Second child

If you want help answering such leading questions, it’s worth getting hold of some information and picture books for you and your child to read together. There are a number of picture books around, but the tone of the text and illustrations vary, and this really has to be a personal decision. Visit your local library to have a browse and pick out something that you are comfortable with.

Picture book possibilities include:

A Special Something – Jan Fearnley (Methuen) New Baby – – Kathy Henderson & Caroline Binch (Frances Lincoln) Brand New Baby– – Bob Graham (Walker books) Why Do We Need Another Baby? – – Cynthia McGregor (Carol publishing) When young children want to know more and you think a bit of human biology might be in order, try the picture book, ‘Mummy Laid an Egg’ by Babette Cole (Red Fox) which gives a good idea of how the baby was achieved, and let’s everyone have a good laugh at the same time.

Simple information books with sketches or photos include:
Why is Mummy’s tummy so big? – (Dorling Kindersley) How are babies made? – by Alastair Smith (Usborne)

Getting ready

Nine months is a long time, so don’t focus on the new baby too much, but do make sure that you involve your child in preparations for the birth.

• You can take your child with you for straightforward antenatal visits, so that they can see what happens and ask questions if they want to. It’s probably better to ask someone else to look after them, if you have to hang around at the clinic, or if you’re due for tests that a child might find confusing or worrying.
• First children, who are two or three years old, often like to help get things ready for the baby. This also allows them to see that the new baby will have his or her own cot, clothes and baby toys, and they won’t have to hand over treasured possessions.
• It’s wise to avoid promoting the new baby as an enjoyable playmate. It can be a big disappointment to find that new babies aren’t very sociable beings.
• As you get bigger, you’ll have to call a halt to any energetic games you shared with your child, so get them used to more sedentary activities like books, jigsaws, singing and chatting.