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Having a second baby with a toddler

Having a second baby with a toddler

Having a second baby with a toddler? 

 

I was happy to put up an exhibition of my products. I was elated as I was able to start my work again in whatever little time I had now. Now I don’t have to plan days in advance to go out with my 3-year-old son. Now I get time to watch movies or go for long walks alone. I was happy thinking about the trip with my son to Pondicherry. I had already started planning for our next trip. But then ” Oh Again! Oh Yes wow! No, not now! Oh, I am pregnant again! Thousands of thoughts came to my mind.

My husband and I had thought of 2nd child. I had a hard time trying to conceive the first one. Taking medications, hormones injection, regular visits to the doctor, monthly sonography.. !!It was taking a toll on me. I didn’t want to go through the same process again for the 2nd time. But then this time I easily conceived. It was planned but unexpected I would say.

Having only one child was also fine with us. But the thought of what will happen to our son if/when we are not there? Both my husband and I have siblings. The bond shared between siblings is above friends and parents. My son also started asking for a baby. There are many ifs and buts, pros and cons of having a child or 2nd child. It is everyone’s personal decision.

I have friends and cousins who are happily married for years and don’t have any kids nor do they plan to have any. Some have one child and wish to have another but can’t due to various reasons. This dilemma of having kids or how many or not to have is never-ending.

 

 

 

Having a second baby with a toddler
Having a second baby with a toddler

 

The arrival of a new member in the family can be a difficult transition for older children if not prepared in advance. Integration of a new baby into the family can create an emotional crisis for children. If you have planned for a 2nd baby or you just discovered that you are going to be parents again, it is better to involve your elder one in your pregnancy journey right from the beginning.

 

Here are few points which I would love to share that helped me in having a second baby with a toddler:

1) Try to know/ understand what they feel about babies in general.

Ask them would they want someone to play with or share their toys? My son would get excited whenever he sees a baby. He would tell me “mama I want a baby”.This was one great positive factor for us

2) Take them to your doctor’s visit and scans.

I would take him every time with me for all my doctor`s visits and sonography and before going for sonography I used to tell him that today we are going to look at the baby and see what is the baby doing inside( is the baby sleeping, or is the baby dancing or is the baby doing potty). This would make him laugh and curious.

3) Let them talk to your unborn child

I would ask him to talk to the baby. Let him ask questions.

4) Keep telling them that they will become Big brother/Sister of the baby. With that, they will have to change the baby’s diapers, apply cream, make them sleep, etc.


5) Let them choose or take their opinion before buying something for the baby.


6) Let the father or other members of the family take charge of the elder one.

E. g dropping or picking up from school/bus stop, taking bath, feeding them, making them sleep without you.

Tell me moms who have 2 children what did u do? Would love to hear from you.

 

You can also read: 5 Best Books on Pregnancy

 

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Monsoon Care Tips For Children and New Moms

Monsoon Care Tips For Children and New and Expected Moms

With the arrival of the monsoon bringing relief to our body and mind, rains at the same time bring uninvited guests in the form of disease-spreading germs and mosquitoes. There are a few things a child, a new mother, and expected mothers should keep in mind to stay safe and healthy. Here are some Monsoon Care Tips For Children and New Moms:

 

 

Monsoon Care Tips For Children and New Moms:

1)Keep your hands clean: Monsoon Care Tips For Children and New Moms

It is very important, especially for young children to wash their hands and feet thoroughly after they come back home from outside. They keep roaming around, play messy games, and through hands germs find their entry into kids’ bodies. New moms keep your hands clean before engaging with your newborn. Always carry hand sanitizer while stepping out of the house. You can also opt for Travel Handsoap sheets. They are very useful as they are very easy to carry and don’t leave any residue after use. All you need is some water. Check Reflekt and use my code GB15 to get 15 % off.

 

 

 

                                                                    To buy other sanitizer click here: hand sanitizer

2)Eat seasonal and fresh fruits and vegetables: Monsoon Care Tips For Children and New and Expected Moms

Have fresh fruits like Jamun, mangoes, litchi, pears, plums, and freshly prepared vegetables. Vegetables like bitter gourd and bitter herbs like neem, turmeric powder, and methi seeds help in preventing infections.

Remember to soak fruits and vegetables in salt/vinegar water for some time to get rid of harmful chemicals and worms.

Especially new and expected moms need to avoid:

  • Street food
  • Cut Fruits as flies are carriers of many diseases
  • Eating raw leafy vegetables

Keep dry fruits like almonds, cashew, walnuts, pista with you when going out. They come in very handy. You can pack them in small containers or wax food wrap instead of aluminium foil. I bought these wax wood wraps from Amazon.

