When my daughter was six months old, I felt like I was finally getting the hang of this “mom thing”. My baby was sleeping through the night, we had a routine that was working well, and I was starting to feel like myself again. Then… two weeks later, my husband I found out that we were expecting our second child! I was in complete shock. I JUST had a baby and we were having another one. So many questions ran through my mind. How are we going to handle having two kids under two? How am I going to love another baby as much as I love my daughter? Am I ever going to sleep again?
Eventually, I got excited about the idea of having two kids so close in age. As they grow up, they’ll have a built in friend in each other and neither one of them will know life without the other. Throughout the past year of having two under two, I’ve definitely learned a few things that help me from jumping off of the deep end. Although the days can be challenging and exhausting at times, following these few tips can help you survive your two under two phase.
Synchronize nap times as early as possible
During the first few months of infancy, babies sleep 15 to 20 hours a day. Try to sync nap times where both your baby and toddler are sleep at the same time.
Syncing your kid’s naps will give you a few hours of peace and quiet to get things done without having to take care of the kids. I’ve noticed a change in my mood with having that break in the day which makes a HUGE difference in how the rest of the day goes.
Make your toddler feel important
If your toddler is old enough, have them help take care of the baby by doing things such as feeding the baby with a bottle or handing you diapers and wipes during diaper changes. This will help your toddler feel included in caring for and getting to know this unfamiliar new baby.
When your baby is napping and your toddler is awake, make sure you give your toddler uninterrupted one on one time. When your newborn first comes home, your toddler will not be used to sharing time with mom. Sometimes, this can cause behavioral problems with your toddler with them trying to get attention in any way possible, both good and bad. Giving your toddler one on one time will help them while they are adjusting to the changes of another baby getting attention as well.
Ask for help
This is hard for moms to do but make sure you ask for help. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed and experiencing “mommy burnout”. Ask for help before it gets to this point. You only have two hands and 24 hours so ask your partner or other family members for help with watching the kids while you get some chores done or even to step away from the kids to get some ‘alone time’ in.
Enjoy your time with two under two
Although it can be rough at times, they are only this little for so long. I know it’s so cliché to say but enjoy these moments and make memories with your two little ones that will last a lifetime. Accept the challenging days and truly enjoy the great days.
Thoughtfully Written by: Teralyn Simmons
IG: @its_terals