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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

2 UNDER 2 HOW DID YOU DO IT?!

34 replies

charlottexox · 01/02/2018 09:27

I accidentally just posted a post which I hadn't finished 🤣 But, basically; I have a 17mo and have just found out I'm 4 weeks pregnant with baby #2 - big shock as was taking the combined pill!
Wondering if any ladies who had 2 under 2 managed to cope ok and what your strategies were? Also, how did you find having a double buggy and is it all about routine?

OP posts:

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FckNo · 01/02/2018 09:34

Congratulations!

You just get on with it tbh. You gave no choice.

What worked for me...,

Routine
Get out at least once a day (I did a route which took about 50 mins to walk)
Make sure you look after yourself
Be organised as much as you can (clothes for next day ready, shop online)
Get a thermos cup
Phil and teds double buggy worked for us...a real workhorse tbh
And try not to fret the small stuff

Screaminginsideme · 01/02/2018 09:38

I did it, it can be hard but it does get easier. Just don’t try to be a perfect parent, do what you can not what you think others expect.

Namechangeuser · 01/02/2018 09:41

Following as I am in a similar position and will take all the advice I can get.

Ds is due in 2 months and DD will only be 14 months!

zzzzz · 01/02/2018 09:42

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

charlottexox · 01/02/2018 09:42

Thanks for the comments so far ladies. FckNo did that buggy fit on a bus ok? I don't drive so rely on public transport! Also, forgot to add my girl will be 2 in August and baby #2 should be arriving in October x

OP posts:

MyKingdomForBrie · 01/02/2018 09:43

You won’t have two under two so don’t panic!

KadabrasSpoon · 01/02/2018 09:49

I was about to say the same - you'll probably have a 2 year old and a newborn which has its own benefits and challenges.

I had 2 under 2 - 14 month gap and it was quite different to friends that had a newborn and 2 year old. 2 year old much more mobile and opinionated!

Tips that might help in general though are to be organised. It's difficult for you and the older one as that relationship changes with the addition of a sibling. I felt so guilty at that start! Prepare to have some help for the first few weeks - if you end up with a CS it is very hard not to lift your toddler and do baths etc.
Best buddies now at 2 and 3! Well worth the chaos years

MirandaWest · 01/02/2018 09:52

I briefly had two under 2 as DS was 22 months when DD was born. I just got on with it - I remembered how to do the newborn things and DD just fitted in. Had a Phil and Teds buggy which I loved. Was a while ago though as they’re 14 and 12 now 😊

Oysterbabe · 01/02/2018 09:54

Don't worry you won't have 2 under 2. Your older child will be old enough to understand that sometimes the baby needs attention by the time it arrives.
My older child was 23.5 months when the baby arrived the double buggy had been a lifesaver. Throwing them both in there and going for a little walk calms everyone down.

Pidgythe2nd · 01/02/2018 10:00

Agree with above, you won't have 2 under 2!!

But seriously, there's never an 'easy' time for a second or subsequent child.

My tips..
Get a slow cooker.
Get a sling to carry the newborn in round the house (useful if you have a Velcro baby like I did 2nd time)
Don't be afraid to use tv.

It's great as they'll both hopefully still be napping. I used to nap once s day with them. Kept me sane!!

They'll also be into the same things and play well together (and probably fight/bicker like my 2 now do)

ElspethFlashman · 01/02/2018 10:00

The first year is a bit of a merry clusterfuck but it's not the worst.

I suspect having a big age difference is harder in some ways. At least with 2 under 2 the elder one hasn't that many opinions yet. They are still in nappies, they are still watching bloody Teletubbies. So the small one slots right in.

Uhohmummy · 01/02/2018 12:26

Mine have a similar gap to what it sounds like you will have (23 months) - it was fine. DD1 could walk and talk but still napped during the day.
I used a sling for the baby and kept the buggy for DD1 for about 6 months. Then put baby in buggy and DD1 used a buggy board. Used a wrap sling a lot for the baby in the early days so I could cook, get things done in the house.

nicolaj5 · 01/02/2018 12:28

I have a 15 month old and a 16 week old, so they're 11 months apart, and it’s not as hard as you think it might be. Im also a single mum to them both, you just learn to do things in a way that works for you. You’ll have your bad days, but I’m sure you would of had them with just the one aswell. Don’t sweat it, you’ll do great!

weeowl · 01/02/2018 12:32

I have a similar age gap - 26 months. Like you I'm reliant on buses and didn't want a double buggy. I either take sling and stroller, or pram with buggy board which is a lifesaver (look for a 2nd hand one as quite pricey new). Constantly feel guilty about how much tv DD1 watches but it won't be forever! Also about how little I do with Dd2 in terms of reading, groups etc compared to Dd1 was small... but then she is endlessly fascinated by her big sis so it's a different kind of stimulation. It's getting easier now she can sit up and play with toys and isn't bf so much (7.5 months). It's tough but the moments of cuteness between them make up for it! Just accept your house will be a mess for about the next 5 years Oh and if you can, keep up some form of childcare for No1 so you can get some time with no2 - you'll find a toddler much harder work than a baby second time round!

