Having two babies under two is a lot of things. It is exciting, nerve-wracking, exhausting and enjoyable all at the same time. I don’t personally think anyone can prepare you for what to expect, however, I am going to do my absolute best! My two are eighteen months apart. My son was nine months old when I found out I was pregnant and I am going to share what I wish someone would have told me!
The Fun in Having Two
1. Sibling Bond
If you have siblings you may understand how special that bond can be. One of the best gifts you could give your older child is a sibling! As parents we know that most of the time we will leave Earth before our kids do. Leaving them with a sibling ensures they will have family to help them as your time comes. It also gives them a buddy to learn from and play with as well!
2. Learning by Watching
This is one of my favorite parts of having two! My daughter has learned SO much by watching my son. She started walking at 9 months and I truly believe it’s because she saw what he was doing and learned from him. When she started talking, he would help her with words and teach her as they were playing.
The Struggles
1. Maintain Schedules
When you have two babies under two, more than likely they will both be in diapers for some amount of time. Trying to maintain feedings, diaper changes, nap times, bath time and night time sometimes seems impossible. There were nights I thought there was 0 chance I could make it through the next day.
My biggest piece of advice is to stick to a routine because it will save your life once they are both used to it. However, please remember that routine and schedule may not be down pat for a while and that is okay. Patience and being able to be flexible will save your sanity.
2. Take Care of Yourself
This one is hard to explain, especially if you have a baby/toddler already. You probably feel like there is no time for yourself now. With two babies, you are needed constantly. When you get one fed, the other is now hungry or tired etc. If your toddler is a good sleeper, your baby will still need fed and changed throughout the night so finding time to shower, clean up and reset your mind is sometimes scarce.
3. Sharing Attention
It is hard to share yourself equally with two people. Sometimes the over-stimulation felt like I would never make either of them happy. However, I learned that you have to conquer one task or need and then move on.
Remember, your oldest won’t quite understand why you aren’t able to get things for them or play with them immediately like you always have been. Be patient and understanding with them as well.
How to Make Life Easier
1. Use a baby carrier/wrap
This is SO helpful for getting things done and trying to cater to both kids. I tried a lot of different carriers, but I recommend a soft one for being at home and for newborns. They are a little softer and more comfortable for you and baby to be in everyday. I loved this one from JJ Cole: https://amzn.to/3Nt1fWv
2. Repack Your Diaper Bag
This tip is so small but saved me so much time. When you get home from an outing, repack your diaper bag for both kids. Restock diapers, wipes, burp cloths, extra clothes for all of you, extra pacifiers, snacks etc. Then when you need to leave the house the next time, the bag is ready to go and your chances of forgetting something are much smaller.
3. Put Baby Down to Sleep
I know what some of you are going to think… baby snuggles are the best! I am only saying that allowing your baby to nap in a bassinet or pack n play allows you time to cater to your toddler or get other things done. We used a pack n play and actually kept one in our living room so that I could keep an eye on both kids at the same time. The pack n play also insured my toddler couldn’t get to the baby when I was in the other room or doing something else.
4. Include Your Toddler
The best piece of advice I ever received about having 2 babies was to tell your baby “I will get your bottle in just a minute, I’m helping your brother.” Now this isn’t just for a bottle but making sure your telling the baby that they have to be patient because right now you are busy with your oldest. Obviously your baby can’t comprehend that, this is so your toddler hears you telling the baby that they are just as important and require your time as well. You will find yourself wanting to tell your oldest “Hold on, I am helping the baby” and sometimes it causes them to be jealous.
If you’re reading this and about to have two babies under two, take a deep breath, relax and just know that if other people can survive it, so can you. You’re going to have SO MUCH FUN! As mine are now three and two, they keep each other entertained (when they aren’t fighting) and they also love each other so much. Remember, they are too young to remember life without one anotherrllf,cc[m,
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