 

Monsoon Care For Children and New and Expected Moms
Organic Food Wraps

 


3)Drink homemade soup, juice, and coconut water:

Like avoiding outside food during this rainy season, it is also better to avoid drinks from roadside stalls. Instead, make juices at home and drink them immediately.
Coconut water which is easily available is not only refreshing but also includes minerals like potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, fiber, carbs, protein, sodium, calcium. Expected moms should include coconut water in their diet.

A bowl of a piping hot soup made at home from mushrooms, dark & leafy vegetables, meat will boost your immunity. And adding spices like cloves, pepper, cardamom, ginger, garlic will add a fresh flavor to your soup and aid digestion. I always carry my travel cutlery pouch to avoid those plastic straws. (Travel cutlery pouch bought from @iktaraeco_zerowasteindia). You can buy straw here stainless straw and cutlery pouch.

 

Monsoon Care Tips For Children and New and Expected Moms
Stainless Straw with Pouch

4)Keep your child clean and dry: Monsoon Care Tips For Children and New and Expected Moms

Humidity in the air during monsoon makes clothes difficult to dry quickly. It is preferable to use warm iron over these clothes before storing them, to remove moisture. Extra sets of clothes, nappies, and diapers should be kept ready, specifically for babies. Keep checking for any kind of fungal infection underarms, neck, waist, toes, and diaper area.

5)Change diapers/nappies frequently or go diaper-free: Monsoon Care Tips For Children and New and Expected Moms

Change diapers and nappies frequently during the rainy season, as little ones pee more during rains. A wet nappy or diaper could give your child a cold, diaper rash and provide a breeding place for bacteria. During the rainy season, you will need to build a huge stash as it takes more time for cloth diapers to dry. Also, let your child go nappy/diaper-free for some time. Check some cloth diapers here.

 

Monsoon Care For Children and New and Expected Moms
Cloth Diapers


6)Keep mosquitoes away: Monsoon Care Tips For Children and New and Expected Moms

Dress your kids in long pants and a full-sleeved top to prevent mosquito bites. Keep your baby`s bed /cot/pram covered with a mosquito net when they are sleeping. Use mosquito repellent made especially for babies and toddlers while going out.

Clear mosquitoes breeding grounds

Buy mosquito repellent for kids here:

Monsoon Care For Children and New and Expected Moms


7)Treat any cold, cough, fever immediately and take the required vaccine:

Treat any cold, cough, fever immediately, rather than waiting for it to resolve itself. A warm massage with mustard oil and garlic can do wonders. Doctors may recommend getting a flu vaccine.

Also Read: 5 Best organic baby food brands in India 2023

 

8)Keep child and expected mothers away from sick people

Keep children away from sick people as their immune system is still developing.

9)Invest in good rain gear and wear appropriate clothes: Monsoon Care Tips For Children and new Moms

Invest in good quality rain gear and wear appropriate clothes. Invest in a good quality raincoat and umbrella, bigger in size that will last 2-3 years, rather than buying that cheap one which can be used only twice or thrice in a year.
With changes in temperature and humidity, let your child wear comfortable clothes. Take an extra set of clothes if going for outings. Firstcry has some wonderful collections of raincoats and umbrellas. To buy click here:
https://clnk.in/jfBn


Monsoon Care For Children and New and Expected Moms

 

P. S: Views expressed here are personal opinions.

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Kids packing list: For one day outings.

Kids Packing Checklist for one day outing

Kids packing list: For one-day outings.Duration: 7-8 hours.

Kid`s Age: 4 Years and above

Going out with your toddler or kid for a full day or half day also requires planning and packing your bag accordingly. Keeping a checklist of items on what to pack will make packing hassle-free. I prefer to pack my bag a day earlier or the first thing in the morning, to avoid the last-minute rush. Kids’ packing list differs from person to person. A packing list for the day might be different from one for a road trip or when travelling by flight or train. But there are a few things which you will always require no matter where you go.

Check here for Road trips with a baby and toddler in India

2 things to keep in mind before packing kids’ bags are:

1. The Destination:

If you have not been to the place do try to find out about the site. Are you going to a friend’s or relative’s place, for a fun outing, to attend some event, go out shopping, or going to the beach? One needs to pack your kid’s bag accordingly.

2. The Bag:

What type of bag to carry? A large tote bag, diaper bag, or two separate bags, one for your toddler and one for yourself. I prefer to carry one large bag which will fit everything, instead of two separate bags. Have a look at Tote bags: tote bags and diaper bag

 

 

Diaper Bag
Diaper Bag

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Kids packing list: Checklist of items to carry

1. Clothes: Kids packing list for one-day outings.

When it comes to packing for a day outing with kids, it’s essential to consider their clothing needs. Dressing them appropriately can make all the difference in their comfort and enjoyment throughout the day.

