Organising someone to care for your toddler when you go to the hospital
If this isn’t your first child, you’re probably wondering how you’re going to juggle your current little one/s while going into labour. You’ll definitely want to think about this in advance and have a plan in place, otherwise, your toddler might have to be woken during the night to come with you. And no one wants to deal with a tired and cranky toddler during labour!
Who should take care of your little one?
If you have family members or close friends nearby this will definitely be your best bet. However, you have to figure out who you want with you for delivery and who can be at home with your toddler. Ideally, you’ll need to find someone who can get to you on short notice and someone your child might be familiar with.
You always want to have a backup plan too, so look into a trusted babysitter or family friend. Have a conversation with them about the possibilities (labour in the middle of the night!) and see what they’re comfortable with. If they are able to be there any time, then that’s great.
Who should take care of your little one?
If you have family members or close friends nearby this will definitely be your best bet. However, you have to figure out who you want with you for delivery and who can be at home with your toddler. Ideally, you’ll need to find someone who can get to you on short notice and someone your child might be familiar with.
You always want to have a backup plan too, so look into a trusted babysitter or family friend. Have a conversation with them about the possibilities (labour in the middle of the night!) and see what they’re comfortable with. If they are able to be there any time, then that’s great.
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Plan out the possible schedule with them
Decide if they will be taking care of your toddler at your house or theirs. They should also be prepared to take care of them for multiple hours (or days!) if the delivery takes some time and what will happen if it goes overnight. It is helpful if your little one already knows the person, as there won’t be as much fuss when they come to take care of them.
Other than that, give your trusted choice your likely due date and plan ahead so that if you go into labour early they will be ready! Running them through your child’s typical routines beforehand will also assist them with their preparation and help them keep things as normal as possible on the day. In addition, have a bag of their favourite toys, jammies, and treats (for good behaviour!) ready to hand off to your caregiver.
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Brace your child for the slight change
Try to pose this as an exciting adventure for them, tell them how lucky/special grown up they are! Make sure you explain to them that you will only be gone for a little while and then you are coming back. Help them get familiar with the plan by reminding and reassuring them. Your little one will be happy enough from the distractions and good care until you bring home the ultimate gift – their new sibling!
If this isn’t your first child, you’re probably wondering how you’re going to juggle your current little one/s while going into labour. You’ll definitely want to think about this in advance and have a plan in place, otherwise, your toddler might have to be woken during the night to come with you – and no one wants to deal with a tired and cranky toddler during labour!
Related articles
Preparing your postpartum support network
Managing your baby’s routine with older siblings
Tips for helping your toddler adjust to a new sibling
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