Hi and welcome to my blog! In this blog post, I am going to go over some of the tips that I wish I would have gotten when I found out that I was going to be a mom of two under two!
Also, you can find a video of me covering this topic over on my YouTube channel as well. My YouTube channel is Blessed Pursuit of Motherhood.
Here’s Two under Two: Must Haves & Tips
- 1. Get the Right Gear
- Getting the right gear is so helpful, and one type of gear that I have found to be the most helpful for both of my girls is a double stroller. In fact, I was gifted one when I was pregnant with my first daughter and I am so glad. The stroller that I was gifted is a Chicco Bravo for 2.
I love my Bravo for 2 because the car seat of the baby clicks right into the top half, while my toddler has a little seat of her own in the back of the stroller. Additionally, the stroller folds up and fits into the trunk of our car nicely too. Lastly, I love that the toddler can also stand in the back and hang on while still riding the stroller and that the front flips up for a normal stroller seat that the baby could sit upright in.
2. Seek Support
In other words, don’t be afraid to ask for help. I know that it sounds cliche but everyone needs help at one point or another. Also, you wouldn’t want to risk burning yourself out. So don’t be afraid to ask family members, friends, or even just hire a babysitter for a little bit. I know from my own experience that taking a break is sometimes just what I need to get back into things and be able to give it my all again.
3. Pack the Diaper Bag Beforehand
Have a trip planned and want to save time getting out of the door? Well I have found that packing the diaper bag the night before is very helpful. I make sure to pack diapers, wipes, extra outfits, blankets, toys, snacks, etc. By packing in advance, I can get my two under two ready, grab the diaper bag, and then go.
4. Coordinate Nap Time
Another thing that is helpful to me is getting my girls to take naps around the same time. Now I know that you may not always be able to make nap time happen for both of your kiddos at the same time; however, if you can, it’s so helpful!
Two under Two: Play Time Tips
5. Toys
Setting up sensory bins not only promotes more independent play, but also gives me a moment to focus my attention elsewhere. Additionally, other toys such as water reveal pads, create a mostly mess free option to keep your toddler occupied for a little while. Just a word of caution though, even though sensory bins can occupy toddlers for a good chunk of time, they can sometimes be very messy. Use at your own discretion!
- 6. Toy Rotation
Toy rotation is simple, yet effective! In fact, I try to do a toy rotation every other week. By rotating the toys, I reintroduce toys to my toddler that she forgot that she had. In addition, I put the toys that she’s not playing with for the week into another room where they will wait until the next rotation. So, as you can imagine, my toddler is very excited to play with toys that she hasn’t seen in a while. This is another way I can keep her entertained!
Two Under Two: Additional Tips
7. Baby Wear
Baby wearing can be so useful, especially when your baby is just a newborn. Although, baby wearing can be intimidating at first, there are plenty of resources and guides that can help you out. For example, I am part of a Facebook baby wearing group and I’ve also watched YouTube tutorials on how to use the specific wraps that I have.
Additionally some of the wraps that work well for me are the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Carrier and the LILLEbaby Dragonfly Wrap. Another thing to keep in mind is that different wraps work for different people and babies. Also, I have found that after a certain point, it can be a little more tricky to do things around the house while baby wearing, but like I said it’s different for everyone. So even if your baby is bigger and older, baby wearing might be worth it to try out.
8. Baby Gates
In addition, baby gates are also very helpful when it comes to keeping the babies contained, especially the toddler! Also, don’t underestimate the power of some other baby proofers such as outlet plugs and cabinet locks.
9. Reuse
Additionally, don’t be afraid to reuse baby clothes and gear. Being able to reuse is one of the perks of having babies so close together, especially if they are the same gender. In fact, I hardly had to buy any new clothes for my second daughter because I pretty much had everything I needed.
10. Meal Prep
Also, meal prepping can be a game changer too. Meal prepping can be as simple as making some extra snacks to have on hand or maybe prepping to have one extra meal for the week for when you don’t feel like cooking. Lately, I’ve been making snacks, such as granola, to have ready to go. I’ve also done a quiche recently to have for breakfast.
11. Regroup
Regroup, or in other words, take time for self-care. If you’re feeling burnt out, everyone else is likely going to feel it as well. Here are some ideas for self-care: schedule an appointment for a massage, go get your hair or nails done, spend some time with friends without the kids, go on a date night with your husband, etc.
Also, know that it’s okay to feel burnt out! Everyone can feel that way every now and again and that doesn’t make you a bad parent.
12. Support Groups
In addition, find some local support groups for post partum mamas! I have a couple in my area and they are super helpful. At these groups, the babies and kids play together while the moms chat and it can be great for sharing ideas and inspiration.
Not sure if you have any groups like this in your area? Ask your local library. Typically groups like this are held at libraries, and if there aren’t any groups there, they might be able to tell you where you might find one!
13. Lower Your Standards
Lastly, I recommend lowering your standards, or to reword it, changing your expectations. At this season in your life, it would be near impossible to make the house spotless and for everything to be perfect and that’s okay! Be sure to give yourself some grace.
That’s not to say that we shouldn’t try to keep things nice, but there is a balance. And at the end of the day, your kiddos won’t remember whether or not the house was absolutely perfect all of the time, but they will remember the memories.
Final Thoughts
Motherhood and parenting looks different for everybody, so take or leave whatever tips that I’ve suggested. I hope that I was able to provide you with a little inspiration and encouragement!
Also, just a quick disclaimer, I’m not a doctor or healthcare professional. If you feel like you have post partum depression, seek professional help right away.
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