Preparing for two under two!

[thatcrazycatwoman]

Hi everyone,
I currently have a 19 month old and due to birth my second in November, I am a little nervous to say the least haha, quite a few people I have spoken to haven't spoken positively of a small age gap!! I am just wondering if there is anything I should be prepared for! or if you have any advice I'd be grateful, my DS is such a good boy I am lucky but he is now starting to get little tantrums so I am sure I have many eventful happenings to look forward to haha
I am still co sleeping with my LO he does sleep in a cot but its hit and miss, i plan to co sleep with the new arrival as I did with DS, I just think I am going to have to clamp down on him sleeping in his cot now because I don't think it will work all of us in the bed, thats something I will struggle with, I love his bedtime snuggles and him waking up to find me in the night for a cuddle.

so many things I bought first time round panic buying that I won't bother with this time, just loads of sleep suits, muslins and nappies. let the fun begin!

x

I'm in a similar boat, due in 2 weeks and my DS is 22 months. He is just hitting the constantly repeating 'no' stage - joy!

To be honest, anyone I've spoken to about the small age gap says the same thing, first 6 months to a year will be really hard but it is much much easier having a small age gap after that as they tend to have same interests/in to the same things. It's easier to do shared activities and they play together quite well.

My eldest will hopefully be continuing in nursery 3 days a week, I'm hoping that will give me some time with the new baby and make things bit easier. I've been told a sling is essential too. I'm having a C-section so recovery from that and being apart from my son whilst in hospital is a real concern.

My son sleeps in his own bed but will often end up in ours if he gets up in the night just for ease. I know it's not deemed safe to have a newborn and a sibling co-sleep with you together so I would avoid that. DH may have to sleep in DS's room with him when newborn comes along. We will be using a next to me crib and my DS slept well in his, so I'm hoping the new baby will too so if need be DS can get in to our bed but I think the baby getting up every couple of hours will disturb DS too much. I can't deal with him being stroppy all day due to tiredness on top of a newborn!

There's 18m between DD1 and DD2 and I'm 38 weeks pregnant with DS1 giving me 3 under 4 (just)
Honestly, small age gap is hard, the lack of sleep and how much they both need you us intense ... BUT it's the best thing I've ever done. My girls adore each other, and eldest doesnt remember a time before DD2 so there's no jealousy etc actually looking after a baby is also much easier 2nd time, it's just the logistics of looking after 2 that's new.
Planning and organisation are my biggest tips, lay tomorrow's clothes out the night before, pack the nappy bag etc so you can just dress and go whenever you need to. You've got this mama x