Ways to Help Your Older Child Adjust to the New Baby

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Welcoming a baby into your family is a joy, but it’s natural to have concerns too. If you’re expecting baby number two, you might be worried about how your older child will adjust to a new sibling. Jealousy is a natural emotion for kids, especially during the ages when they are particularly attached to their parents. They’ll notice you are taking time to care for baby and that people are excited about baby. Are there ways to ease this transition?

A mother introduces their older child to their new sibling.

How can I help my older child adjust to a new baby? 

One of the ways that parents can help older children adjust to a new baby is by involving siblings in newborn care, to the extent that they want to be involved. If they are a little older, they might want to help with feeding or bathing. If they’re younger, you can have them get a pacifier or a diaper. 

Especially for toddlers, it can be helpful for parents to acknowledge the difference between them and the baby. You might find yourself telling the older child to wait while you feed baby or change a diaper. On occasion, you can tell baby that they have to wait while you do something with your older child. You can also remind your older child that they are a big kid and doing something or have something that baby can’t. Emphasizing that they are special can help with feelings of jealousy. 

New sister holds their baby sibling

How do I keep my older child from feeling overwhelmed by the new baby?

 Having a baby can throw everyone’s schedules off, from sleep to meals. One tip to help your older child adjust to a new baby is by keeping their schedule as consistent as possible. If they go to daycare three days a week, keep them at daycare even if you or your partner are home with baby. 

Babies do need a lot of attention! This can create feelings of jealousy in your older child or a certain level of unpredictability. When you feed your baby it can help to find something calm and special that the older child can do. While you are trying to have a calm moment for feeding, you can let your older child watch a special show or read a book. 

New brother holds their baby sibling

How can friends and relatives help with the adjustment? 

One of the easiest things friends and relatives can do to help your older child or children adjust to baby is acknowledge the sibling first. When they come over to meet baby, have visitors prioritize the sibling. It is so easy for everyone to get excited about the new baby, and your other child can notice this excitement. Have friends and family ask the older sibling if they want to introduce baby or share something special about their new sibling.

If you have someone who can help you during the postpartum period–whether it is a doula, a family member or friend–you have a great opportunity to prioritize each child on their own. They can take care of baby so that you have quality time with the older sibling. Or, they can take care of the older sibling so you can either rest or take care of baby.

Parks in Baltimore | A Parent’s Guide

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Heading out as the weather warms? Parks in Baltimore are easy to find but which ones are best for your little one? As Postpartum support for families, we’re no strangers to visiting local parks with newborns! We pulled together our favorite parks with some pro tips and key features in this complete guide to Baby and Toddler-friendly parks.

New mother in Baltimore strolls parks during the springtime with her newborn baby during postpartum.

Newborn/Infant-Friendly Parks in Baltimore

1. Patterson Park

Address: 27 S Patterson Park Ave, Baltimore, MD 21231
Neighborhood: Patterson Park
Key Features: Baby swings, toddler playground, spray pool (seasonal), shaded paths.
Parent Pro Tips:

  • Visit the spray pool weekday mornings to avoid crowds.
  • Grab a drink or snacks at Corner Juice Bar (just outside the park).
  • Stroller hack: Use the eastern entrance (Lombard & Linwood) for quick playground access.

Safety Features:

  • Fenced playground areas with soft flooring.
  • Shaded benches near play zones for easy supervision.
  • Seasonal restrooms available.

2. Cylburn Arboretum

Address: 4915 Greenspring Ave, Baltimore, MD 21209
Neighborhood: Cylburn
Key Features: Gardens, gentle trails, nature programs.
Parent Pro Tips:

  • Bring a baby carrier for unpaved garden paths (strollers work on main trails).
  • Visit in spring for blooming magnolias and kid-friendly birdwatching.
  • Pack snacks and water bottles!

Safety Features:

  • Wide, shaded paths minimize sun exposure.
  • Quiet atmosphere with minimal traffic.
  • Limited restrooms (plan ahead!).

