Tips for Two?

[AlmostTwo]

We already have a 2.5 year old (lockdown baby) and are due to have our second baby soon. I'm feeling really unorganised compared to first time around! 🙈

Any top tips for things I can/should get sorted in advance which will help me to manage once baby arrives?

I just had my second with a similar age gap…
My top tip is have everything to hand so have a nappy caddy and change mat downstairs as well as upstairs.
Have something you can put the baby in upstairs while you shower (so you can see them - my toddler is handsy with the baby!).
I bought some new activity toys/workbooks for the toddler meaning she can sit next to me while I feed and play with her new book (doesn’t always work).
For my husbands first day back at work with me having both at home, I made a packed lunch for the toddler and made sure her water bottles were filled and ready for her.
I got a step for her to use downstairs so she can reach things if I’m busy feeding.

The baby is actually much easier this time around (I’m far more laid back!), the challenge for me has been navigating the two of them. My toddler loves the baby but still gets a little jealous when the baby is feeding all the time so I just try to involve her as much as possible and take the opportunity to play with/cuddle her whenever the baby is settled.

Good luck! It’s a rollercoaster! But for us, it has been mostly positive so hopefully it will be for you too!

I had 16 months between DCs 1 & 2.
my best bit of advice would be that a sling is your best friend!!
I used to feed and change DC2, Chuck him in a sling, leaving both hand free for DC1, potter about my day and he’d be asleep in minutes few, and I could pretty much forget about him until the next feed as bad as that sounds 😬

You need a good comfy sling, and a part time nursery place.

Thank you for the replies, really useful 🙂 Lunchbox idea is great as hadn't thought of that! I was already planning to have changing stuff set up downstairs this time too, just need to get that sorted.

Any sling recommendations? I have a wrap sling at the moment although didn't use it that much last time.

Luckily, we are able to keep toddler in nursery a couple of days a week which should help 🤞

Following for tips as about to have 2 under 2 ourselves! I do have a good sling recommendation though try the koala sling. We had a wrap as well but this just went on like a t-shirt and was so much faster and easier to use which I think will be key with two!

www.amazon.co.uk/Koala-Babycare-Cuddle-Band-Anthracite/dp/B07G85PQ5J/ref=asc_df_B07G85PQ5J/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=372654508016&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2664593235770525133&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046634&hvtargid=pla-640231659065&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=79042704200&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=372654508016&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2664593235770525133&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046634&hvtargid=pla-640231659065

I liked the Close Caboo for the early months. Same concept as a wrap, but it’s like a cross between a wrap and a ring sling. You put it over your head like a tshirt, pop baby in and then tighten the rings on the sides to keep baby secure. Really easy, and a lot less faff if you need to get baby in and out often. I used mine for all 3 babies!

Thanks for the sling recommendations 😊