Are you getting ready to welcome another baby to your family? Or have you recently made that transition? If you’re looking for tips on how to help your child adjust to the transition after welcoming a new baby, check out our blog about preparing siblings for a solid review of things to keep in mind.
In this post, PANW’s own Dr. Tiana Won shares her experience of welcoming their new baby into the family fold that included their toddler daughter.
Welcoming a New Baby Into Your Family
If you’re feeling a little unsure or worried about how things will change with the addition of another baby, you’re not alone!
As a PANW pediatrician and a mom who recently welcomed a second little girl to our family, I want to share my experience navigating the transition from one to two little ones. Reflecting on what I would advise a friend based on my family’s experience, here are my Top 3 tips:
1. Try to be present with the most important people in your life as much as you can.
For me, this has meant trying to have at least one feeding session a day where I just look at my youngest daughter and give thanks, rather than trying to multitask or go through emails while breastfeeding.
I also try to spend some time each day being present for how my toddler wants to play, rather than trying to get her to the next thing on my to-do list.
If you have a partner, my husband and I have found it so valuable to devote some time each day to intentionally connect without talking about anything logistical or kid-related. It’s also been helpful for each of us to support one another by giving each other space to see friends or do activities that may not be kid-friendly.
2. Have grace for yourself
More than ever (including while writing this post), I remind myself that some things are “better late than never.” Adding another child introduces new limitations on time and energy, and that’s ok!
I have had to reframe my expectations and accept that some things will look different now that my time and energy are more divided. There will always be more to do, but I am learning to let go of the less important things and simplify or reduce tasks where possible. It’s been as small and simple as using a boxed cake mix instead of baking from scratch on the singular occasion that I made a cake in the last six months, or being okay with the fact that the laundry was washed but not folded and put away today.
On a more serious note, it feels hard when my older daughter wants me while my younger one needs me. However, it’s been a good opportunity for my toddler to have more quality time with my husband and her grandparents, and a positive reminder for me to try to be more present with her during the time we do have together.
3. Delight in the expected as well as the surprises
Even as a pediatrician, I still had a lot to learn and adjust to when becoming a parent for the first time. For my husband and me, and for many of the families I see, it’s easier to enjoy some aspects of “The Baby Days” the second time around because you’ve cared for a baby before and know what to expect.
With having a sibling around, though, there are also a lot of surprises that are cause for delight. It has been beautiful to see how much our toddler wants to be involved in caring for or cuddling her baby sister, even if it means I have to let go of some things that make the germophobic part of me cringe.
Pediatric Associates of the Northwest Is Here For Your Whole Family!
Our experienced pediatricians and psychologists understand the joys and challenges of welcoming another baby to the family. Our team is here to help guide your family through this transition so you, your new baby, and the older siblings feel supported.
Reach out to our team anytime by sending a message through the Patient Portal or calling our office. Our triage nurses are available 24/7 for advice, and we offer urgent care appointments every day of the year (yes, weekends and holidays too!).