3. Lake Roland Park

Address: 1000 Lakeside Dr, Baltimore, MD 21210
Neighborhood: Roland Park
Key Features: Lake boardwalk, nature center, accessible trails.
Parent Pro Tips:

  • Check the Nature Center calendar for toddler-friendly events like “Nature Book Club”.
  • Park at the Robert E. Lee Park entrance for stroller-friendly boardwalk access.
  • Feed ducks responsibly (bring birdseed, not bread!).

Safety Features:

  • Boardwalk has railings and is stroller-safe.
  • Restrooms at the Nature Center (open daily).

4. Oregon Ridge Park

Address: 13401 Beaver Dam Rd, Cockeysville, MD 21030
Neighborhood: Cockeysville
Key Features: Nature center, meadows, hiking trails.
Parent Pro Tips:

  • Weekdays are quieter—ideal for toddler explorers.
  • Bring a picnic blanket for the meadow area (ample space for crawlers!).
  • Skip the steeper trails; stick to the Beech Tree Trail.

Safety Features:

  • Play areas are away from water hazards.
  • Restrooms at the Nature Center (open daily).
  • Wildlife sightings common—keep little ones close!

Nonbinary parents join their baby in the sunshine at parks in Baltimore, Maryland.

Older Baby/Toddler-Friendly Parks in Baltimore

5. Druid Hill Park

Address: 3001 East Dr, Baltimore, MD 21217
Neighborhood: Druid Hill
Key Features: Maryland Zoo, splash pads, playgrounds.
Parent Pro Tips:

  • Arrive at the zoo by 10 AM to beat crowds and heat.
  • Use the Jones Falls Trail (stroller-friendly) to connect to nearby parks.
  • Splash pad opens Memorial Day—bring towels, sunscreen, and water shoes!

Safety Features:

  • Playgrounds have soft turf and fencing.
  • Restrooms and changing stations at the zoo.

6. Gwynns Falls Trail

Address: Main trailhead at 1900 Annapolis Rd, Baltimore, MD 21230
Neighborhood: Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park
Key Features: Streamside trails, playgrounds, bridges.
Parent Pro Tips:

  • Start at the Winans Meadow Trailhead (easy parking, playground nearby).
  • Avoid trails after heavy rain—muddy and slippery!
  • Pack a carrier for younger babies—some paths are narrow.

Safety Features:

  • Guardrails near streams in most sections.
  • Limited restrooms.

7. Leakin Park

Address: 1900 Eagle Dr, Baltimore, MD 21207
Neighborhood: Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park
Key Features: Carter Memorial Playground, Winans Meadow Loop.
Parent Pro Tips:

  • The playground is shaded in the afternoon—perfect for summer.
  • Park near Carter Playground for quick access to restrooms.
  • Try the Winans Meadow Loop for a stroller-friendly nature walk.

Safety Features:

  • Playground has rubberized flooring and low-height equipment.
  • Ample parking and well-marked trails.

8. West Shore Park

Address: 401 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Neighborhood: Inner Harbor
Key Features: Open lawn, events, Inner Harbor proximity.
Parent Pro Tips:

  • Combine with a visit to the National Aquarium.
  • Weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded.
  • No shade? Bring a pop-up tent for baby!

Safety Features:

  • Flat, paved surfaces ideal for new walkers.
  • Restrooms at nearby.

9. Federal Hill Park

Address: 300 Warren Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230
Neighborhood: Federal Hill
Key Features: Playground, harbor views, historic site.
Parent Pro Tips:

  • Use the ramp on Warren Ave for stroller access to the summit.
  • Grab post-park pizza at Matthew’s Pizza (oldest in the U.S.!).
  • Sunset views are stunning but crowded—opt for mornings.

Safety Features:

No matter what park you choose, getting outside with baby is always a great idea! Fresh air and sunshine are great for your little one and movement like walking with a stroller helps you as well. With parks in Baltimore that feature playgrounds, splash pads, and even a zoo, there isn’t a shortage of things to do (and these aren’t even all the parks in Baltimore!)

Did we miss your favorite park? Drop us a comment!

The Changes Your Body Experiences After Birth

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We spend nine months getting ready for baby to arrive–both physically and emotionally. But the actual birth experience portion of your journey is relatively short. After birth, your body continues to change for many months. Here are some of the changes you can expect in the moments, weeks, and months after birth. 

