2 under 2 questions!!

[Californianlilac]

I’ve found out we are expecting and I have so many questions as I don’t know anyone with this sort of gap! My questions are about when the baby is here but also a bit further down the line. We will have a 20 month gap and 2 school years difference. Obviously that’s if the pregnancy goes ok.

so… what do we need to buy! We have everything to a degree but it’s things like, what shall I do bed wise for my older child if we let the baby have a cot bed? Will I need another high chair? And anything else anyone can think of?

then back to work… I know I’m thinking way too far ahead but getting childcare here is a nightmare! So I’d need to book this after first trimester.

how an earth do people get this gap ready and get to work for 9 and drop kids off etc?

my current working hours are 22.5 over 3 days. Would I be better doing this over 4 days to make it more manageable?

any tips and words of wisdom would be ace! Thanks

Preparing for a new baby with a 20-month gap can be a bit of a juggling act, but it's manageable with some planning. For your older child, transitioning to a new bed might be necessary if you're using a cot bed for the baby. Consider a toddler bed or even a low-profile bed to make the switch smoother. As for a high chair, you’ll likely need another one to accommodate both children comfortably during meal times.
When it comes to work and childcare, booking early is essential, especially since finding quality care can be challenging. Flexibility in your working hours might help; spreading your hours over more days can reduce daily stress and make managing drop-offs and pickups easier.
Ultimately, don’t hesitate to seek support from family or friends if you can. It’s a big change, but with a bit of planning and some help along the way, you’ll find a rhythm that works for your growing family.

Trying to work your questions out.

I found I needed a twin buggy we tried to do without (single vuggy and a sling) but oh that was impossible.

We used trip trap chairs so one each.

As for getting ready we did a lot of prep the night before. So clothes laid out for the next day breakfast as prepped as could be

bags packed for the next day lunches packed.
Shoes by clothes or front door.

So the morning was about hygiene food and dressing. We also had a strict no screens policy in the morning.

As for what one will be better work wise. That depends on your family. p
Personally I have experienced people who prefer 3 days and those who preferred 4. Never seem to be any obvious for why they did it just suited their family. I'd say being organised is the big win.

I was going to suggest a toddler bed for the older one too but maybe not until a little later? Baby should be in a Moses Badket type

Sorry, hit post accidentally

Anyway, the baby won't need the cot straightaway? There again you might not want to transition DC1 to a toddler bed once DC2 has arrived?

As first the Childcare it's difficult to know. Working 3 days will obviously make childcare cheaper.

Do you have an option of working home on at least one of your days so they at least you won't have the commute?

It’s one of those thing which seemd impossible and then become the norm you will find what works for you me your kids. It is mad though I’ve usually done about 2500 steps before I leave for the school run getting myself and 3 under 6 ready!

you’ll learn to do things quick I can braid in about 45seconds now 😂

Thank you so so so much everyone for your responses! Hadn’t even thought actually my Lo can keep their cot for 6 months and then do the switch! And thank you re high chair. Got a lot to think about work wise and how that’s going to work!

thank you so much to each and everyone of you !

im so happy about this! Although there is a part of me like how an earth will we do this both as a baby and as they get older but people do and I’ve managed well first time round so hope i can this time!

I have 3 under two and you need a tag team.

DH hers up makes tea and bottles for the day - helps 2 years old get dressed and teeth brushed whilst I changed nappies (should be an Olympic sport - 3 done 2 minutes flat!) got them dressed.

Bags already packed and shoes by the door.

Admin sorted etc night before.

It’s perfectly doable!

Thank you for the reassurance!!

i hope it’s normal to feel like omg can I do it but like people say - other people do it so it must be!!

I had a booster seat strapped to a dining table chair for the older one. A changing station upstairs and downstairs is really handy. Changing bag ready to go by the door always. I had two cots that turn into toddler beds

Ah that’s a good idea! Thank you

No need for two highchairs. By the time baby needs one, older one will be over 2 and fine on a tall dining kiddy chair something like this
https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/ingolf-junior-chair-antique-stain-60353838/

Nursery run is pretty easy by that age. 16 month gap here. Just have nursery bag ready the night before. And baby sleeps later, so I make sure toddler is dresses, shoes on and chilling before baby is awake. I'm usually working by 8.45 and I do 3 days a week

Ah that’s a good option and suppose again lo will be 2.5 by the time the other is ready to wean. I am so so happy to hear that you get to work for that sorta time - I’m hoping that means I can do it too! I suppose it’s one of those things I need to sort because of childcare but by the time it rolls around I might not need what I think I do.