Is it the right time for a second baby? - East Idaho News
Sponsored

Is it the right time for a second baby?

  Published at  | Updated at
This story is brought to you by Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, the largest medical facility in the region. One of EIRMC’s top priorities is to provide the highest level of care to infants and children.

You just can’t seem to get enough of that chubby face, the toothless smile, and those cute little fingers and toes.

So you’ve decided you want another baby. Why wouldn’t you? They’re adorable.

baby cute adobe

But as adorable as they may be, babies are expensive. Add another baby to the mix and you’re talking about through-the-roof expenses.

So, before you take the leap and have a second baby, ask yourself the following five questions:

1. How long should I wait?

baby siblings 2 adobe

It’s recommended that you wait at least 12 months between each pregnancy to give your body enough time to fully recover, says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Women who have another baby within 18 months of the first one are more likely to deliver prematurely.

2. How far should I space my kids apart?

Kids react differently to the prospect of having a sibling, depending on their age. Children between the ages of 1 and 2 probably won’t understand what it means to have a sibling, but they’ll be excited if they sense your enthusiasm, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Children between the ages of 2 and 4 are highly attached to their parents and do not understand the concept of having to share you with a new baby.

However, once children reach 5 years old, they tend to not feel threatened by the idea of a new baby, says the AAP, although they might be put off by the attention the new baby will receive.

3. Am I ready financially?

If you totaled up the costs of having kids, you’d probably never have one, let alone two or three. Not only do you have to worry about food and clothes, but you also have to consider the cost of school and daycare.

These numbers only increase as children get older. And to make matters even more expensive — can you imagine how expensive college will be?

It can be overwhelming, but just remember it is never too early to start a baby budget to help with the cost your little ones will bring. To take it a step further, open a college fund and start saving for their future.

4. Do I have a support system?

baby siblings 3 adobe

Having a support system in place is essential before having another kid. New moms who don’t have a lot of support could be at a higher risk for postpartum depression, according to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

A lot of times, family and even friends can help ease the financial burden.

Grandparents seem to be the biggest source of childcare, especially for working moms, according to an April 2013 study by the U.S.Census Bureau.

5. Am I mentally prepared to add another child to the mix?

Everyone feels sad, stressed, worried, and anxious at times. However, you need to make sure you have good mental health before you consider adding onto your family.

If you tend to experience negative feelings that don’t go away and interrupt your daily tasks, make sure to talk to your doctor or another healthcare professional before getting pregnant.

SUBMIT A CORRECTION