How to Have Your Second Child First


Written by “second time parents” Kerry Colburn and Rob Sorenson, this fun read is an ideal shower gift alternative to “What to Expect,” from moms who have already been there.  Expanding on the axioms we all know, like the virtues of a generous 5-second rule for dropped pacifiers, here, in no particular order are a few of our favorite of their nuggets of experienced parent wisdom, for you to identify with and/or pass on to that first-time pregnant woman in the office down the hall:

  • You don’t need to buy all that stuff (or alternatively: wipe warmers are a total scam).

  • The first few weeks will blow your mind (or alternatively: frozen peas are not just for dinner).

  • Formula is totally fine.

  • Changing tables are not imperative.

  • You really CAN take a shower.

  • Changing a diaper in the middle of the night, just because you think you are supposed to, is not necessary.

  • Put some “Ma” time into Maternity Leave.

  • Abandon creation of the perfect Baby Book (we prefer the Drawer or Box method).

  • You can turn off the baby monitor.

  • Don’t over pack for every little outing.  The corollary: do keep your car stocked (oh, how we learned this one the hard way, over and over again).

  • Little babies do not need classes in foreign language or Mozart.

  • Baby toys are overrated (or, why plastic spoons and Tupperware should have an aisle in Toys ‘R Us).

  • You don’t have to give them a bath every night.

  • You don’t have to constantly interact with your baby.  (Or: watching a little TV is ok for you, and them)

  • Babies can listen to your music (we could call this one: “why our 4 year old knows every song from “Glee”).

  • You don’t have to rush home… to put your baby to bed.

  • You’re allowed to complain.

  • You will find your own parental comfort zone.

  • Baby bottle brushes also work beautifully for washing wine or martini glasses.

You can enjoy the rest of these nuggets at How to Have Your Second Child First: 100 Things That Are Good to Know… the First Time Around

And apparently seizing upon a related nugget, that first time moms feel compelled to wash their baby’s clothes separately with special baby detergent, while second time moms throw it all together in the wash (that was definitely us, in both cases), the detergent brand All Free Clearhas teamed with the authors to create a forum for moms to share these kinds of tips; you can check it out here: facebook.com/alllaundry