Getting gifts for a new mom is easy. They know nothing and they need EVERYTHING. Getting gifts for a mom having her second child? That’s a little tougher. They’ve already got all the necessary gear, they don’t need or want any more toys and you probably can’t “wow” them with a newfangled baby product because they’ve been there, done that.
So what’s a lady going to a “sprinkle” to do?
(For those not in the know, a “sprinkle” is a “shower” for a mom who has already been around the block at least once. I just learned this myself.)
Instead of getting gifts for the baby, I recommend getting gifts with the mom in mind. The dad too, while you’re at it. You know what my sister decided is her new go-to gift for a second mom? MY BOOK. Yep, that’s right. “The Mommy Shorts Guide to Remarkably Average Parents.” Because by the time you get to number two, you know “perfect parenting” is a big charade and we’d all be a lot happier if we didn’t pretend that raising kids was a piece of cake.
For this month’s swag bag, I partnered with Plum Organics to put together a “Second Baby Survival Kit” to get you through the newborn phase AGAIN. Plum Organics has been a huge supporter of my book (even sponsoring my book tour) because they share my desire to celebrate the realities of parenthood. We both believe that by talking about the ups and downs of having a new baby, like in Plum Organic’s #ParentingUnfiltered campaign, we help normalize the experience for everyone.
Here’s what you’ll find inside our Second Baby Survival Kit:
1) Plum Eat Your Colors Line
Remember when you had your first kid and you thought you had to make all your baby food from scratch? HAHAHA. Those days were hilarious. Why make your life difficult when somebody has already done it for you? Plum’s brand new Eat Your Colors line comes in six vibrant colors which is a great way to get your baby to experiment with different foods and take in some extra nutrients too.
2) $50 Gift Card to Urban Sitter
You know what parents of two or more kids need more than anything? A NIGHT OUT. What stops them? Lack of childcare and lack of planning. On Urban Sitter you can find trusted sitters at a moment’s notice, recommended by people in your community.
3) Lifefactory Wine Glasses
Do I need to explain why parents need to relax with a glass of red every once in awhile? These wine glasses provide extra grip and protection and maybe prevent a spill or two. If they don’t prevent a spill, at least they prevent them shattering on the floor.
4) Chewbeads
Once you’ve dealt with your baby eating your phone, gnawing on shoulder and using your sunglasses like a chew toy, you realize you need a more foolproof teething plan in place. Chewbeads are the one thing you own that you won’t mind if it winds up in your baby’s mouth. In fact, that’s the point.
5) Ear plugs
When you finally decide to sleep train the baby, these “I’m Not Listening” Ear Plugs will come in handy. They’ll also come in handy when you breastfeed the baby and don’t want to hear your toddler screaming for help in the other room. You’ll get to him eventually.
6) “Stick a Cork in it” Pacifier
I remember “pacifier” vs. “no pacifier” being quite the debate when my first was a baby. Would it mess up her teeth? Would she become too dependent on it? Would she use the pacifier straight up through grade school??? Nope. The answer is NOPE. Both my girls used pacifiers religiously when they were little and we took them away when the doctor told us too (around 18 months), with way less drama than we imagined. I say, it it helps, “Stick a Cork in it.” The pacifier can be a total sanity saver.
7) Adult Coloring Book
When both kids are finally down for the count, what’s a mom to do? Sleep when the baby sleeps? NAH. Let off some steam with the Swear Word Coloring Book for Parents. Since your kids probably can’t read, feel free to color when they are wide awake too.
8) Assortment of Plum Snacks
Nothing makes parenting easier more than well-received snacks. Pre-packaged single serve snacks that you can toss in a diaper bag like Plum’s Little Yums Teething Wafers, Mashups, Mighty Snack Bars are what makes the world go round. Puffs were my go-to to keep my baby seated at a restaurant before the food was served. Now, Plum’s Super Puffs come in a larger variety of nutrient-packed flavors. And I can’t say enough good things about Plum Mighty Dinos. We go through a pack a day at my office and we don’t even have any children in here!
