There is definitely a difference in the way you parent your first kid vs. your second kid.
When I was pregnant with my first child I decided that I would use cloth diapers. I also was definitely going to breastfeed and obviously make my own baby food. I would stay at home and focus on my baby. I didn’t buy many toys because a baby really only needs his mother and imagination. I was going to sleep train and the world was going to be perfect.
And then I gave birth.
With my second child, I had a lot of the same intentions, but something happened after I gave birth to him – I suddenly had two littles to take care of. And so, these are the differences between my first and second child.
First – Cloth Diapers
Second – The cloth diapers are collecting dust as they sit in the basket waiting to be used….
First – bottle fed
Second – boob all the way, haven’t even used the pump – I’m too lazy
First – made all of my own baby food and put it in ice trays in the freezer. Even came up with lots of yummy combinations via Pinterest.
Second – There’s a sale on baby food at Target? STOCKING UP!
First – Was that him crying in the night? quickly turning up the monitor volume
Second – Was that him crying in the night? slowly turning down the monitor volume
First – Spit up on his outfit – change him – spit up again – change him – drool – change him
Second – spit up, drool, a little poop, meh…I’ll change him before bed.
First child’s first birthday – Spent the entire day before making food with a theme via Pinterest, ordered a giant cake to match said theme, got balloons, napkins, plates, forks, cups, souvenirs to MATCH theme!
Second child’s first birthday – Decided to do a combo birthday party with his older brother because they are relatively close to each other. Hired a taco cart, bought the sale plates, forks, and cups to somewhat match – close enough.
I sometimes wish I could go back to having my first born again. Knowing what I know now, life would have been so much easier. I wouldn’t have stressed so hard over the littlest things. I don’t regret what I did for my firstborn, and I certainly don’t regret what I didn’t do for my second born. However, it would have been nice to have future me talk to present me and relieve a lot of the first mom anxiety I felt.
And who knows what will happen if I ever have another. That poor, poor third child. Am I right?!
