Tips, routines and general solidarity for 2under2

[SGChome20]

I have an 18month old and due in September again. I’m looking to get an idea of what a day to day routine might look like with 2 under 2. I know it is going to be chaotic and I am prepared for that. Currently my DD is in nursery 4 days but I’m looking to drop that to 2 full days (is this a good plan or should she go in mornings only)

id hope to get out somewhere with the two of them the other 3 days when DH isn’t about. Maybe to the park, softplay, play cafes etc. Do people generally just let newborn sleep in pram while at activities for the toddler? With DD I was basically at home thanks to covid so I was so focused on her sleep schedule and routine but I know I will go insane if I stay home all day with a toddler and newborn.

For context my DH starts work early so I wouldn’t be able to shower etc before he leaves but he will have 3 weeks off when baby is born. I will also most likely be getting a c section so any specific tips for that are welcomed.

we don’t have any family help so it’s all on us.

I was thinking at weekends DH could take one or both of them out a walk or something to allow me to just have a bit of a rest. does housework just fall by the wayside?

thanks for any tips, words of wisdom or just general stories of how it goes/went for you.

So Im planning for this... I currently have baby in for 4 days a week and will up this to 5 days so I can have quality time with baby number 2 and also it will be all around less work and stressful... Would you be able to? Especially at the beginning when you're all figuring out that dance together, then you can slowly drop the nursery days once you get into a routine. I also have a cleaner, lots of food prep in the freezer. Dad will need to pull his socks up and take both babies out once a weekend so I can have time to myself, but also vice versa though should he want.

Unfortunately we can’t justify the cost of FT nursery. It was actually one of our considerations for baby 2 being close in age that it would save us money. We are thinking we’ll keep DD in for maybe the first month or so after the baby is born though.

I have considered getting a cleaner in once a week but not sure. When my mat leave starts I’m going to food prep like mad!

it’s the mornings that I think I’ll find most difficult. If I can get 20mins to myself in the morning I’m good to go after a shower etc but if I don’t get that I feel it just throws my whole day off.

I’m due with DC2 in a couple of weeks and DD turns 2 this week.
My plan is definitely to let DC2 nap in the pram or carrier whilst I do stuff with DD as DD is such hard work if we don’t go out at least part of the day.
I’m also keeping DD in nursery 2 days a week to keep her routine and give me some time alone with DC2.
Fully expecting housework standards to drop (again) especially the first few months and I expect DD will have more tv than I’d really like.

@SGChome20 I think mornings would be a good idea! At least it gives you a break everyday so you can take that opportunity to rest and/reset.

If you can afford the cleaner get one, they can tackle the bathroom, kitchen and putting away your washing!! I get mine to do the ironing too if that is something you would like done (almost a luxury!!). She does the floor and mops it, so although our house looks like a tip all the time, at least it's clean and detoxed!