Ponderings on Two – Advice from Mrs Magovern

Welcome to my new guest post series, Ponderings on Two, where I ask a different blogger and parent of more than one child, to share their experience of having a second child. This week, we hear from Caroline, who writes at Mrs Magovern.

Tell me a bit about yourself, your family and your blog.

My name’s Caroline, I’m a 33 year old mum of four from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. I’ve been writing my blog ‘Mrs Magovern’, under various names, for about four years now. I initially started it to document our journey trying to conceive baby number two as it was taking a little longer than we expected. Nowadays I blog about travel, days out and home organisation when you have a big family.

What age gap did you have between your first and second children? What’s their relationship like?

 The age gaps between my first two children is just over three years. I then had an almost four year gap between my second and third children and just fourteen months between third and fourth!

What was the hardest thing about having a second child?

I found having a second child fairly easy in comparison to the first – there aren’t so many of the first-time parent worries. I think the most difficult thing is making your first child feel just as special as they always have been. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the new baby and I think children are quite susceptible to change.

What was the best thing about having a second child?

I think being able to give my first born a sister – I grew up in a large family and there was always someone to play with. I knew I didn’t want my son to be an only child. However, I also didn’t bank on him having three sisters!

Were there any products that made life with an older sibling and a newborn easier?

I found baby wearing a lifesaver with subsequent children as it still allowed me to be hands on with my eldest. I had a wrap style carrier and I found it much more comfortable than some of the bulky style carriers with buckles etc.

Any kind of portable swing or baby bouncer is also a must. Second, third and fourth babies all need to fit into routine eventually and so being able to keep an eye on them and know they’re safe whilst you help your eldest get ready for school or bed is important.

What’s the best piece of advice you could give someone expecting their second baby?

You will love this baby just as much as your first! I panicked during my subsequent pregnancies that I might not love this baby as much or have enough love for more babies but that’s just not how it works. Your heart seems to grow the more children you have and you soon won’t be able to imagine life without them.

Thank you, Caroline! You can find Caroline over on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.