ElspethFlashman · 01/02/2018 12:33

Oh yeah, we didn't have a double buggy either. Sling and single buggy.

Bringonspring · 01/02/2018 12:34

I had a new born and a 2 and 4 month old. I love it!! To begin with baby in sling. Now the baby is 6 months and is awake for 2 and half hours we have found okay groups which are hood for both.

Honestly getting the baby stage out the way is great. If my first born had got to 4 I don’t think I would have had another!!

CaptainWarbeck · 01/02/2018 12:42

Your age gap is great. Your older one will pretty much understand what's happening but also won't remember life without the younger one. I found it much easier than being pregnant with a toddler.

Get a sling and put baby in it for the early days. Get organised with meal plans, cook in the morning when you get a chance (baby naps etc) and stock up the freezer.

Get out of the house, go to playgroups etc so toddler can run around and you can have a cup of tea while someone (or you) cuddles the baby.

And accept all offers of help while you feel you need them.

lovemyboylots · 01/02/2018 12:44

I have 9 week old twins and my little boy is 2y7. It is very busy but not also really lovely. I've just had to accept that I just 'mum' all day. Everything else has to wait. If I manage to put one load of washing on I've had a good day! I'm very lucky that I have a very supportive husband who is very hands on and is happy to do what needs to be done round the house. The hardest part is leaving the house, getting everyone fed, nappies changed and dressed, but it is so worth it and makes such a difference to the day, especially for my 2 year old, so really try to get out once a day.

mummyhaschangedhername · 01/02/2018 12:49

Congratulations... I had 3 under two (had twins) and if I'm honest it's all a bit of a blur and was very hard, but we got through it. My eldest also had/has special needs so it was all a bit crazy back then. Honestly though, take each day as it comes, and knowing doesn't last forever. Even when it's hard work, there are so many Great times, they were so cute and grew up with each other around and because the harps were so small there was never any jealousy.

Kaykee · 01/02/2018 12:52

My no3 baby was only 6 months when I fell pregnant again, they are youngest of 4.
I was just pretty organised, but went with the flow too and didn’t beat myself up too much if things went pear shaped. Always had them in twin pram when out unless I had dp with me. Their dad worked 7 shifts when he finished his paternity leave so it was full on so my ten year old was a little star and would help out. My 3rd son was only 4, so 4 Boys 10 and under was crazy.

Only thing I’d say is, because life is so busy take time to enjoy it, don’t wish they were older or rush for them to do things which I felt I did a bit. My 13 month old also wasn’t walking until he was 19 months, so 2 non walkers was fun. Sometimes wish I could go back, then I remember I can now sleep through the night (Boys now 7&8) time flies

Congrats and enjoy x

BubbleAndSquark · 01/02/2018 12:58

Weve got a 12 month gap with DC2 and 3 and its fine.

Have the older one in a good routine beforehand, try to breastfeed as its a lot more convenient for nightfeeds and going out etc, keep a bag packed so you don't have to sort loads out before leaving the house.

Newborns sleep most of the time, try to head to toddler groups and let the older one tire themselves out while you hold the younger one. Other mums will help out at groups if they both need something at the same time in my experience.
My youngest is 3 months at the moment and its been easier than being pregnant so far!

punkpuffin · 01/02/2018 13:01

I have 4mo 22mo and 4yo and you just get on with it. Routine is key, and organisation. I try and have everything ready the night before. Id say a good bed time routine is very important as ds3 doesn't sleep very well so I don't get much housework etc done. If I could crack his sleeping it wouldn't be too bad at all. Good luck

BubbleAndSquark · 01/02/2018 13:03

Also, for a side by side buggy the mountain buggy duet is great, it's narrow enough to fit through normal single doors and you can get carrycot attachment for the younger one.
But with a 2 year age gap, unless you walk a lot of long distances I'd use a buggy board personally.

Original poster

charlottexox · 01/02/2018 13:04

Wow, love all this advice ladies! Sorry, I shouldn't have put the title as "2 under 2" maybe something as "whirlwind ready to start in 9 months time"🤣 Feeling more happy now after these replies, I am absolutely crapping myself as my partner works 5 days a week - 9am till 6pm, sometimes 10pm!! So will probably find it hard at first! Also, anyone care to share how their eldest reacted to baby #2? My LG is fantastic with younger children, but always wonder how she will react to a younger sibling rocking up at the place!😂

OP posts:

ElspethFlashman · 01/02/2018 13:10

Mine was indifferent for the first 6 months as babies are kinda boring. But zero jealousy. Always positive.

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