Having Baby #2? Here's What to Expect — and What May Surprise You

Get ready for a new addition alongside Liz and Brice, and catch them on a brand-new season of 7 Little Johnstons every Tuesday at 9/8c!

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How to Prepare for Your Second Baby

Baby #2 is on the way for Little Johnstons' Liz and Brice, making their daughter, Leighton a big sister for the first time! It’s an exciting moment, but it can also be one of big feelings for everyone. Here are ten things to think about to make this transition as easy as possible!

Talk About What's Happening

It’s important to communicate not only that a baby will be coming home, but also how long mom will be in the hospital and what goes on when baby comes home. Talk about how there may be changes (age appropriately, of course) and all the exciting things to come too. The more the big sis/bro-to-be is involved, the easier it will be.

It May Not Be Love at First Sight

If you envision one big happy family from the minute baby comes home, well, that might not be exactly how it plays out. Some big siblings love baby from the start while others take a few days, weeks, or even months to come around. Feelings of jealousy or disdain are normal and they will pass with time!

Regression Is Normal

We hate to be the ones to warn you, but regression is also something that can happen when baby comes home. Whether it’s going from being potty trained to having sudden accidents, a great sleeper to one that wakes up often, or baby talk from a toddler, regression is normal. It can still be frustrating but like anything else, this too shall pass as they get more used to baby being around.

Plan Special Time With the Oldest

It’s easy to get swept up and busy with baby, but it’s important and fun to carve out special time to spend with your first baby. Plan outings and time to play just with them, take them to lunch, or find a fun "big kid" activity so they realize they are just as special as ever.

All Hand on Deck

Baby will certainly keep you busy, but it’s important to let big sis or big bro help wherever they can. Older kids can help with all sorts of stuff from changing diapers to feeding the baby, but younger kids can help too. Let them read to baby or pick out their outfit, help you restock wipes and diapers, or decorate the nursery.

Stockpile Meals

Before baby comes, get a few things in the freezer for your kid or for the family. Freeze soups or lasagnas or double whatever you are cooking for dinner now. Your future self will thank you!

Maintain Routine

Things can feel out of sorts when the baby arrives with sleep thrown off course and a lot more to tend to. But we’ll let you in on a little secret — kids thrive with routine. Even if you feel off kilter when baby arrives, try your best to make sure your older kiddo can stick to their routine. Keep the same wake and bedtime, after school activities, etc. This will make them feel steady and grounded with so much change.

Gift Exchange

Who doesn’t love presents? Baby will be getting a lot of them, so make sure you get your older child in on the action. Have them pick out something for baby, but also pick out something that baby can give to them. And of course, make sure to also pick out a cool Big Bro or Big Sis shirt for them to wear.

Red Big Sis/Big Bro Books

Leading up to and after baby arrives, make sure to grab a few books talking about what to expect being an older sibling. There are so many great books for different age groups available to read repeatedly before and after baby arrives.

It Gets HArder... And More Rewarding

Just know that even if it feels hard — sometimes hard in the moment — the relationship and family dynamics will get better. It’s such a great feeling seeing siblings interact and even if it’s a rocky start, we promise the good times will come!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: The Baby Bucket List: Must-Do Activities for the Early Years, 7 Little Johnstons: Baby Leighton's Adorable Photo Album, From Then to Now: The 7 Little Johnstons' Family Photo Album,7 Little Johnstons' Liz & Brice Are Married!

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Having Baby #2? Here's What to Expect — and What May Surprise You

Shop This Look

How to Prepare for Your Second Baby

Talk About What's Happening

It May Not Be Love at First Sight

Regression Is Normal

Plan Special Time With the Oldest

All Hand on Deck

Stockpile Meals

Maintain Routine

Gift Exchange

Red Big Sis/Big Bro Books

It Gets HArder... And More Rewarding

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