Handling 2 under 2

[MrsJames64]

Okay ladies....looking for advice, encouragment..etc. I have a 10 month old and am currently 20wks pregnant with number 2. Starting to freak out about how I'm going to handle taking care of 2 little ones under 2yrs old. I have a very supportive and awesome husband but no close family or friends to offer help.....has anyone been there and survived?? Thanks in advance.

[LoveCake98]

My mom & my MIL both had babies 13 mos apart.  My brother had twins so they've all told me that you get used to it and/or won't know any different once in the swing of things.  Siblings say that it was really great to grow up with a sibling so close so don't stress about that. Try to potty train early if your older one is remotely ready.  Also, try to ditch the bottle at 12 mos. unless you're planning to bf both children. (Less washing)  My two will be exactly 2 years apart and I'm a little anxious but DH & I agree that it'll be great for him to have sibling. We're working on being gentle, staying calm, extra cuddles, learning what no means, and sharing everything. We also bought a second crib so we wouldn't displace #1. Good luck.   Even more challenging at my house is the 2 cats and the dog!   I'm always cleaning up pet hair & puke.  Ugh.

[Aggiepa]

Mine were just at 2 years apart. My thing is planning. Try to anticipate what you'll need and have it ready. Like snacks for the toddler. Have a schedule, a loose schedule, so the toddler can be busy while you nurse. biggest help, figure out how to get them to nap at the same time and then sleep with them. forget cleaning. Rest as much as possible. You'll do great!

[Liane88930]

I think Aggiepa has the right idea. My firat two are just 10 1/2 months apart and my third came 16 months after #2. So i had 3 under age 3. Expect life to be chaotic but a good routine, some organization, and good planning will help ease the stress. Don't be hard on yourself. Just enjoy your babies, they are only small for such a short window- laundry will be there forever!!

[isaknhenrysmama]

I would love to know how to handle thiw. I have a very stubborn 4.5 year old a very jealous 13 month old and due in feb with baby #3. My 13 month old will push anyone including the dog away from me because I am his.

[Liane88930]

Stay strong with your 4.5 yo. That, plus a strong routine will go far. For the 13month old, try including him/her as a helper and TONS OF PRAISE! Also, you can  get a gift for each existing child FROM the baby when he/she is born. Also have any visitors visit with the current kids before they dote on new baby.

[Aggiepa]

I agree with Liane88930, gifts from the baby are a big hit. my 5 year old still remembers getting the little mermaid from the little one when she was born. Plus she got to have a sleepover with her grandparents since I had a planned induction. We made a big deal of it like she was such a big girl, big helper that she got something special. It all works out.