Second Baby Coming...any good products?

[AprilO]

So my 2nd little guy will be here in August and I was wonder if there are any products mom's of multiple children would recommend.

We are pretty ready...his room is ready (not that he will be using it except for naps for the first few months), we have a stash of diapers, have tons of onsies, lots of swaddle blankets, carrier....most of the stuff that I had for Noah we are able to reuse. My pump has been pulled out and it working fine (won't need that for a bit of time either).

Anyway....is there anything that you've found useful for the 2nd that you did have for the first. Or something that made having an infant and a 3 year old more manageable. We are going to try using a sling a bit more...anything else?

THANKS!!!

[Hollywith2Akidz]

My sling and stroller were my saving grace. We walked everywhere when I was on leave from work.

[kohlby]

The sling was very useful the first time since my son wanted to be held 24/7. It was very useful with two kids since my older child was still my more challenging one so DD was/is usually just along for the ride!

The only thing I had to buy differently was a double jogging stroller. I didnt' train for any marathons this time around. However, it was worth it's price and more for all the 3 mile roundtrip journeys to the park. The one we have can be used starting at a mere 6 weeks - but most are 6 months.

[vickikreiner]

I would suggest finding a trust worthy neighborhood tween to come over and be a "mothers helper"(maybe even a homecshooled kid during the school year). My daughter was 3 1/2 when my son was born. Julia lived next door to us (then 13). She came over and kept my daughter busy for an hour or two...coloring, playing Barbies, playing out side etc. They developed an amazing bond, my daughter got extra attention and it gave me some one on one time or rest with the baby.

I also recommend a MyBreastfriend nursing pillow. It is great for back support.
Happy birthing and nursing!

[ima062002]

www.mobywrap.com

My third baby practically lived in it for the first few months.

[Stephanie]

I agree with some sort of baby carrier. Whatever works best for you, it is a life saver.

[RedheadbyChoice]

My sling. :)

Have some GFs or a mom or a MIL or a SIL near you? Have a cooking party. Seriously. You get to sit and dictate, they cook, and you can have some meals in the freezer, for after the baby.

[_Gypsy_]

If you are reusing a carseat, make sure you check it for recalls and make sure it's not expired.

[vickikreiner]

Red, I LOVE your idea!

[Nipple_nectar]

My sling. :)

Have some GFs or a mom or a MIL or a SIL near you? Have a cooking party. Seriously. You get to sit and dictate, they cook, and you can have some meals in the freezer, for after the baby.

Yes, me too! I go for this idea now and I am not even pregnant! Just tired :::yawn:::

My favorite book to brush up on all the BFing quirks: The ultimate BFing answer book by Dr. Jack Newman, it's my bible!

Also for sore nipples, make the investment in yourself! I bought a pair of silverette, a small pair of pure silver cups that you literally place over your nipple and thay are like magic! My nipples must be sensitive because the first few weeks of nursing, I can't even tolerate a towel brushing against them:( These really helped me alot, I still use them and my baby is 16 months! www.breastfeedingheaven.com

[smoochy12]

i loved the my breast friend nursing pillow and my ring sling. i'm bound and determined to use it more with the next than i did with mol.

i also loved the nursing wear from Bravado Designs ( www.bravadodesigns.com )
their tanks and bras are such great quality...and the size selection and function of them are just the best i've found. i've had mine for over 2 years and i'm still saving them for the next kid. the tanks are especially great for NIP...and layering.

anyhoooo...those were my faves. i love the food idea too...and the mother's helper. i know i am going to need an extra set of eyes and hands for the first few weeks as things get settled once we add another to the brood. :)

good luck!
smooch

[Amy_G_]

go to the dollar store, the dollar aisle at Michaels, target, etc. Get a few items of interest to the 3.5 year old. Get a few new books, short ones and longer ones. some kid and grown up snack bars and even bottled waters to keep in the fridge.

Then when you are in for nursing time and the 3.5 year old needs you too, cuddle up on the couch, have "big" kid get snacks and water bottles for the two of you, and pull out the basket and read for a while. when the big kid wants to do something different--dig out something new out of the basket, whether it's a few teeny containers of playdough, paper dolls, new color book and crayons, a small lacing craft kit, or make some beaded jewelry (better to do it now than when littlest babe is moving about and beads are dangerous). This can be a lifesafer.

My son turned 4 right before his baby brother was born. He was great at making us breakfast (mostly cereal or breakfast bars) and lunch (sandwich), and bringing diapers and such.

oh yeah, get 3.5 year old a baby doll like a cabbage patch doll with lots of diapers and little clothes. My oldest loved having his own baby while I had mine.

[AprilO]

Thanks for all the ideas ladies! I'm looking at slings right now and think that I like the ring sling the best at least initially.

I LOVE the cooking idea. DH and I have designated a cooking weekend, but how fun to have friends come over and help.

Oh and I have checked the carrier....it is not expired and there are no recalls. I was a bit worried about that one, but it all checked out!

I cherished the time that I had in the beginning with Noah and I want the same with Seth. So luckily Noah will still be going to school for the majority of my maternity leave, but I want to be able to include him as much as possible while keeping his routine mostly intact. He has been helping me get the baby's room ready and is really excited right now.