be kind to yourself. It's common to struggle with conceiving baby number two, so remember to check in with yourself mentally along the way.” ‒ Alisha
9. “Get your eldest excited about baby number two! Welcoming a new family member will be a big change and the start of a new role for them.” ‒ Ina
10. "Start saving as soon as you can for baby number two. We started a baby investment account with EarlyBird, which was great, our little one is five now, and we've got lots saved for his future!" ‒ Sasha
11. “Don't worry about the age gap. I wish my babies had been closer in age but my eldest has been a huge blessing when it comes to helping out with his baby sister since he's a little older.” ‒ Kodi
12. “Don't forget to go with the flow. I planned to have baby #2 soon after my first but life got in the way. Remember it's OK if that happens, too.” ‒ Talia
    Want to join the conversation? Get started on Peanut here.