Managing 2 children

[Ducky1900]

I'm 10 weeks pregnant, and really starting to worry and become anxious about how I'm going to manage a Newborn and a toddler!
LO will be just over 2 when baby arrives in January, and I honestly don't know how ill cope.
I'm not excited about the pregnancy at all, and I feel sad about that.
Suffering a bit with nausea and low mood at the moment, hoping it shakes off soon!

You learn as you go, and you manage. Honestly, you will be able to do it.

The first few weeks are hard; you're exhausted and you're trying to get to know the new baby whilst making sure the toddler feels loved and included. It is hard, there isn't anyway to sugar coat that, but you can do it. Involve your toddler as much as possible is the beat advice I can give and, i know you will be exhausted, but when baby sleeps, ask your toddler what they want to do and try to give them that hour of playing what they want so they still have special mum time.

My ex left when I was 7 months pregnant and didn't have contact with us so I had a 1 year old and a newborn alone. Nothing has ever been harder but I wouldn't change it for anything. You will find your way.

You will cope ok. Two years is an easier gap than 18 months. At two they can hopefully watch tv for a while (it saved my sanity). Also they show more interest in stories and things like jigsaws that you can do while you’re sitting feeding. You can start to prepare your older one by encouraging independent play in the final few months.

And sleep when the baby sleeps whenever possible! Keep the toddlers nap long and doze on the sofa while they watch tv. Don’t feel guilty for a bit of “neglect”, kids who are in big families cope just fine. But try to get your toddler used to it earlier. Try practicing lots of “mummy will come in five minutes” before the baby arrives, it helps stave off jealousy.

18 months is the hardest age imo, and nausea is horrible. It will get better.