You know you should prepare for your second baby's arrival. But how?

The What to Expect books that captivated you before now make your eyes glaze over. You don't need, or want, much new gear. And the first baby taught you that children sabotage the best-laid plans.

However, taking a few steps now can help ease the transition from one child to two. Prepare yourself, your marriage and your firstborn to welcome your second baby with the following strategies.

*Encourage brotherly love. Talking to siblings about the new baby is important. But some of the big sister and big brother books are negative, preparing firstborns for jealousy, tantrums and strife. Be positive in introducing the new baby. Discuss how you'll bathe, dress and diaper her together.

*Take a labor and delivery class. You think you remember everything. (How could a woman forget?) But I was amazed at how much new information surfaced in my second childbirth class - and how much I had to brush up on just two years after the birth of my first.

*Negotiate daddy care. Be specific about your husband's future role; consider what has and hasn't worked with your first child. Have dad assume more duties with your firstborn now. It will be easier later if he knows the ropes.

*Purchase a double stroller. Your toddler may be big enough to walk, but he'll stage a sit-down strike when you stroll baby sister. Buy a double stroller if your firstborn is under age 4. The front-to-back ones are easier to maneuver through doors.

*Get organized. One child is a relationship. Two is a small business. Make sure you've got a good planner. PDAs like the Palm can program events to repeat each week, which is great for scheduling kids' activities.

*Consider preschool. School can provide the big brother to a new baby with a welcome world of his own, while offering you time alone with your second child. Start classes before the baby arrives so your older child won't feel like he's being shipped out because of his new sibling.

*Upgrade your tote. Forget the sleek designer diaper bag. Function trumps form as the family grows. Get a bag with pockets on the outside so you can grab the rattle and the juice box before the stoplight turns green.

*Request a gift. Not for the baby. For you! First-time moms get big showers. Women expecting the second child often get ignored. Ask for a pretty bathrobe, a bracelet or something else that will fit despite those extra pounds.

*Relax. Newborns sleep a lot and don't steal siblings' toys. Chaos doesn't really set in until the second child becomes mobile. Early on parents often enjoy a honeymoon period. Prepare to savor those baby moments - they're even sweeter the second time around!

(c) 2006 Jennifer Bingham Hull. Reprint rights granted as long as entire article is published, including resource box and its live links.