Having two children is harder than having one, your work load is increased and your time will have to be divided between your children. 

It can be hard to cope with the different emotions you are bound to be feeling. Being protective over the new baby is normal and even feeling like you are not loving your first born enough is normal too. 

There will be big adjustments for everyone and this can take time so be patient and don’t worry about feeling like you haven’t got the love, time or energy to go around, eventually your new enlarged family will settle into normality. 

There are a few things to consider in helping your first born to accept the new baby. 

• Try as hard as you possibly can to keep up your normal routine, it may seem like hard work but your eldest child will cope better if they are still seeing their friends at playgroup, playing in the park with you and still having their bedtime story.

• Your eldest child (depending on their age) may go back to behaving like a baby themselves. They may want you to feed them, dig out their old dummy or cry for attention. Try not to get angry and this stage will soon pass.

• Get other family members to help you by looking after the new baby while you engage in a fun activity with your older child or simply enjoy a bath and cuddle together.

• To try and avoid jealousy from your older child by talking to them about how they were as a baby, get out old photos and ask your older child to help you look after the new baby. Let them feel involved by choosing their clothes or helping change a nappy or give a bottle.

• When the going gets tough remember it will get easier. If you really are struggling to fulfil the demands of both children ask a relation or friend if they could mind them for a while and take a much deserved rest.