9) Sleep is Overrated Candle
This Strong Cup of Coffee-scented candle will keep you awake when you know going to bed is futile. You’ll just need to get up in a couple of hours anyway. Plus it can help you feel rejuvenated in the morning after another sleepness night. Did I mention that the scent can do wonders to hide that diaper pail stench?
10) Grounds for Change Coffee & Numi Tea
If the candle doesn’t do the trick, maybe actually ingesting caffeine will help. Grounds for Change produces fair trade organic coffee, including this bag of their Cafe Femenino blend from Peru. If tea is really more your thing, the Numi Tea Mini Sampler has 8 different teas for you to try.
11) Dry Shampoo
It’s called Dirty Secret for a reason. New moms don’t have time to shower everyday and new moms of baby #2 don’t have time to shower at all. But nobody has to know that if you’ve got the right dry shampoo.
12) Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Truffles
I’ll meet you in the kitchen to sample these Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Truffles from Alter Eco. What? You don’t see me? Try crouching down behind the counter so you’re not in your toddler’s line of view. There I am!
13) Basq NYC Bright Eyes
Remember how I said sleep is overrated? Somehow your undereye bags didn’t get the message. Hopefully, this cucumber eye cream will help with your dark circles, because we both know your sleep schedule isn’t getting any better for at least the next five years.
14) A signed copy of my book!
As I said, there is no better gift for parents of a second child than to tell them that’s it’s going to be a shit show for a little bit, but that’s okay. The shit show happens to us all. If you want to find out when the good stuff starts, turn to Page 154, which is titled “Why You Should Have Two Kids.” You can buy “The Mommy Shorts Guide to Remarkably Average Parenting” here.
To enter, you must subscribe to the Mommy Shorts newsletter and leave a comment below sharing your best piece of #ParentingUnfiltered advice for moms and dads about to have their first or second or third or fourth or…
If you don’t already subscribe, you can do so here.
WINNER UPDATE:
Congratulations to Alexis L! Please contact allie@mommyshorts.com to claim your prize!
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This post was sponsored by Plum Organics, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’m currently expecting #2 and this list could not be more perfect. We already HEAVILY rely on Plum Organics snacks and meals. Because if your kid only eats snacks all day, at least they’re organic? I can only imagine when this next baby comes. So many snacks in our future.
My advice is lower your standards and accept the crazy 🙂
#parentingunfiltered there are so many ways and opinions, yet never one and only right way. I think the important thing to remember is that we are human and parenting is in many ways innate, so if you trust your mommy gut and love your kid, everything will turn out OK! That said, accepting help and having lots of mommy friends can certainly keep you sane!
As long as your baby is fed, (moderately) clean, safe and loved you’re doing just fine. Cut yourself some slack
Every child is different, you can’t be the same parent to the first as you are to the second or third and so on. Different personalities call for different parenting.
It is what it is so roll with it. We adopted this phrase when our first child was 1. He was a sick baby and we found that we stressed less if we just rolled with what ever came our way. T
Every baby is different….and you do what works for you. You think you have it all figured out after the baby is six months to a year, then a new one comes and BOOM throws you for a loop.
No two babies are alike so don’t expect your second to be just like your first.
Living this life with my 2.5 year old and newborn!
My best #ParentingUnfiltered advice for more than one kid is to #fakeittillyoumakeit! Enjoy the mess that is raising your babies. I have a 1 month old and a 4 year old so I’m barely getting by haha but it’s a beautiful life!
Having #3 in a couple of months! My only real advice is to teach them to sleep well. It’s the one thing that if you do right will pervasively impact your sanity for the next few years. Put them down for the night while they are sleepy but still awake and don’t rush in for every peep. Good luck moms!!
I’m expecting my second boy in January and with an 18 month at home, the best advice I have is that pizza can cover all of the food groups. We ate it so much in my first trimester that it ended up being my son’s first word. #parentingunfiltered
Include the first child in care for baby as much as possible. Even if they aren’t really helping, make them feel like they are. This helps keep them from feeling so left out.
