Advice please - two under 2

[GoGold]

Hi, looking for advice and opinions please. 18mth old currently off nursery due to co-vid but need to confirm start date ASAP for September to maintain place. Second child due in September. We had planned to keep DC1 in nursery for a couple of days a week at the beginning to help transition with newborn and sleepless nights etc. Risk of co-vid means we are now doubting whether this is suitable. My question is this: how did you cope with a newborn and toddler full-time? Was it really difficult? We have no family close-by that could help. I don't want to end up being horribly tired and stressed at the toddler. Did you just cope or would you recommend a day or two at nursery for first two months or so? Thanks for any tips/advice!

I had 2 under 2. 18 month gap and no family nearby and my husband works away a lot. It was actually ok! Obviously some hard moments where they both wanted something at the same time and one of them had to cry for a few minutes but nowhere near as hard as I thought it would be. After a few months I got the baby into a routine and they would nap at the same time which was a sanity saver as I knew I’d get at least an hour to myself in the middle of the day. It’s great now (they are 18 months and 3) as they entertain each other and get on really well. There’s a good group called 2 under 2 uk on Facebook if you’re on it and lots of helpful mums on there in the same boat.

Oh I should add eldest didn’t go to nursery as I’m a stay at home mum. In some ways it was easier to have him at home as I wasn’t having to get them ready and out of the house to get to nursery pick ups and drop offs, we could have nice chilled mornings at our own pace which I liked.

Thank you @Minai, that's what I've been hoping for - positive visualisation! I'll check out that group, sounds useful!