2nd baby - what's it really like? How to survive?

[soontohavetwoundertwo]

I am due my second baby in the summer. The age gap will be just under two years. I am seriously worrying about how to cope. My first still seems like a tiny baby and needs me for everything! Help! How was it for you? What do I need to make it easier?!

I'm interested too. I'm due August with my second and my first will be just under 2.5 years

Mine was easier but I guess that was just lucky

I had a similar age gap between my two and you do just manage. I had a terrible time with sleeping as I was bf and my nearly 2 year old was waking at 4.30am for the day! 😩
My second was much easier though as I was more relaxed but honestly, it was ok. And through the tough times, you just remember ‘this too shall pass’.
My two are 13 and 11 now and I can barely remember the tough times.

Following because I’m also a bundle of worry

I found this book a great help, but know it is contoversial.

I have a 2yo and a 4mo. The 4mo is a very easy baby so I'm lucky there. It has all been much better than I thought to be honest. The worst thing was not being able to pick up the 2yo after my csection but that was only a few short weeks really and he's back to clambering all over me now. One thing that I would suggest (if you can) is to split the evenings and early mornings with your partner if you have one. DH usually does the 2yo bedtime which was really a necessity when the baby was cluster feeding in the evening. Also he will get up with the 2yo if there are early starts and watch him until he needs to go to work so I can get a bit more sleep after night feeds (I bf). I think just making sure you get enough sleep is key as then you are better able to tackle any issues that come up during the day! We have kept the 2yo in childcare a couple of days a week too while I'm on mat leave, which he enjoys and gives me a chance to have 1:1 time with the baby and rest a bit.

That's the same age gap as my two and I think it's been fine. I'm not sure if my second is just an easier baby or that now I know what I'm doing it seems easier. They adore each other and she doesn't remember a time before he was here (he's 9 months old now). They are both bad sleepers which can be hard but I'm kind of used to it.