Last updated : Thursday, January 14, 2010

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5 Tips To Prepare for a New Baby

Adding a second (or third or fourth!) baby to your family can be just as intimidating as the first as you try to figure out how you'll find the time to get everything done that you need to do and still balance each child's needs. The key to expanding your family without losing your mind is to prepare for the new baby's arrival ahead of time. There will still be challenges as you adjust to your "new normal," of course, but you'll be better prepared to handle them.

1. Stock the pantry and freezer.
Depending on the temperament of your new baby, you may or may not have time to cook during those first few months. Now that you have another child counting on you – rather than just adults who can fend for themselves – it's especially important to have easy meals that can be popped in the oven or microwave – and not just for dinner, but for breakfast and lunch as well. Prepare them ahead of time to make sure you're serving more than boxed mac 'n cheese and frozen pizza. Pair a frozen dish with some fresh fruits or vegetables, and you're set!

Click here for a healthy meal you can make ahead of time, and for tips on organizing the pantry, click here.

2. Get your older child(ren) involved.
Children are natural-born helpers, and if you invite them to help you with the new baby, they'll likely be more than happy to lend a hand. Get toddlers and young preschoolers involved to keep them busy and engaged, which leaves less time for them to get into things they shouldn't. Look for ways that your older preschoolers and school-aged children can really help – sorting laundry, putting away dishes, serving snack, etc.

3. Lower your expectations.
If you're used to having a spotless home, you're going to have to lower your standards. Of course, you can spend hours each day picking up, but it's just going to leave you frazzled and frustrated. You don't have to completely throw your standards out the window, though. If you function better when your home is neat and relatively clean, keeping it that way should still be a priority. However, you probably won't have the time or energy to clean the baseboards or scrub the floors every day. Instead, focus on your pressure points – the things that have the biggest impact on your mood and mental state – and get to the rest as you're able.

4. Create routines for your day.
While it's impossible to stick to a strict schedule with a new baby, creating routines for your day will make things go more smoothly. Your older children will know what to expect throughout the day, and by simply following the key parts of your routine, you'll be able to accomplish the basics even when you're sleep deprived.

5. Look for creative solutions.
Pinpoint the biggest challenges you face and look for creative solutions to make the day go smoother. If choosing clothes for everyone each morning always holds up your routine, lay out outfits the night before. If your challenge is not choosing the clothes but actually getting your kids dressed, try dressing them in comfortable clothes (such as dresses with leggings) before bed so that you don't have to worry about it in the morning. Keep a special box of toys as boredom busters for when you have to focus on the new baby or purchase books on tape (or record your own) for those times when you need a calm activity but don't have the energy to read a book yourself.

Most importantly, remember that the baby stage will be over before you know it. Do your best to enjoy it while it lasts!

For more, go to the At Home section.

Mandi Ehman is a wife and mother of four spunky little girls. She can be found blogging at Organizing Your Way, where she shares tips for organizing, simplifying and decluttering.

 

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