How I Navigated Parenting My Last Baby in a Big Family

self insemination kit

Having a large family has transformed how I approach parenting, especially with my fourth child. It seems that once you hit baby number four, society hands you a special “extra-large family” badge, and you quickly realize that parenting norms shift dramatically.

When I welcomed my fourth little one, a switch flipped inside me. I felt like a seasoned pro in the art of baby care. Here’s how my approach has evolved from my first baby to my fourth (and fifth and sixth!).

First Baby vs. Fourth Baby

First Baby: Are we really allowed to leave the hospital with this tiny being?
Fourth Baby: Who even watches that lengthy discharge video? It’s like 20 minutes long!

First Baby: We had the nursery’s theme and crib bedding picked out by the second trimester.
Fourth Baby: The nurse has been asking for the birth certificate for ages! We need a name—like, yesterday!

First Baby: I’ve spent hours researching the best educational toys for our newborn. Here’s my top 10 list for the registry!
Fourth Baby: You know what’s more stimulating? Just being awake!

First Baby: Personalized items are a must!
Fourth Baby: It’s fine if his bib says “Little Miss Sunshine,” right? And these towels have his brother’s name on them—no big deal!

First Baby: Why didn’t anyone warn me that breastfeeding would be this challenging?!
Fourth Baby: (nursing while juggling two older siblings and making a phone call)

First Baby: We just had our baby last Friday! Did you receive our photo birth announcements?
Fourth Baby: Honey, it’s been two months! Can you just post something on Facebook?

First Baby: We need to baby-proof everything: anchors for furniture, baby gates, outlet covers—
Fourth Baby: The stairs are carpeted; they’ll figure it out!

First Baby: That pacifier fell on the floor! It’s yucky now.
Fourth Baby: (glances around, waits five minutes, then pops it back in the baby’s mouth)

First Baby: Bath time is such an exciting part of our bedtime routine!
Fourth Baby: If I wipe the spit-up off her chin at the next diaper change, she should be fine for a couple more days.

First Baby: Oh no, that’s during naptime. We’ll have to reschedule!
Fourth Baby: No worries—she can just nap in the car whenever.

First Baby: Is everything packed in the diaper bag? Diapers, wipes, rash cream, extra outfits, snacks…
Fourth Baby: Boobs? Check. Diaper? I’ll just toss one in my bag!

First Baby: After months of coaxing, she’s finally mobile! Check out our YouTube video and blog for 600 photos!
Fourth Baby: Anyone need size 6-month pants? We’re switching to dresses to discourage early crawling!

First Baby: “…and they lived happily ever after. The End.” Want to read it again?
Fourth Baby: “Once upon a ti—” You kids, stop yelling up there! “Once up—” No jumping on that! “Once upon a—” That’s it! I’m coming up there!

It’s clear that parenting becomes more relaxed with each new addition, or perhaps it’s simply that there’s less time and mental energy to obsess over every detail. It’s definitely a blend of both!

If you’re interested in exploring family planning options, check out our other posts on intracervical insemination for helpful advice. The journey to parenthood can be unique for everyone. For those considering their options, this site has great resources on home insemination kits. Additionally, the CDC provides excellent information on infertility and related topics.

In summary, parenting styles evolve significantly as families grow. From meticulous planning with the first baby to a more laid-back approach with subsequent children, the experience is both chaotic and rewarding.