Are you a parent struggling to juggle the demands of raising two little ones under the age of two? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! In this post, I share some practical tips and tricks to help you navigate this challenging but incredibly rewarding phase of parenting. From establishing routines to finding moments for self-care, these strategies will help you manage the chaos and make the most of this precious time with your little ones.
Establish Routines: Create a predictable daily schedule for both children to help them feel secure and make your day more manageable. Does this mean a strict to-the-minute schedule that you should never waiver from? Absolutely not! But believe it or not, kids often thrive on routine, and establishing one from a young age can help with structure!
BUT….
Be Flexible: Understand that some days will be more challenging than others. Be flexible and adjust your expectations as needed. Remember, you’re doing the best you can, and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
Accept Help/Teamwork: Don’t hesitate to accept help from friends, family, or neighbors. Whether it’s someone watching the kids for an hour or bringing over a meal, any assistance can provide much-needed relief.
Get Organized: Invest in storage solutions like labeled bins or baskets to keep diapers, wipes, and other essentials easily accessible.
Meal Prep: Plan and prep meals and snacks in advance to save time and ensure nutritious options for both you and your little ones. See my guide on toddler meal planning Toddler Meal Planning Made Simple!
Encourage Independence: Our daughter LOVES helping with simple tasks from throwing her brother’s diapers away to helping me stir ingredients together in a bowl! Not only does this help them to feel more involved, but it can also foster independence in your older child. Encourage gentle interaction between the baby and toddler under close supervision. Simple activities like singing to the baby or showing them toys can foster bonding and reduce sibling rivalry later on. I know how much faster it is for you to simply do all of the tasks yourself, but I promise taking that extra minute or two to get them involved will make a world of difference to them! Our toddler uses this stool daily to help around the house! https://amzn.to/43Jjs9I
Utilize Baby Gear: Invest in baby gear like a double stroller or baby carrier to make outings and errands more manageable. I quickly realized there was no room left for groceries with a toddler in the seat and a newborn in the carts basket. Using a baby carrier is key for shopping trips these days, and it often keeps baby more content as well! Here is my favorite carrier!
Take Breaks: I am the absolute worst at this and feel a tremendous difference in myself mentally and physically when I take a few minutes during the day to myself. In the early postpartum days, even if that means during babies nap… take some time to stretch, put on a face mask, or go get a coffee! Remember to prioritize self-care and take breaks when you can, even if it’s just a few minutes to recharge. Also remember mama, a shower and a warm meal are not self-care…those are necessities and should be done every day!
Simplify Household Tasks: This one can be difficult. Especially if you’re an organized perfectionist like me. But focusing on the essentials and letting go of perfectionism when it comes to household chores at least for the first few weeks of this transition can be very helpful. It’s okay to lower your standards temporarily. I found doing small tasks when I was feeling good and cleaning up as we went throughout the day was and continues to be very helpful. If your toddler is not particularly helpful when it comes to cleaning up their mess, now is a great time to start teaching that skill and showing them how helpful they are!
Create Bonding Moments: Find opportunities for one-on-one time with each child to strengthen your bond and create special memories. I struggled towards the end of my second pregnancy with the mom guilt of how I would still have time for my first like before. You will find the time to spend with them and take the opportunities you can when the baby is napping to enjoy some time with your older child! Some of the best advice I have received that I have already utilized quite often is… not if, but when there is a moment that both children are crying, attend to your oldest child first (of course as long as nothing is urgent with either child). Your oldest will remember moments like this. Babies are going to cry and they will not remember that you went to your oldest child first. A simple tip that can make a big difference!
Busy Basket: If you are a breastfeeding mom, this one can be super helpful. Get together a “busy basket” or activity basket for your toddler with educational and fun activities to keep them busy during your nursing sessions. Nursing your little one could mean you have to sit in one spot for 30-40 minutes which can be hard for a busy toddler who wants your attention. Keep the basket near you so you can watch them and keep them entertained.
Be Kind to Yourself: Parenting two under two is no small feat, so be kind to yourself and celebrate the small victories along the way. By implementing these tips and adjusting them to fit your family’s unique needs, you’ll find yourself navigating the challenges of parenting two under two with more confidence and ease. Remember, you’re doing an amazing job!
Above all, remember that this phase won’t last forever. Cherish the moments with your little ones, and know that God chose you to be the parents of these beautiful children. You were made for this!
