Small age gaps

[Myotherbagisgucci]

How did you cope?

DD1 is 16 months and DD2 is 6 weeks and I feel like I'm crumbling! Im finding everyday such a struggle as DD2 is such a difficult baby, and every time I leave the house, someone kicks off! So I try not to go out unless I have too and I feel awful saying this, but I'm relying on TV and iPad to keep DD1 calm and entertained when the baby needs feeding etc.

I'm so tempted to go back to work full time and let DH have the rest of my mat leave as I'm hating every moment of it so far.

Does it ever get easier?

(Also DD1 doesn't go to nursery, but spends two afternoons a week with grandparents and DH is extremely hands on when he's home from work)

2 afternoons is nothing. It's like an awful, uphill struggle at this age. Yes there are lovely moments but the GRIND! God.

If you could possibly get DD2 into nursery 2 mornings a week that would help.

Unfortunately we can't afford nursery. 😩

Bump

I have the exact same gap!

My DS will be 1 next week and I have lived to tell the tale. I won't be the first woman, nor the last.

It is difficult, and I know everyone says this but it will get easier. My DS was a difficult baby is and still doesn't sleep through the night but he can now play with my DD, they eat at the same time etc.

We don't have much family support or nursery as an option, but I take up every single offer of help!

The best advice I can give you, is to accept that this is it for a while, and don't feel guilty if you have to get the iPad or TV on.

You will get through this.

My ds was 16mths when dd was born. She had colic for 10 long weeks. My advice is ask for help - family inlaws friends. Don't be guilty about tv or iPad. You do what you have to do to make sure everyone is alive. Put the 2 of them in the buggy and walk walk walk. Get them napping together. It does pass fast you wake up one morning and it's just easier. We are expecting number 3 in August ds will be 3 and 4mths and dd will be 22 mths . Best of luck

It will get easier I promise, 18m between mine and the early weeks are a blur but there was definitely about4 hours of CBeebies a day. Don't worry about it, everyone is adjusting to a new normal and if tv stops you/the toddler flipping out then use it. I do think it's good to get out though, it seems like such an effort but once you're out the toddler can burn off energy and the baby can sleep. Do you have a double buggy? Mine was a godsend!

I do have a double pram and we went out today, only for half an hour and the baby cried the whole time. She's so colicky and it's really draining, especially when I've only had minimal sleep. I'm praying that things will start to improve soon! 🙏🏼

14 month gap, youngest is 6 months now. Honestly it does get better. I felt like I was drowning at first.

Will baby settle in a Sling? The close Caboo was a total life saver for the first few months. We went to loads of groups so my daughter could blow off steam and baby would be OK in the Sling or in a bouncer. I found church toddler groups the friendliest and they're often run by ladies who are more than happy to hold baby for a while.

Oh that sounds tough op, but yes second the sling suggestion. Hope the baby settles down soon.

I would second the poster above that has suggested a sling. I’ve got a 2 year gap and my 8 week old spends most of his time in a sling on my front. It means we can still get out to various groups so the toddler can get blow of some steam and I can get some adult conversation.

I've tried a sling and she hates that too! She is such hard work it's unreal. I'm praying that the colic eases off soon, as it's all really getting me down.

I knew having two so close together would be hard, but it's worse than I could have imagined! 😢

I really feel for you, but please don't worry about all the tv. My 2nd wasn't colicky but I still relied on lots of hey Duggee and fishfingers for dinner! Be kind to yourself and keep reminding yourself this is all temporary. It will get easier.