Finding out you’re pregnant with baby number two can bring a mix of excitement, joy, nerves, and plenty of practical questions. You may already know what newborn life looks like, but this time, you are also preparing your first child, your home, and your daily routine for a big family change.

Getting ready for a second baby is different from preparing for your first. You may not need as much baby gear, but you may need more planning around childcare, sibling emotions, meals, household help, and how your family will adjust once the baby arrives.

Here are practical ways to prepare your family and home for baby number two so the transition feels a little more manageable.

How To Prepare for Baby Number Two

These steps can help you prepare your home, support your first child, and make the first weeks with a newborn and older child feel a little less overwhelming.

1. Remember That Pregnancy Is Hard Work

Pregnancy can feel even more demanding when you are also caring for another child, working, managing a household, or trying to keep up with everyday life. Give yourself permission to slow down when you can and ask for help when you need it.

I know when I was expecting our second baby, I was taken by surprise with all these new symptoms I had never dealt with the first time, such as:

• All-day nausea
• Heartburn early on
• Extreme fatigue
• Hip and pelvic pains by week 15

Even when pregnancy feels hard, try to notice the small moments that make this season special. Take the bump photos, share the excitement with your partner or child, and give yourself patience on the harder days.

Related: Ways to Cope With Pregnancy Discomforts

2. Set Up Your Baby’s Nursery Early

The last thing you may want to do after baby arrives is scramble to set up the nursery while your first child still needs your time and attention. If you can, try to have the nursery set up well before your due date. This means setting up the crib, deciding on a nursery theme and décor, and anchoring large furniture to the wall. If your first child will be moving rooms, switching beds, or adjusting to a new sleep space, try to make that transition well before your due date.

3. Help Your Oldest Feel Needed

Don’t forget you’re not the only one who has to prepare for baby number two. Your first child may have moments of jealousy or confusion after the new baby arrives, and that is normal. Imagine being someone’s center of attention and having it taken away in the blink of an eye. Imagine being a child who doesn’t understand why it’s happening, too. It’s important not to make the change feel sudden or scary. Instead, plan out ways to make them feel needed, even after your new baby arrives!

For young toddlers, give them a role or a job. Toddlers often love having a job to do and enjoy feeling like they’re helping. They often enjoy helping the grown-ups they love and feeling included in what’s happening.

For older toddlers and preschoolers, involve them in preparation for baby! Show them some decorations (this or that) and let them decide! Older children enjoy feeling empowered, like they made an impact. So, finding ways to encourage it can help them build excitement for their new sibling!

No matter your child’s age, try to protect small pockets of one-on-one time.

It will be very easy to get caught up in the newborn stage all over again. Except for this time, you need to keep your first child’s feelings and needs in mind.

Make some time to plan dates with your little one while your partner stays home with the baby. This could be a quick little lunch, playdate, or even a little mom-and-child time doing whatever they want.

Related: Sibling Jealousy: How To Handle It Without Losing Your Mind

4. Make Family Memories Before Baby Arrives

Before your family changes again, plan a few simple activities that help you enjoy this season together. Here are a few simple ideas:

• Getting family photographs
• Scheduling a family mini-vacation
• Plan a family night at home once a week (playing games, baking cookies, etc.)
• Go camping (you can even do this in your backyard!)
• Stay up late past bedtime together

Related: Reasons to Take Your Soon-To-Be Older Child on Your Babymoon

5. Prepare Freezer Meals Before Baby Arrives

Cooking may be the last thing you want to think about after baby arrives, especially while caring for your first child, too. Instead, spend a couple of days making easy freezer meals that you can warm up quickly in the microwave, oven, or slow cooker.

If you aren’t sure what to make, here are some ideas:

• Eggs, turkey sausage, and cheese breakfast burritos
• Homemade pancakes
• Homemade waffles
• Breakfast quesadillas (eggs, cheese, potatoes, and tortilla)
• Lunchtime quesadillas (ingredients of choice)
• Fruit salad (awesome for snacking in between meals!)
• Enchiladas (ingredients of choice)
• Protein bowls (rice, protein source, chopped veggies)

Related: 12 Postpartum Freezer Meals You Will Love

6. Deep Clean Your Home

A clean, organized home can help the first days with a newborn feel a little calmer. This does not mean everything has to be spotless. Focus on the areas that will make daily life easier, such as laundry, floors, bathrooms, kitchen surfaces, bottles, baby clothes, and pet care.

If you have pets, include them in your planning and schedule a grooming appointment a week or two before your due date. It can feel reassuring to bring your baby home to a clean, organized space. Plus, it’s one less thing to take off your and your partner’s plate!

7. Line Up Childcare for Your First Child

One thing that often gets overlooked when preparing for baby number two is who will watch over the first child. Many parents focus on the new baby and forget to plan who will help care for their first child during labor, delivery, appointments, and the early postpartum days. Don’t be afraid to ask a trusted friend or family member to spend time with your first child while you recover or attend appointments.

Your first child may also appreciate a familiar routine and some extra one-on-one attention while everyone adjusts to the new baby. Think about newborn appointments, postpartum checkups, and other errands that may be easier to attend without your older child.

Related: How To Survive Pregnancy With a Toddler

8. Read Big-Sibling Books Together

Taking an honest approach to help prepare them as a big sibling will be very important in easing the transition. I’ve seen some really great books, such as You’re the Biggest by Lucy Tapper and My New Baby by Rachel Fuller. Reading books about becoming a big brother or sister is an excellent way to start laying the foundation for your child as they prepare to become a big sibling. Books can give your child the language to describe what is changing and help them ask questions in a safe, age-appropriate way.

You can even consider bringing them to your next prenatal appointment. Allow them to ask questions, listen to your baby’s heartbeat, or watch the ultrasound.

Related: 10 Ways To Prepare Your Child for a New Baby

9. Stock Up on Household Essentials

Unless you have reliable delivery options ready to go, stocking up on household essentials will be so helpful for minimizing errands after you bring home baby number two!

Here are a few household essentials we stocked up on before baby arrived:

• Toilet Paper
• Paper Towels
• Laundry Detergent (both baby and our own)
• Fabric Softener
• Dry dog food (don’t forget about your pets!)
• Snacks
• Non-perishable foods (pasta, beans, sauces, etc.)
• Trash bags
• Cleaning supplies
• Beauty products (face wash, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, etc.)

Related: When and How To Plan for a Second Baby

10. Take Another Prenatal Class

Whether or not you took a prenatal class the first time, it may be worth taking another class or a refresher. A class can also help you and your partner talk through what may be different this time, including your birth plan, childcare for your first child, and postpartum support. Taking a class together can also help you and your partner feel prepared and on the same page before the birth.

Preparing for baby number two can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You have been through pregnancy, birth, and newborn life before, but this time, your family is growing in a new way.

Focus on the things that will make daily life easier: preparing your home, supporting your first child, planning meals, lining up help, and talking through your birth and postpartum plans. You do not have to do everything perfectly. A little preparation can go a long way in helping your family feel more ready for baby number two.