Yours, Mine and Ours- introducing a new baby into a blended family

After the wedding, and your blended family seems to be settling in- sometimes the new parents of this step family come up with some shocking news- a baby is one the way!  

Blended mom and dads may have children of their own, in this new family. These children, coming from the mom and dad in the new step family, would be related to the other children in the family, as a half-sister or half-brother.  At first, your children are going to protest and be upset about the arrival of a new baby in the family.  

It's important to reassure your children that there is enough love to go around- a new baby doesn't replace anyone's place in the family.  Talk with kids who don't live with you full time, and explain how important they are going to be, as older siblings, to the new baby. Let kids share their fears and concerns- while you listen- just listen.

Also, some of you haven't had kids in a while and it's important to babyproof the house.  Here are some tips to keep your home safe from Bonnie Ryan, who is affiliated with designer diaper bags.

• A Good Gate: Even if you are living in a ranch-style home or perhaps
  an apartment with no stairways, there will be rooms or areas you won't want
  your baby walking into, so a great gate is absolutely a must-have babyproofing
  purchase. 
• A Blind Winder: The number of children strangled every year because
  of dangling blind and also shade cords is actually devastating. In fact, the
  Consumer Product Safety Commission lists cords as one of the "hidden
  risks" parent's don't even think of. There are numerous low-cost window
  blind winders out there, however if you have to personally re-wind the cord
  after every use, chances are you won't use it
• Anti-Tip Anchors: If you have a climber (or possible climber) on your
  hands, furniture straps are a must. Whether it's a dresser or a shelf, attach
  these heavy pieces of furniture on the wall with anti-tip straps in order to
  avoid the furniture from tipping over
• Fireplace Safety: The hard stone around the fire place hearth can be
  very dangerous with little ones all-around. Its sharp edges and rough stone
  corners can cut, and also seriously hurt the tripping child. You must choose
  one of the several good hearth bumper pads available in the marketplace.
• Corner Edge Bumpers: You can cover the corners of the end-tables and
  coffee tables with corner and side guards. One-sizing-fits all because you cut
  the foam to fit your particular table precisely
• Outlet Covers: For used outlets with cords, you can buy a cover that
  could prevent your baby from unplugging the cord and messing with the outlet.
  They are best for high-traffic areas where you will be inserting and
  un-plugging items often.
• Childproof Latches for Cabinets and Drawers: Drawer latches are also
  an essential-have for childproofing your home. They may prevent your growing
  infant from reaching intact drawers with sharp or tiny items stored within.
  Ideal for the kitchen, bathroom, or home office. Choose childproof latches that
  won't let your little one to get even a hand inside.
• Railing Net: Stair and railing nets will also be a must in case your
  railing spindles tend to be further than 2.5 to 3 ins apart.
• Bath tub Safety Items: Bath-time is always fascinating for a growing
  baby. Keep it secure by using some of these little accessories- a bathtub thermometer to gauge water temperature, a bathtub safety rail to help your little one in and out of the tub safely, and a a faucet cover to protect her little head from bumps

These are the most critical baby safety gear items out there. Look at
them as an essential investment you will make in the years of growth and
exploration still ahead of you.

Thanks for those tips, from our guest post from Bonnie Ryan.  Bonnie is currently writing for designerdiaperbags.org,  her personal hobby blog focused on rules to help mothers
to get data to become a lot more eco-conscious and make their own eco-friendly
baby diaper bags.

Shirley Cress Dudley is the director of The Blended and Step Family Resource Center, and author of Blended Family Advice.


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