What will I experience immediately after birth?

Immediately after birth, a care provider may place baby directly on your chest. This skin-to-skin contact helps regulate baby’s body temperature and calms baby. But it can also help your uterus contract to reduce bleeding. Bleeding may still be taking place from where the placenta was attached to the uterus or from any tears. A care provider might provide medication to slow or stop that bleeding, perform a uterine massage, or stitch the perineum. You might also shake, have contractions, feel weak, or be sore (you did just work very hard). 

How long does it take to recover from childbirth?

How long it takes to physically recover from childbirth depends on what happened during birth as well as the birthing person’s activity level. If you had tearing, an episiotomy, excessive blood loss, or a cesarean birth, it may take you longer to recover. In the days and weeks following birth, your body will feel different. You may be exhausted, bloated, and sore. The change in hormones can cause mood swings, sweating or hair loss. Pregnancy and childbirth also stretches ligaments and muscles, so your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles take time to tighten back up. If you had a c-section, remember that it is major surgery. You shouldn’t lift or over-exert yourself. Take the time you need to recover, listen to your body and be gentle with yourself

What are the emotional changes I’ll experience after birth?

Our brains are a part of our bodies, and the physical changes to our brains can alter our emotions. The change in hormones that happens in the postpartum period can make you feel happy, excited, positive, overwhelmed, sad, possessive, or disappointed. These are all normal. Making a plan for how family and friends (link to last blow) can help reduce stress. Prolonged and severe depression can also happen after childbirth, and if you (or your support network) are worried about a Postpartum Mood Disorder (PMDD) or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), talk to your care provider. 

What physical changes are not normal?

If you have any physical or emotional changes that concern you, talk to your care provider. They can help you determine what is normal and what isn’t. You should also talk to your care provider if you have vomiting, flu-like symptoms, fever, heavy bleeding, difficulty urinating, leg pain, vaginal itching, dizziness, shortness of breath, or racing heart. 

Can I recover more quickly after childbirth? 

The most important thing to do after giving birth is listen to your care provider. They can help you understand what you went through and how long it will take to recover. Make sure you prioritize your needs for rest, nutrition, and mental health. Many women feel physically recovered from childbirth around 6 weeks, but for most, it may take longer. 

A postpartum doula can provide education and support, and assist with newborn care, breastfeeding support, or anything else that can help ease the transition when a new baby arrives. 

Returning to Work After Baby: 4 Tips for a Smoother Transition

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When it comes to returning to work after baby, we’ll start with the unfortunate truth: the US does not guarantee paid parental leave on a national level, and not all workers qualify for the six weeks of unpaid leave federal law mandates. According to the Washington Post, “Most Americans do not have access to paid family leave through their employer.” 

All of this means that there is no standard for when you return to work after parental leave: it could be six weeks or six months. But regardless, returning to work–for either the birthing person or partner, can be a significant transition. You may be thinking about everything from your energy levels, your schedule, pumping and/or feeding, your partner’s schedule, and how your baby will do without you. Here are 4 things to consider and plan for before you return to work. 

A woman speaks to her boss about maternity leave and how she will take it after her baby arrives.

Know what your leave looks like and be open with your employer. 

Long before delivery you may be thinking about your parental leave options–both what your employer offers and what your ideal scenario might be. Be open with your employer and consider asking for something that might make the transition back to work easier. That might include returning part-time at first or working from home. Your employer might also be willing to be flexible in ways that they haven’t shared with you. Ask other employees or your employer directly about how others have returned to work after leave. 

A caregiver sits with babies while their parents return to work.

Think about childcare after parental leave, and then come up with a back-up plan. 

You may have come up with the perfect childcare solution: you are returning part-time to work and a friend or family member is baby-sitting on the other days. In 2022, that might be problematic because of changes in school openings due to COVID. Or, the caregiver might have to quarantine after a COVID exposure. Problems could arise simply because they are not as reliable as you would like them to be. Whatever your childcare plan involves after you return to work, come up with a backup plan. If you have a family member caring for baby, what happens if they are sick? 

