I cannot believe I am in my last month as a SAHM of two under two, time is a thief. Although it has been quite the challenge, I will miss so many things about it! I’m hoping to share some insight (and realness) from my experience as over the past 8 months I have seemed to figure out what works best for us.
Having kids that are at such different stages developmentally and physically yet the oldest still not at the age of being independent is where the challenge comes in. Don’t get me wrong, I love every single second with them and feel so blessed to be their mama. With that said, there have been many days where I realize this is the hardest thing I have ever done! My main goal, as I’m sure any Mom would agree, is to make sure they both feel loved and important.
I have gathered below 7 thoughts and helpful tips for the adventure of two under two:
- Have ample areas to set your baby down throughout your home. Depending on age we love our moses basket, mamaroo, rock n play and fisher price bouncer. You won’t be able to hold your baby every second of the day like you could with your first one, so being prepared with safe areas to put them down is so helpful.
- Baby proof, there will be countless times you will need to leave the room with your baby and your toddler will have to entertain themselves. You don’t want them to get into anything dangerous. Gates at stairs, if you can designate and block off a safe area for them it will make things a lot easier. My husband replaced every outlet with these tamper resistant outlets and put safety catches on all drawers and cabinets with unsafe items. Unfortunately, there will be areas and things you will find out along the way haha!
- Get your toddler involved in some sort of fun activity that can’t get out of hand (see a few items below that we love) prior to feeding the baby. I have to admit this doesn’t always work and there are times out of desperation I will have to turn on some sort of show. Same goes when your putting the little one down for a nap.
- Speaking of naps, try not to mess with nap schedules (I know sometimes it’s unavoidable). This is your time to spend individually with each of them. If you’re lucky and the rare double nap occurs, this is time to yourself, sleep, shower, brush your teeth, read a book, watch a show- DO YOU. Babies and toddlers like a schedule and if your kids are anything like mine, when they miss their naps nighttime becomes disastrous.
- Invest in a good double stroller, don’t ever leave the house without it- even though it will take up your whole trunk. Also, always have a carrier with you to baby wear in case you need it.
- Switch to some form of backpack for your diaper bag there are a lot of cute converter ones these days. You will never have two hands when you go out of the house.
- Lastly, take all the help you can get, family, friends, neighbors, anyone. It really does take a village. Utilize them to go out on a date with your significant other or just to even get out the house for an hour or two by yourself.
As my daughter EV is approaching 2 in the next few weeks I am amazed at how they both have grown in so many ways. Becoming a big sister at 15 months pushed her to grow up a little faster, (she has become so helpful) and Felix is at the age where he is really starting to interact with her. The bond I have watched the two of them create is nothing sort of amazing. They are the best of friends and I can only hope they will always be there for each other. All these rewarding moments make those sleepless nights and hard days so worth it <3.
If you have any tips that make life with kids that are young and close in age please share in my comments, I would love to hear from you!! Happy hump day everyone :).
xoxo
Jenny