As a mom of under 2 I have to constantly remind myself of there ever is a window of nap overlaps to take a minute to sit and watch a show for myself, or take a bath, or just revel in the silence. Sometimes the laundry, the kitchen ceaning, or crumbs under high chairs can wait!
#parentingunfiltered I’m preparing for #2 and I think this time I will be able to realize that “this too shall pass”. No stage lasts forever and soon enough I’ll be looking back at those sleepless nights with some sort of sweet nostalgia.
There is no such thing as the perfect parent. Enjoy the moments with your babies. They won’t remember things and places but they will remember the feelings.
You don’t need all the stuff! My friend asked me if I ever used a wipe warmer and I said HELL NO, you don’t need it! What do you do when you aren’t at home? You have a screaming baby!
Accept help in any and all forms. And try to set aside a little time each day (even just 5 minutes) that you can give your full attention to kid #1.
Mom of 2 here! My best piece of advice is baby wear. Wear that baby as much as possible. And when they both start crying help the one that can throw something at you first. Aka the tiny toddler terror.
Dry shampoo is literally my best friend after just giving birth to my third boy. I have three kids ages four and under. There is never time to shower but my dry shampoo makes me look like I just stepped out of the salon! Well at least I like to think so. Lol! But I’m entering this contest bc I absolutely need that eye cream for h bags under my eyes!!
Not a mom of two yet (hopefully soon!). The main advice I know from tons of nieces and nephews and one little. Embrace the mess and crazy. Take the cuddles as long as they will give them. Even when you are ridiculously sleep deprived,, you’ll remember that night they had a dance party and the utter joy on their face, at 3am. And of course, you will probably also take a photo of them asleep in a ridiculous spot from them being so tired the night before. 🙂
Just because something worked for your first child, doesn’t mean it will work for the second! Be open to trying something new and get creative!
Just had baby #2 in June. All I can say is you do you, don’t worry about what other parents do. Also, embrace the frump lifestyle for a while. Ain’t nobody got time for having a spotless house and brushed hair.
I have a 14 month old daughter and am five months pregnant with another little girl. The best advice that I can give is to try to take some time for yourself and to always remember that everyone has lots of advice but in the long run, you are the mom and you will always know best.
Set your expectations low and then lower them some more. Expect that your toddler will have a hard time adjusting and know it won’t last forever. Give yourself grace!!
My best piece of #ParentingUnfiltered advice for moms and dads about to have their 2nd baby is… don’t compare him or her to your first. Every pregnancy & baby is so different.
I currently have a 2 year old and twin 4 month olds. I am learning how important it is to carve out time in the day to play with my toddler, giving him my full attention. It’s easy to get caught up in caring for the babies and doing household chores, but your toddler’s attitude will be best when they know they are important too!
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Someone may want to help and just not know how so just say “hey, do you think you could help me with such and such?” The worst thing they can say is no. Also, accept help when it is offered. It takes a village!
Believe in yourself and find humor in the everyday small stuff… it keeps you sane.
Don’t worry about everything and enjoy as much as you can.
My #ParentingUnfiltered if someone gives you those I will watch or clean for you coupons at your shower use them! Take advantage of grandma when she comes by!
Get to the hospital stat when your water breaks with #2. Not joking. And instead of spending money on baby clothes and cute swaddle blankets pay for help: childcare for older kids, someone to clean your house, send out the laundry, meal delivery, etc. worth a million times more than a ruffle onesie.
My best advice can be sung “Let it Go, Let it Go”
If your baby isn’t sleeping, don’t torture yourself reading countless sleep articles on the internet. They all contradict each other, and in the end you just have to do what feel right for you and your kid.
Best advice? Use the advice that makes sense for you and your child(ren) and ignore the rest.
Cut yourself some slack. It’s ok if you don’t always feed everyone a hot homecooked meal, or the laundry isn’t done, or kid #1 gets extra screen time. It’s OK. It will get easier. Take the time it enjoy it.
I’m actually pregnant with my second child. N I am due at the end of December! Reading some of your comments are great! Although I don’t have any “real” experience on being a mom of two yet one piece of advise I can share is to try and give my first born as much needed attention as possible. Also, have her help with big sister duties!
