If you’re a busy parent and have a child already, and are currently expecting, or planning on having the next, firstly; congratulations, what lovely news. Secondly; you have some planning to do, because having more than one small child in the family is a whole different ball game, so it’s a smart idea to prepare as much as possible.
Every bit of your life will need a little (and sometimes, a lot) adjustment, so it’s worth grabbing your notebook and thinking about the things you’ll need to do and work out.
The following are some tips and advice for parents who are about to increase their brood.
Plan, Make Lists, And Build Contacts
Whether it’s meal planning, a weekly shop, or even shopping for items like clothes and books; it’s worth planning where and when you’re going to get stuff. Planning allows you to pick some great deals on multi-buys, and you’ll have the kitchen fully stocked up when the in-laws pop over for lunch at the weekend.
Planning might seem like an annoying task, but you’ll appreciate the effort when you saved money and time (because nobody has to rush out to the store at the last minute). It’s also worth building your list of contacts concerning things that may need doing around the house.
Whether you jot down companies who can help with any plumbing issues, or you ensure you have the details of an electrician stored in your phone; you’ll appreciate it if anything should happen in your family household.
Organize And Work Out Your Living Space
Obviously, an extra little human in the household is going to require some space of their own, and for all their things.Try to remember all the stuff your first one needed (then double it, because you’re wearing those rose-tinted glasses), coupled with the fact that your firstborn will continue to grow and need more stuff.
Therefore, being savvy with storage and space is a smart idea. If the kids will eventually share their bedroom, after the baby’s moved out of your room, then it’s important that both feel they have their areas within the room.
Clothes, products, and toys will continue to multiply as if from nowhere; so finding specific places for everything will help the family find stuff with ease (hopefully alleviating any stressful situations).
Consider Getting from A to B
Even if you managed to squeeze one small child in with both parents, and, sometimes, the dog into your first car that you bought as a couple about a decade ago (well done, that’s quite an achievement); it’s unlikely that another baby seat and a new child seat for your first child are all going to fit.
As your family is growing, it’s time to invest in a suitable family car, that’s going to last a while and won’t break down on the highway en route to a family getaway. You’ll feel much safer in a secure, spacious new car, and the whole family will appreciate it on any journey (which will also increase with an extra child).
