Two under two- how to cope?!

[Bobbins32]

Hi all
I have a 16 week old (who had colic and cried/ screamed every waking minute from 2weeks to 12 weeks, has always and still does hate being in a sling or carrier, cries in pram/ car seat) still a little unsettled but much much improved now and a 22 month old who wants to be carried all the time as well as waking up screaming for hours most nights and regular meltdowns in the day (until around 2 months ago we had none of these issues). Between DH’s annual leave, paternity leave and having my mum help ive not really been alone with them both but have been since Tuesday and finding it incredibly difficult. Any advice or words of wisdom would be welcome! Thank you! X

I've got 14 month between mine. Eldest is almost 2. No advice just a little message to let you know you're not alone. It's so, so, so hard! Mine are in nursery 4 days a week (I'm back in work full time) but I still dread the days alone with the 2 of them. They both get really jealous if I give the other attention (only me though they don't do it for DH!). My only advice would be to purely focus on making it to the end of the day. Count down to each nap. Once the youngest gets a bit of independence (crawling/cruising) it gets a bit easier because they're a bit less frustrated. We've got this 🥴!

Mine have a 17 month age gap. We live in a different country from our families and friends so we had no help. On top of that, just after the youngest was born, we went in lockdown, so had nowhere to go and nothing to do for like, a year! It was tough but it flew past. I don’t really have any advice except to just get through it!

I've got 18month between my two although they're a bit older now.
I'd say get a double buggy and get out every day if you can, it breaks up the day, even just a walk to the playground or even tesco.
It does get easier.

I had 3 under 3 at one point and it was ridiculously hard for a while. Loved our double buggy and went for LOTS of walks. Playgroups kept me sane as it felt good being out of the house.

Have you got a Homestart in your area? I used to volunteer for them. Met some lovely families and loved my time with them.
They can help anyone with children under 5. If there’s one in your area give them a ring.

The 2yo might be playing up because they've been with dad and gran, while you have baby, and they want your attention. So it might actually settle down a bit when you are a gang of three.

Things I did that helped: double buggy walks at same time each day - that synchronised their naps.
Before BF baby, I'd set up a game for toddler, teddies hiding round the room or something I'd unveil for toddler to play with. I made sure to talk to them whilst BF baby, so they didn't feel left out.

Also, go to any and all local toddler groups. Good luck!