If your second baby doesn’t sleep well and your first child is a little older, don’t feel bad letting them fend for themselves a bit in the morning to get an extra hour of sleep. A kindle, Nick Jr and a yogurt cup go a long way.
You can pretty much give your baby anything to eat as long as it’s baby food consistently. Thanks to my doctor for letting me know this with my second. I was all about making my own bland organic food with my first, but this time around, my 4 month son has already had his first little taste of some liquid from some Jambalaya, I would never with my first!!
My parenting unfiltered advice- forget what worked with your first and do whatever works with your second. Also, keep beer or wine handy. Not the most unique advice but it’s the best I’ve got.
Have a six month old and a 4 year old… need all the advice I can get!
Don’t forget to get in the pictures occasionally!
Parenting is really just trial and error. Not everything you try will work.
Don’t let anyone tell you how to parent your own children. Every child is different so things that work with one might not work for others.
Babysitters are a must have. Parents need time away just the two of them.
So much easier the second/third/fourth time around. Just make sure you have ME time! You will need it and make your days seem easier when you’re refreshed
Use the iPad when needed and don’t feel guilty about it!
Don’t listen to all the unsolicited advice and do what works for your family!
P.S. if I win this swag bag, I’m giving it to my sister who has a 10 year old and a 3 month old. But I just might keep the signed book for myself 😉
My #parentingunfiltered advice: In the morning I makes twice as much coffee than I need. Half is consumed immediately and the other half gets stuck in the fridge. Later in the day when I feel like I’m dying, I can pull the second cup out of the fridge, throw in some ice cubes and half and half BOOM a little bit more energy to carry me to bedtime (the kid’s bedtime, not mine).
Pregnant with baby #2 and just got back our family pics…my piece of advice is to just go with the flow! On the day of the originial pics my daughter started throwing up! A week later, I woke up nauseous, pushed through the pics with a toddler who was less than interested in being there and the minute we got home, I started throwing up! Followed by my husband the following day! Sh!t happens! Just go with the flow and everything will be fine! The best stories don’t come from perfect days and the best behavior!
Follow your heart as you know what is ultimately best. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Parenting is not a competition, rather we are all in the game together. We are all human and humans make mistakes! Keep your head up during the most challenging times.
Two words: Grandma and Grandpa. Take advantage, drop ’em off and take a night or two for yourselves.
Pick your battles- my house is a mess, but my kids are happy! Babies really are SO much easier the second time, but 2 kids is a lot of work!
Pregnant with our second and I’m kind of terrified! At least I’ll kind of know what I’m doing with a baby this time around? My advice for new Mama’s would be to go easy on yourself and not to expect perfection all the time, or any of the time. And stop Googling everything!
If you’re running late and trying to get out the door, let the dog clean the kids faces for you while you’re getting all the shoes on. Great time saver and you’re building their immune system while you’re at it! Win win!! ;)-
I only have one kiddo right now, but as aom who started a bit later in life, I don’t take anything for granted. I know the rough times, and even the good times, won’t last forever. Take it one day at a time. Heck take it one HOUR at a time!
No one knows what the heck they’re doing when it comes to parenting! We all have had to live and learn. Fake it until you make it! Take it day by day, moment to moment if you have to. Some day, you will laughs at the time your baby had poo up to its ears, not today, but someday!
Ask your partner to help more. I know we all think they should step up on their own and they should. But if you feel they aren’t doing their part…tell them!
My maternity leave was a whirlwind of activity and play-dates for the older child when I had my second babe! Best thing ever for us because it wore everyone old and helped me remember there are others in the same boat. 2 under 2 is no joke but totally doable if you have coffee, lots of coffee.
Relax. Take things one day at a time. Things get easier over time. This too shall pass.
My advice – be kind to you! Remind yourself you’re doing a good job. Tell others (aka your hubby) to remind you your doing a good job! A little encouragement goes a long way 🙂
It’s ok to just go with the flow and you don’t have to be perfect, so don’t beat yourself up if you feel like you or everything isn’t!! If you get the dishes washed but the counters are still full of misplaced items, Hey, that’s ok!! You get to cross one thing off your “to-do” list and that is a great accomplishment! You’ll work on the next item as soon as you can!
