Anyone with 2 under 2…

[Needmynailsdone]

Either currently or previously. If you could do / could have done one thing to make your life easier, what would it be? Currently in the trenches and looking for small ways to make life slightly less nuts

Declutter and tell people not to buy them toys. Mine had access to a small amount of toys at a time. Makes a massive difference mentally when mess is manageable.

Kept a second changing mat with wipes etc under the sofa. Meant that when I was in the house on my own with the two them I didn’t have to traipse them both upstairs so that I could still supervise them while changing a nappy.

It gets easier. The school years are great, you really appreciate the small gap then. My two are such good friends now.

We had multiple sets of snowsuits/puddlesuits/etc, meaning we could go out in the worst weather for a short time, more than once a day, without having to wrestle soaked clothes back on.

The time outside was the sanity saver; the outdoor clothes just made it possible!

Do as much to get ready for the next day the night before. Bag, clothes, snacks whatever to get you out the house. Lunch ready in the fridge for you.

Protect the afternoon nap. The months where they both slept 1-3 were bliss!

Mine were 12 months age gap, it was fine tbh I was a lone parent and enjoyed it dont think I would do anything different

20 months between them.

I put the older one sitting in the pram hood which caused the pushchair frame to buckle,got another,same thing happened.

What I should have done is either get a double buggy or put the older one in buggy and new baby in a sling.

When did you find it got a bit easier? It feels so all encompassing right now

I’m a big fan of baby in the sling toddler in the pram. Unfortunately he’s 99th percentile so my back isn’t loving it as much

Yeah we have horrendous weather right now (it was minus 4 last night and awful snow / ice), so being trapped in the house has made everything feel 1,0000 x worse! It’s a good idea though, thank you

I'm currently in the trenches with you op. Solidarity!

I am loving our double nipper out n about pushchair, it's meant we've been able to get out in all weathers (even snow) and it manages uneven terrain really well. It's super easy to push can be pushed one handed so if the toddler wants to walk for a bit I can still have a hand free for holding hands honestly I would highly recommend it.

we got ours from Facebook market place second hand but it's so good id have bought it brand new if needed I feel it's worth the money, they also hold a bit of value for resale.

@Bey
I have that double buggy it's amazing!
When my 3rd is due later this year il have a 4 year old and a 20 month old so following with interest!!!!

14 month age gap. Same time sleep in the afternoon. Meal planning. Getting things ready the night before for the day. Back garden very child friendly. Double buggy. We had our own little music group at home. Only did essential housework weekdays, did the bulk at weekends when DH would help

Go out every day. Get a double buggy so you can push both of them and hopefully get them napping together. I had a 22 month gap and DC2 was 3 months during the infamous Beast from the East. It was still layers on and out for a walk every day for my sanity. Even if it meant walking for 2 hours so they stayed asleep it was worth it.

Following as soon to have 3 under 3

Out and about double nipper

A safe area with safe stuff to play with that you can put them both while you do stuff.

The passing of time - the absolute horror of the first few years of 15 months between them and having two needy babies but at different stages has been replaced by two children who are the best of friends, like all the same sort of stuff, are partners in crime and play the most wonderful imaginative games together.

Truly, it gets so much easier. Mine are 3 and 4. They are great pals.
I'd say easier once youngest had turned 1/was walking - but mine have never been bolters!
Outside every day for fresh air. Housework can wait (I never thought I'd say that!) but I do find being organised with meal plans, stuff out for the next day the night before, helps - a lot!
Keep going xx

And yes, def sync their naps if you can!

I had 3 under 2 because I said 1 more and my body laughed and gave me twins.

Routine, routine, routine!
DH pulling his weight
If you formula feed - a prep machine upstairs

Following as have a toddler and a newborn and recovering from C section ... want to know all the tips for in a couple of weeks and I can start our new normal

Two under 1.5 here. Currently 4 and 5 and it's SO wonderful. All the same clothes/toys/interests. Best of friends. Short-term pain for long-term gain. Things made easier for me when in the trenches, having DD1 in childcare a few hours a week if you can afford it. Double pram for walks, lots of walks, hated staying at home all day with them. I managed to get one nap synced in the afternoon, that was blissful! Stopped DD2's naps early (before 12 months) to sync their bedtimes to 6pm, also blissful. Just know it gets so much better, I'd say once youngest is 2, life gets significantly easier. Handhold OP, I'll never forget the first year. But now I'd say best age gap of all my friends kids and I'm grateful every day I did it the way I did.

Oh and I should have said in my previous post....routine, routine, routine. My life revolved around naps and if that meant not agreeing to plans so be it. Getting them into a sleep routine and syncing their naps and bedtime was my life goal!

Home Bargains floor wipes. Buys a couple days extra out of the kitchen floor.
Always empty the bin before it needs doing.
Ten minutes tidying up when you can't do the kitchen properly.
Main meal for lunch, for the kids.

21 month gap, I was very much a routine mum and sorted sleep out early. When the youngest was tiny I staggered the naps so had one to one time with each DC. I had a double buggy and also two singles so my DH and I could have one DC each. We also gave each other an hour off each weekend day to do whatever.
It really does get easier.

Buy plenty of clothes,nappies, and wipes so you never run out. Keep a snack/nappy/supplies trolley/basket in every main room. Ask for and accept help.

I currently have 2 under 2, and 3 under 4. 5 kids total, I've had every combination going and survived. Women for centuries have survived and we are more capable than ever before.