If you are working from home, remember that you are still working and taking care of baby is also full-time work. Although working from home can make it easier to care of baby, you should still try to have a secondary caregiver available. Some of our clients have utilized our postpartum doulas while working from home to ease that transition. 

A couple cooks together as they discuss returning to work after their baby is born in Baltimore.

Figure out priorities and roles for when returning to work after baby. 

You partner may have taken little or no time off after baby arrived. But, your transition back to work is still a transition for them as well. Take time to figure out each of your priorities and roles. If you are not a morning person, consider having your partner take care of baby’s or the family’s morning routine. This way, you can get ready for work in the way that you need to. Discuss who will pickup baby or kids from caregivers, daycare, or school. You may have figured out a postpartum plan of who was cooking and cleaning, but you may need to revisit those plans if both partners are back at work. 

A tired parent yawns as their baby watches while they work from home.

Don’t be afraid to acknowledge your emotions and ask for help. 

The postpartum period can be difficult: you are adapting to a new family member. If you gave birth, you may be experiencing physical changes in your body as well (link to blog). You are going to have a lot of emotions–from being excited about being back at work to sad that your baby is someone else’s care. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge that whole range of emotions and understand that they are all OK. If you being feeling overwhelmed when you return to work after parental leave, ask for help, whether from your partner, family, friends, or other loved ones.

Carrot Fertility: A Guide to Flexible Coverage

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In recent years, fertility benefits have become an important and sought-after part of employee benefits packages. Carrot Fertility is a global fertility benefits provider that helps employers support their employees with reproductive health services. Whether you’re considering fertility treatments, egg or sperm freezing, adoption, or surrogacy, they offer financial and educational support to make these journeys more accessible.

What is Carrot Fertility?

Carrot Fertility is an employer-sponsored benefit program that provides financial assistance and expert guidance for reproductive health and family journeys. Unlike traditional health insurance plans, Carrot offers more flexible coverage tailored to a wide range of fertility and reproductive needs, including:

  • Fertility treatments (IVF, IUI, egg freezing, etc.)
  • Adoption and surrogacy support
  • Pregnancy and postpartum care (hint: that means us!)
  • Menopause and hormonal health support
  • LGBTQ+ family assistance

An expectant LGBTQ+ couple lounges together.

Who Can Benefit from Coverage?

Carrot Fertility is designed for individuals and families at various stages of their reproductive health journey. The program is particularly beneficial for:

  • Employees seeking treatments like IVF or egg freezing
  • LGBTQ+ individuals or couples looking to expand their families through surrogacy or adoption
  • Individuals with medical conditions that could affect reproductive health
  • Those who want to preserve their eggs or sperm for future family planning
  • Employees experiencing menopause or hormonal changes and seeking specialized care

By offering this type of coverage, companies can show a commitment to employee well-being, inclusivity, and work-life balance. Many businesses are adding these benefits to attract and retain top talent.

 

How to Apply for Carrot Fertility Benefits

If your employer provides Carrot Fertility as part of its benefits package, applying is simple:

  1. Check Your Eligibility – Log into your company’s benefits portal or contact HR to confirm benefits are available to you.
  2. Sign Up – If eligible, you’ll receive access to the Carrot platform, where you can explore your available benefits.
  3. Consult with the Experts – Connect with fertility specialists, adoption advisors, or hormonal health consultants for guidance on your next steps.
  4. Use Carrot Benefits – Depending on your employer’s plan, you’ll receive financial assistance, reimbursements, or direct payments for eligible services.

For those whose employers do not yet offer these benefits, consider advocating for it in your company’s benefits package by discussing it with your HR department. You could also request it directly from their website!

Hands on a keyboard search for fertility options in Baltimore.

Does Doulas of Baltimore work with Carrot?

Yes! We have had the pleasure of caring for many families whose employers provide coverage for families. If you’d like more information, please reach out to us and we’ll discuss your options!

Conclusion

Carrot Fertility has created a simple solution for companies to support reproductive health and family planning. By offering financial assistance, expert guidance, and a broad range of services, Carrot makes care more accessible to employees of participating companies worldwide. If you’re considering fertility treatments, family planning, or reproductive health support, ask if your employer provides Carrot Fertility and take advantage of the benefits available to you!