Don’t worry too much about child #1. It IS a HUGE adjustment, but they will adjust and everything will settle and be fine.
I am pregnant with Number 2 right now, so this would be very handy!
My advice is to remember you are your own person – not just a mom -and you need moments to be yourself, whether alone or with your best friends. That’s the only way to stay sane and healthy!
Leave the house every day. Yes, every day. If all you do is put the baby (kids) in the car and go through a drive-through in your spit-up covered PJs, that’s fine, but get out before home feels like a prison.
This was (fairly) easy with my first and third, but my second arrived the winter of multiple polar vortices. Snowstorm after snowstorm of 24″+ of snow (occasionally 3 times a week) and days on end where the high was -20. Even so, we left the house multiple times a week or I waited for hubby to get home and took myself out for a drive or very frigid (and short) walk.
I’m pregnant with #2 and a little worried about having an infant and a threenager at the same time!!! Both little girls…
Mom of a 3 1/2 year old and 3 month old… I forgot how bad the sleep deprivation is and was unprepared for round 2. BUT my advice is it is short lived. Your body adjusts and the baby starts sleeping more. As a second time mom, you know there is a light at the end of the tunnel so just keep going day-by-day and sometimes hour-by-hour.
I am halfway through my second pregnancy. My son will be 15 months when his little sister is born. I will have two under two for 9 months. I am terrified that my husband and I will not have time to be together. I believe this package will truly help us to spend the time together that we will need. Thank you so much and perfect timing!
I am one week into being a mom of two so my advise is real deal living for me right now. My neighbor who is currently a mom of three under four said “sometimes you just have to let them cry a bit” in reference to juggling multiple needs at the same time. Sometimes my toddler understands and sometimes he doesn’t but if he needs me and I can set his brother down to attend to his needs it’s worth the following time he gives me to focus back on his little brother. Even if the newborn crying breaks my heart!
I would say take everyday at a time and don’t sweat the small stuff. Who cares if the house isn’t clean enough or the dishes are piled up in the sink. Spend time with your children because they will only be little once and just remember everything will get better and the days will pass quickly. It may not seem like that at first, but in a few years you will look back and realize that it did.
My best advice is be kind to yourself the first three months – schedule massages in advance of the baby’s delivery and try and find even 30 mins of you-time a week – once you pass the 3 month point, things do get easier (don’t confuse easy with crazy) 😉
Find a mamatribe to support you when you are feeling crazy! I don’t know what I would do without mine.
Don’t loose your cool in the moments of chaos! Just breathe and you will be laughing and smiling again before you know it.
Expecting my second now and so far the best advice I have gotten is to make sure to set aside special 1 on 1 time with the older child. And also, set aside mommy alone time.
Every baby is different. Even your own children. Forget about what works for everyone else and go with whatever works for you and your baby. Parenting is all about survival. You can do it!
Take time for YOU (dad will) and don’t feel guilty about it (he won’t). this helps EVERYONE. 1) you will resent HIS time less 2) you will be more focused on “on” with the kiddos 3) you get to spoil yourself and enjoy it (whether its a pedicure, a lone trip to Starbucks, window shopping ALONE, etc)
Just enjoy it! the first one you’re always so worried about doing everything “right” i feel like it goes by so fast. Just enjoy some baby cuddles and take it easy!
Let’s see…my best piece of #ParentingUnfiltered advice would be to enjoy the first few months even when exhaustion is imminent. They will be mobile before you know it, and the first few months of “new baby” is so worth cherishing. I’m a mom to three littles ages five,three,and four months. It always helps to keep some chocolate on hand to keep the edge off,too. One more thing, make time for your hubby/partner. Listen to their love language and act on it, take time to communicate. Thanks for this freaking awesome giveaway! It literally has everything a new mama needs. Would love to check out your book, it sounds hilarious.
