Many parents worry about how they may cope when a new baby comes along and you already have one child or more.

It can feel a bit daunting and overwhelming, and you may have lots of questions. Can you love this new baby as much as you love your other child or children? How will you cope with another baby in an already busy life?

Mum holding crying baby sitting next to dad, with toddler holding toy truck

The good news is you will find a way through it – we all somehow manage to muddle through and find what works best for us.

Sometimes we have to lower our standards and learn to live with a bit of chaos for a while until things settle down and you find your new rhythm.

Here are some helpful suggestions for coping:

Always accept any help offered
Have a list of things people can help with e.g. shopping; cooking; cleaning; collecting and dropping off children or talking them off your hands for a bit
Get as much sleep/rest as you can when the baby naps
If you have a toddler, have quiet things you can do with them when the baby naps
Have a list of ‘go to’ people who you know you can call on if you are feeling desperate or just need help.

Always remember your health visitor is there to listen and offer support if you feel overwhelmed.

Many parents worry about how they may cope when a new baby comes along and you already have one child or more.

You can connect with other mums, share tips and find support online through free peer forums such as:

Channelmum

Mumsnet

Netmums

Dad Matters UK

Ideas for playing and talking to your older children:

Books can be a useful way helping small child deal with a range of different situations such as a new baby. Little Parachutes do a wide range of situation books for children of all ages on topics like feelings, starting school, anxiety and fears, stories help small children to come to terms and understand things

Coping with a new baby when you have other children

Many parents worry about how they may cope when a new baby comes along and you already have one child or more.

Ideas for playing and talking to your older children:

Understanding your baby