So, you've got one child, and you are finally figuring everything out! You’ve got your bedtime routine nailed, learned to manage toddler tantrums (well, sort of), and now you’re thinking about making the leap from one to two kids. It's an exciting, slightly nerve-wracking decision—because let’s face it, adding another little one to the mix will always be a good idea IMO!

But don’t worry! Going from 1 to 2 kids doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I, personally, found the transition a lot easier than 0 to 1. It’s all about finding your rhythm, staying flexible, and remembering that every family’s journey is different. If you're looking for some helpful tips, here are a few things that worked for me:

1. Prepare Your Firstborn (But Don’t Overdo It)

Your little one might be excited about the idea of a sibling, or they might be a bit confused or worried. They wake up one morning and they are not an only child anymore – their whole world is turned upside down! What really worked for me was talking about the arrival of Amelie, but not going overboard. I tried to make Ella as excited as possible and as she loved to be a helper – I would let her know how important a job being a big sister was and how I was going to need her help when the new baby arrived.

What I found great to ease Ella into the transition was involving her in the preparations—I let her pick out a toy for the baby, and we set up the babies’ new nursery together. It was a fun way to help Ella feel included and excited about her new role as a big sister.

2. Don’t Expect Everything to Be Perfect (It Won’t Be)

Going from one child to two means juggling double the planning, double the chaos and double the mess!! My routine was definitely not perfect at first, but you get into the swing of things after a few weeks. It’s important to be kind to yourself as you figure out what works. You might need to lean into help from your partner, friends, or family, or embrace a lot of Deliveroo – and that’s ok!

3. Make Time for One-on-One with Your Firstborn

While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a newborn, don’t forget about your firstborn. They might need a little extra love and attention to adjust to the new family dynamics. Carving out small moments for just the two of you—whether it’s reading a story, playing a game, or simply cuddling on the couch—can help reassure them that they are still just as important.

Ella and I have weekly one-on-one time and afterwards she is always excited to get back to her little sister.

4. Stock Up on Essentials

Before your second baby arrives, take stock of your baby gear and make sure you’ve got what you need. Do you have enough nappies, wipes, or clothes for two little ones? Is there a reliable car seat or double stroller on hand? While you don’t need to go overboard (trust me, you don’t need a million outfits or toys), having a few key items ready will make life a little easier when the time comes.

And don't forget to prep your home—especially the bedrooms. If your firstborn is transitioning to a "big kid" bed, it’s worth giving yourself some extra time to adjust them to the new setup before baby arrives. We have a full list of essentials for the first few months in our lists section.

5. Accept Help When You Can Get It

Remember, you don’t have to do everything on your own. If family or friends offer to help, take them up on it! Whether it's running an errand, watching your toddler while you rest, or just offering moral support, having a little extra help can make the world of difference.

6. Don’t Rush the "New Normal"

After your second child is born, it can feel like a whirlwind. You’re adjusting to feeding, sleeping schedules, and emotional ups and downs—again. But remember that this phase is temporary. With time, you and your children will find a new rhythm. Embrace the learning curve, celebrate the small wins, and try to be patient with yourself as you settle into your new normal. It won’t happen overnight, but soon, you won’t remember a time when there was only 3 of you!

7. Enjoy the Chaos

As hectic as life with two children can be, there’s something magical about the chaos. There’s a lot of laughter, spontaneous moments, and unexpected joy when you have two little ones running around. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your firstborn will step into their role as a big sibling, and how much love and bonding your family will experience.

There will be tough days, and there will be moments when you feel overwhelmed. But there will also be countless moments of sweetness—hugs, laughter, and little acts of kindness from your older child toward their new sibling.

8. Give Yourself Grace

At the end of the day, transitioning from one child to two is a big adjustment, and you’re doing great! There will be hiccups, and things won’t always go as planned. But that’s all part of the adventure. Your love for both of your children will grow in ways you can’t even imagine right now.