#parentingunfiltered
Expecting number 2, due next February. Our two boys will be 18 months apart. I work full time, Hubby is on deployment and our 1 year old keeps me busy. It could be overwhelming, but…
-Balance is key!
-Make time for yourself and your Husband.
-Do what works the best for you and your children.
-There is no perfect Parent.
-Cherish every moment because they do grow so quickly!
Thankful for our little ones!
Pick your battles with your older child/children. Its exhausting and difficult for everyone to add a new family member. Cut your older child/children a little slack the first few weeks (or months!). It will make everyone’s lives easier.
Sharing some advice from my mom — don’t have more kids than you have hands for.
Don’t compare yourself to what you see online. It’s so hard to get through each day, don’t add to that by second guessing yourself. Most of that stuff is staged and they even get paid for it! Eventually you’ll find your confidence, and occasionally you’ll have a day when you love yourself as a mother/father more than you thought was possible. After all, your baby has been adoring you since day 1.
do what works for you! stop worrying about what everyone else thinks
I’m only two weeks into life with two kids, but so far my favorite advice has been to have a “nursing toy”, or something the toddler can only play with when he baby is nursing. It makes the big kid feel less annoyed when the baby gets all the attention.
It all comes out in the wash; the stains, the tears (mostly yours), the pee, the anger, and exhaustion. It will all come out clean, don’t worry. You just have to remember to actually switch the load. 😉
ask for help if you need it, sleep when you can. the first few months can be tough but don’t compare yourself to others, trust yourself, it will get better
Remember to treat yourself to “me” time. Don’t forget to do the things for yourself and bring in your support to help you be you.
i have subscribed. i don’t have a 2nd one yet but am conflicted. i don’t have any advice persay but i think what i would do differently the 2nd time around is to not freak out over every little bump, scratch, or fever spike.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! With my first daughter, I thought I could do it all by myself. I ended up being so stressed out because I was failing to meet this expectation I had of myself! Second daughter, I ask for help a lot more!
Don’t worry about keeping your house clean!
This could be perfect for my cousin who is having her first boy in two weeks! 😀
Wine, guys. Wine. Always have it handy.
I’m a mom of two and the second baby is totally different! We cloth diapered the first, with the second forget that. Made homemade baby food with the first, not this time around. Bath every night with the first, lucky to get one four days with the second haha and the list goes on. You learn lots! Wouldn’t trade my girls for anything! ‘Y family is my world!
All these little treats are so amazing! They all have their own use and would help a mommy of two so much! I love how you included so many different items that have so many different uses! Love it all!
Omg! I have three girls, idk how people with more survive! For me it’s one day at a time haha! Remarkably Average Parenting at its finest! ?
As a first time mommy I can say the best price of advice is invest in a good coffee maker even if you never get to enjoy your coffee hot. Is my baby the only one who wants to eat right as I’m sitting down to eat hahaha. Ohhhhh I need those wine glasses…
Don’t sweat the small stuff!! Everything is going to work out! You are the perfect parent for your little one!
Buying your book for my sister for Christmas! With a side of burnt toast on the side 🙂 Hoping to give her & baby all of these incredible gifts to go alongside!
My best friend’s first baby is due ANY DAY!! I would love to give this to her to help her survive her first! I’m not technically a parent yet, but as the oldest of 8 kids I have a decent amount of experience with kids of all ages! My #ParentingUnfiltered advice would be to take a step back, preferably with wine in hand, and trust everything will work out. My mom is a superhero and dealt with every kind of crazy imaginable and we all survived and turned out just fine 🙂
Always trust your instincts.
For toddler mom advice: you will make mistakes, it’s totally normal (and ok!) For newborn moms: your baby can cry a little and won’t hurt him/her self. My mom used to tell me, when you are frustrated, put your son in his crib and go scream as loud as possible into your pillow and you will come back more relaxed. Luckily I have only done it a few time but man, that 2 second release is amazing!
Your kid. Your choice. When your second kid comes along, you realize how much you don’t give a shit about others opinions. Your kid/s are alive, fed, and happy….good job!!!