To all parents of children w/ a small age gap (less than 18 months)...

[MxK]

So I'd originally created a new thread asking for book recommendations on parenting children with small age gaps.

I have a DS who will be turning 1 in Jan and am expecting DC2 in Feb (13 month age gap).

All of the books I've looked into regarding having a second child seem to be largely aimed at parents of children with an age gap of 2+ years. Most of them also seem to assume you have a steady partner around to help out.
Although my ex lives very close by and helps out when it suits him, I will pretty much be doing this on my own.

On my other post someone rightly suggested that I'd be much better off just starting a thread on here asking for tips than I would be looking for a book.

So that's what I'm doing! ANY suggestions/tips/advice you have on the subject at all would be more than greatly appreciated!!

Thank you very much in advance!!

I have a 14.5 month gap and it's honestly been fine! I deal with the easiest to solve issue first (eg- toddler wants a drink)

I have a jokey rule of only one of us can cry at a time, which really helped me when it all felt too much as I couldn't cry as they were and had to manage (I could then cry later haha)

Lower standards on things around the house when they are up and then a 20 minute rampage each evening with a timer helps with housework

I do gave a husband but he works shifts so when he's working he's not about, but I know that's not the same!

Watching my two play and laugh together now has made it all worth it

Double pushchair
2 x cots - do not change anything for your older ones sleep - place/time etc.
Accept your life will revolve around them and their needs.
Go to a lot of toddler groups.
Walk rather than drive where you can.
Nappy change station upstairs and downstairs

Hopefully you can breastfeed easily as that makes it easier.

We had a 14 month gap between DC1 and 2. Had two cots, double pushchair, two high chairs. I went out every single day, I walked a lot (DC2 was a summer baby). The nights were hard as DC1 was a terrible sleeper. They are teens now and things are much easier, also had DC3 three years after DC2 so it can't have been too bad!