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Only child bucket list: 15 things to do with your eldest before their sibling is born

Write your own only child bucket list to tick off with your eldest – use these ideas for inspiration!

If you’re expecting your second child you’re probably already worrying about how you will find time for your toddler.

It is tricky to pay them enough attention in those early weeks with a newborn, because you’re tired and the baby will be very demanding.

Mum guilt tends to strike at these times, and there’s no magic solution. You have two kids and there’s still only one of you!

So make some special memories with your toddler now, while you have quality time just the two of you. Here’s an only child bucket list of things you can do with your eldest child before your second child arrives:

1. Go swimming

It’s impossible to take two young children under three to a swimming pool on your own. Maybe not impossible, but not advisable! With a baby to struggle with on the changing mat and then two of them to keep safe in the water, this is an activity that you need another pair of hands for.

Taking your eldest child swimming one-on-one is great because you can focus on them and their water skills, plus having fun. You could book a series of lessons ahead of your second child arriving, or just visit your local pool once a week. I recommend Coral Reef in Bracknell if you live nearby.

2. Go to the cinema

Many cinemas do special screenings for young children and there’s so many good animated films these days. There were special Peppa Pig cinema experience screenings recently that would be perfect for toddlers, so keep an eye out for things like that.

3. Take them to a theme park

You won’t fancy grand days out in the early weeks after having your second child, so think of something on your bucket list of fun days out to take your child. I know Peppa Pig World probably isn’t on top of your list of ultimate places you want to spend a day, but your kid will love it!

4. Have a PJ day

If you’re in the later stages of pregnancy then you’re probably knackered. So why not just stay in your PJs all day and watch some movies together? It’s a great way to get yourself some rest while also spending time with your child. Don’t forget to get some snacks in!

5. Bake cupcakes

I’ve got a brilliant and easy recipe for cupcakes here. We love making them in our house.

6. Do some messy art

Your motivation for doing this is going to plummet when your baby arrives and brings a whole wave of mess to your home.

Do some creative activities now when you have both hands free. Let them finger paint, play with jelly, make some play doh, go out in the garden and draw on the ground with chalk. Whatever it is, make it messy!

7. Go pottery painting

There are lots of cafes and drop-in places that offer painting of clay items such as plates, figurines, Christmas decorations and lots more.

They provide the paint, and you just enjoy. Why not get your child to put their handprints on a plate then both sign the back so you will always remember the activity. It doesn’t matter if it’s not Pinterest perfect, because the point of it is spending time together!

8. Go out for lunch

Head for Nando’s or wherever you both love and spend an afternoon indulging in your favourite foods.

9. Take selfies

Get as many pictures of the two of you together as you can. Why not make it into a project that you do together? Take a picture of you together every day for the rest of your pregnancy. Include your bump in it and you can make a little album to show your baby one day.

10. Visit a farm

Pull on your wellies and head for your local farm or country park. Feed the goats and ducks, pet the ponies and laugh at the rabbits hopping all over the place.

11. Have a picnic

If the weather allows, pack some sandwiches, cakes and crisps and head outside.

12. Take a boat trip

Check out local boat companies – there are loads along the Thames near us – and look up their schedule. Then have an afternoon adventure on a boat.

13. Go on holiday

A last holiday as a family of three is a great idea, as it means you can make lots of brilliant memories involving the three of you. Yes there will be more family holidays in the future, but it’s nice to look back and say you took your eldest away and gave them your full attention while you still could.

If you can afford, go somewhere amazing like Lapland. If money is tight, go for a long weekend somewhere not too far from home. As long as you’re together you’ll have a great time.

14. Book a pony ride

Why not find your local stables and see if they do pre-school age sessions. You would need to help keep your child on the pony so it’s not doable with a baby in tow. This is a really nice one to do with a young child and they will love it so much.

15. Have a chat

Speak to them as often as you can. Make them feel important and listen to what they have to say.

You’ll be amazed at how much a child can open up when you give them the time to rabbit on and on for a while!

Are there any other things you would like to do or places you want to visit with your eldest before your second child arrives? Let me know your thoughts!

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Only child bucket list: things to do with your eldest before their sibling is born

Keep Calm and Carry On Linking Sunday

Dani

Thursday 4th of January 2018

I'm always on the lookout to do new activities and experiences with my boy so thank you for sharing some fab ideas! The farm and baby cinema is already on our bucket list but didn't think of a pony ride or pottery painting. These will be great now he's fast approaching 2 please god x #KCACOLS

and Jacob makes three

Monday 1st of January 2018

Some lovely ideas here. It's a great idea to make some special memories before the second baby comes along. I'll keep these in mind in case I ever need them :) Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time.

thefrenchiemummy

Saturday 30th of December 2017

We need to book a pony ride with Baba for sure. We took so many selfies lo! But I also want to do some messy art with him. Great ideas #kcacols

kateliliblog

Sunday 17th of December 2017

I took mine out on her scooter and we put our wellies on and went for puddle splashing walks together :) #KCACOLS

Lisa Pomerantz

Saturday 16th of December 2017

These are lovely ideas, and I want to do them now, with both littles! Great list! Have a super holiday season filled with love and joy! #KCACOLS xoxo

Vicky Smith is a mother of two daughters and a journalist. She has been writing and vlogging about parenting for over five years.