The presence of a second child not only adds to the joy in the family, but also your responsibility as a parent. In order to be more ready to live it, more careful consideration and preparation is needed before you and your partner agree to add a baby.
The presence of a second child will definitely bring many changes in the family, starting from the cost of living for the needs of the Little One to the parenting pattern of the first child. This is certainly a challenge for parents. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you and your partner are physically and mentally ready before deciding to have a second child.
5 Things to Prepare When You Want to Add a Baby
The following are some things that you and your partner need to consider and prepare before deciding to add children:
1. Age ima'am
If you are under 30 years old and have no health problems or complications during a previous pregnancy, then your chances of conceiving a second child will be safer.
However, if you are over the age of 35, the chances of getting pregnant again may be more difficult or you will be more at risk of developing complications during pregnancy, such as miscarriage and gestational diabetes.
Some studies also show that the older the mother is during pregnancy, the higher the risk for the fetus to develop congenital abnormalities. Therefore, you should consult a gynecologist if you want to get pregnant again even though you are no longer young.
2. The right time to conceive a second child
The ideal distance between birth and the next pregnancy is about 2-4 years. This is because the birth distance that is too close is very risky for the health of the mother and fetus in the womb.
You need to know, a woman's body takes time to adjust and be ready to conceive again. If you are forced to get pregnant in the near future, then you will be at risk of experiencing placental disorders, especially if the previous delivery was by caesarean section.
In addition, the birth spacing that is too close also causes the second child to be at risk of being born prematurely.
3. Financial capability
In addition to physical and mental conditions, financial condition is also one thing to consider before you and your partner decide to have a second child. By adding children, the cost of living for the family will certainly increase.
Recalculate your financial condition and prepare costs for the main needs when the second child is born, such as milk, baby equipment, immunizations, to the cost of education later.
If you are currently still actively working, then discuss again with your partner whether later you will continue to work or want to focus on taking care of the children.
4. Couples readiness
It is undeniable, the presence of a second child will certainly take up most of you and your partner's time. Therefore, it is important to determine whether your partner is ready to have another child.
If one of you is not sure or ready, then there is no need to force yourself to have a second child in the near future.
5. Readiness awant pfirst ufor jadi sperson kbrother
The presence of a younger sibling can make the first child happy or even restless and jealous of his younger brother because his parents' attention is divided. However, this problem is usually only temporary. You can try to be understanding and teach your first child to be a good big brother. What you can do is:
- Ask her opinion, what if there is a new baby present. You can also tell if your firstborn is ready by watching how he reacts when he interacts with other newborns.
- Take your first child with you when preparing various equipment or choosing items for your future sibling's room.
- Include your first child to accompany you during the prenatal check-up. This can give him an understanding that he will become an older brother.
- Invite your first child to interact with the potential sibling in your tummy by saying “hi” or “hello”.
- Teach and tell your first child slowly about the roles and ways to be a good older sibling.
The decision to have a second child is a big decision that must be prepared and thought out carefully.
Besides needing to prepare some of the things above, another aspect that is no less important is your health condition to get pregnant with your second child. For that, try consulting a gynecologist to find out if your body is ready for a second pregnancy.