First and foremost, make sure to check the weather forecast for the day. If it’s going to be sunny and hot, pack lightweight and breathable clothing, such as t-shirts, shorts, and hats to protect them from the sun’s rays. On the other hand, if the weather is expected to be cooler or there’s a chance of rain, pack a light jacket or raincoat to keep them warm and dry.

Additionally, it’s always a good idea to pack an extra set of clothes, especially for younger kids who might be prone to spills or accidents. Having a spare set of clothes can save you from any unexpected mishaps and keep your kids comfortable throughout the day.  Also 2-3 hand towels or cloth- napkins/paper napkins or wet- wipes.

 Buy wipes here: wipes

Remember to pack comfortable shoes suitable for the activities you have planned. If you’re going for a hike or a nature walk, sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes are a must. For a day at the beach, water shoes or sandals that can get wet are ideal.

 

2. Water: Kids packing list for one-day outings.

I always prefer to carry water from home. I found this leak-proof water bottle very handy. This insulated water bottle can be used to store hot/ warm water and it will be very useful during winters.

 

Insulated Water Bottles
Insulated Water Bottles

 

3. Food: Kids packing list for one-day outings.

Even if your child is big enough to eat outside food, do carry some snacks with you because you never know when they will feel hungry or in case they refuse to have the food served at the venue. Pack a mix of healthy snacks such as fresh fruits, cut-up vegetables, granola bars, and trail mix. These snacks provide essential nutrients and energy to keep your kids going throughout the day. Snacks like protein biscuits, dry fruits, and cakes can be easily carried in a small container with lids. And they easily fit into your bags also. Have a look at containers with lid: Tupperware Tropical Plastic Container Set, 230ml, Set of 2, Multicolour

Kids packing list for one day Outing
Containers

4. Hygiene and Personal Care Items for Kids:

Maintaining good hygiene is crucial when you’re spending a day outdoors with kids. Pack essential personal care items to ensure their cleanliness and comfort throughout the day.

Include items such as sunscreen, trash bags, an umbrella, insect repellent, and hand sanitiser to protect your kids from harmful UV rays and pesky bugs. Opt for kid-friendly products that are gentle on their skin and offer adequate protection.

To keep your kids fresh and clean, pack travel-sized toiletries such as wet wipes, tissues, and hand towels. These items come in handy for quick clean-ups and can help you tackle any spills or messes along the way.

 

5 best sunscreen for babies in India
Lotus Herbal Sunscreen

5. Toys and other Entertainments:

I let my kids enjoy the moment rather than getting them engaged in some sort of activity. Watching the things happening around them is very necessary for their mental development.

Otherwise, you can consider bringing along portable games, colouring books, and puzzles to keep them occupied during travel or downtime. If you’re heading to a park or beach, pack outdoor toys like balls, frisbees, or sandcastle-building kits. One or two small toys in case they get bored or you are stuck in traffic.

6.Safety Essentials for Kids on an Outing:

Ensuring the safety of your kids during the outing should be a top priority. Pack essential safety items to keep them protected and give yourself peace of mind.

If you’re heading to a crowded place or a public event, consider using child safety harnesses or wristbands to keep your kids close. These can be particularly useful if you have younger children who tend to wander off.

Additionally, pack a basic first-aid kit with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications. It’s always better to be prepared for any minor injuries or accidents that may occur.

 

 

Extra Items to Consider for Specific Activities or Locations: Kids packing list: For one-day outings.

Depending on the specific activities or locations you have planned, there may be additional items you’ll need to pack.

For a beach outing, don’t forget to pack essentials like sunscreen, beach towels, umbrellas, and beach toys. If you’re going camping, make sure to pack camping gear such as tents, sleeping bags, and flashlights. Tailor your packing list according to your destination and the activities you have in mind.

Conclusion:

With the ultimate kids packing list in hand, you’re now well-equipped to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable day outing with your family. By packing the right clothing, snacks, personal care items, entertainment, and safety essentials, you’ll have everything you need to create unforgettable memories with your kids.

Remember to plan ahead, stay organized, and tailor your packing list based on the specific activities and locations you have in mind. With proper preparation, you can embark on a one-day outing with your kids, knowing that you have all the essential items to make it a day to remember.

So, pack your bags, grab your kids, and get ready for an adventure-filled day that will create lasting memories for the whole family.

Also read: Monsoon Care For Children and New and Expected Moms