Going from one to two kids

[newmummah]

Okay people I need tips, tricks, advice. I am due baby number two in two months time and my eldest will be 14 months old. I'm looking for anything that made your life easier transitioning from one to two kids I dont have any family around, so getting the grandparents round to help/give a break won't be possible and so I'm trying to be as organised as possible. Thanks

Following this.
I have a 17mo and I'm due on Friday x

Also following this as there will be a 2 year age gap with nine

Following as I’m due my second in 3 weeks.

I’m trying to batch cook as many meals as possible as I was so exhausted last time.

I’ve been trying to get some activities together to entertain the older child whilst feeding. Try looking up toddler busy bags. Might be helpful.

Well, I’ve got 2- oldest is 2.5 youngest is 7 months. 2.5 yr old isn’t in nursery so I have them both all the time. Things that have helped are:

• getting dh to take annual leave at the start
• a sling (i’d used it for dd1 so helped that I knew how to use it)
• planning morning activities that will work with a toddler and baby so check out baby and toddler groups now so you know where’s best
• good double buggy for when baby is bigger
• having ideas for quick, easy, healthy meals that don’t take ages to clean up after
• teaching toddler to go to sleep on their own at nap time if possible (I used to sit with my eldest but she can fall asleep on her own now most of the time)
• there’s always the tv/iPad!

Accept that you can’t split yourself in two so there will be a little more crying than you probably had with your first.

It’s hard to be honest but gets easier!

On the plus side the birth will most likely be quicker and easier and if you breastfed your first and plan to do so again, I also found that a lot easier.

16 months between my two.

If you can afford 1-2 days a week in childcare for the eldest that is a lifesaver.

Weekly menus - know exactly what meals you're having for breakfast lunch and dinner so when it comes to it you dont even have to think about it.

A cleaner is also a godsend if you can afford it. I had one for the first few months just to keep the basics going. Otherwise get your other half to run the Hoover round or give you time off to flick a duster round once a week. Lower your standards massively for the first few months at least.

Force yourself out the house even if it's just a walk around the block. Its terrifying at first but breaks up the day.

Rely on tv for the eldest if you have to. It's not forever and if it gives you 20 mins whilst you put baby down to nap then so be it.

Cant think of anything else, tbh I think I blocked out the first few weeks as I literally dont know how I coped when my dh went back to work. BUT I did cope and we all survived and it's great having 2 so close in age .

Went from one to two 3 months ago. My necessities have been bouncer, baby sling, dummies, and a lot of patience. Didn't really want to introduce dummy but it's something to soothe dc2 when dc1 is requiring all my attention.

Also have to be a lot more on the ball with the feeding schedule as there's nothing worse than baby kicking off when it's toddlers lunch time, nursery time, bedtime etc.

I'm just finding my feet now so don't feel bad if you're a little overwhelmed at first. Also be prepared to be more tired this time around. That was the one thing that shocked me the most. No more sneaky lie ins when you've had a bad night with baby.

Other than it's been lovely. Best thing I've ever done. Would love another one but dh says no 😭