Older mum- 14 month age gap and baby number 2 imminent- hit me with your tips please!

[Homassy]

So for various reasons had baby number one at 39 and started trying for number two when he was about 5-6 months. Unexpectedly it happened first time. I've been working part time but thankfully just finished at 34 weeks. It's been so full on, that I've basically been in denial.

So the denial is fading, I'm knackered and 40 yrs old, 34 weeks pregnant with a full on non walking but cruising 13 month old. Little one goes to nursery 9-4 two days and 9-1 one day. Partner is supportive and tries to be helpful. I'll probably end up with a second c section. No family support as old and far away.

Please please share you stories and your tips for survival. Practical stuff like double buggies and car boots etc!! Thanks to anyone out there

I only have 1 so no personal experience to share, but I'm going with large playpen for LO1! Good luck! No doubt it will be hard for a while but when you look back you'll mostly remember the good bits.

I had a 21 month gap, one of my best tips is to get a travel cot with a raised base and changing station. I used to pop DS into it during the day where his big toddler sis couldn't access him to literally smother him with love!! When he was older I would fill the travel cot with toys for him to play with which would keep him entertained while DD could play with her own toys without him annoying her. For transport I had an Uppababy Vista with toddler seat attachment. A friend had similar age gap and had the mountain buggy duet and it was also fab.

travel cot this was the one we had, doesn't seem to be available anymore but I'm sure there must be similar out there

Teach the 13 month old to climb on and off sofa carefully, and how to crawl up and down stairs. This saved me big time after my csection with DC2. Also I used to put them both down for a nap at the same time everyday so that I could get some time to myself - didn't always work 😆 especially when DD began to drop her nap, but there were days when it was a godsend!

Thanks both! @Gooseygirl that's a good idea. I've read about putting baby in a playpen if toddler won't go in to keep them safe, but toddler quite good at lobbing things, so keeping baby out of reach is clearly the best idea. I like the travel cot.

Def going to try and synch nap and bedtimes

@Homassy I'm in the same boat I've just found out I'm pregnant and have a 6 month old will have a 14 month gap between the two oh and I'm also a week shy of 41 so old!! Also worrying about the practical aspect. A friend said to me to get a sling and practice loads before baby is here. I have school runs to do so not quite sure how we will figure that one out!

Sending lots of luck.

Books stuffed down the side of every chair so you've always got something to hand to entertain toddler with when you're feeding the baby. I had special Thomas the Tank Engine books to read during baby feeding time.

Double pushchair, buy a good one. We had snow Out n about nipper. Don't attempt slings and single prams, it will end in tears. Yours.

Lots of snacks finger foods for tea. Have a hot cooked meal in the middle of the day when you're less knackered. Or just have breadsticks, cheese and tomatoes twice a day, whatever gets you through.

We put baby in a travel cot during the day. I can't remember ds1 throwing things at him, maybe we were lucky.

Good luck op, I miss those days now. Have fun