This blog post is all about 2 under 2 essentials.
Embracing the journey of having two children under the age of two is a beautiful whirlwind filled with snuggles, your toddler perfecting their “no,” and more sleepless nights than you ever thought possible. It’s an exhilarating experience that may leave you wondering how to navigate it while keeping your sanity intact.
Having 2 under 2 is a journey that pulls us in many directions. I’ve walked this path with my little girls, who are just 14 months apart, and I understand the challenges and joys that come with it.
I’ve found a few mom-tested and approved essentials for moms with two babies under the age of 2.
These recommendations come from a mom who values practicality and budgeting.
I found a few things incredibly useful and worth considering before bringing your second baby home.
Not only material must-haves but also emotional must-haves during this season of life.
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2 Under 2 Essentials
Patience For Your Toddler
You are not the only one who will be going through a significant change; your Little One also is. They might even start regressing in one way or another. Their sleep patterns could regress, leading to fighting naps or bedtime. Alternatively, if they are potty trained, they might also regress in that area.
My Little One was barely 14 months old when we brought our newborn home. My toddler girl started to fight bedtime like no other. It was a long process. Sometimes, it would take up to 2 hours to finally get her to sleep, and YES, she was exhausted, but I don’t know why she wouldn’t go to bed.
Your toddler may become more whiny; they will probably want you to hold them as soon as you lay your newborn down. Your toddler may also prefer to be with Dad and have no interest in spending time with you.
Know that all of these things are COMPLETELY NORMAL.
You didn’t make a mistake bringing baby number two home. Your toddler does not hate you. You are not a horrible mama.
Your little one just needs to adjust, and they’ll benefit from lots of reassurance, kindness, and love.
Grace For The Season
"... My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." --2 Corinthians 12:9
Having two under two is HARD work. There will be many things that don’t get done, many events you might miss because of the season of life you are in, and there might be a few days of no-showers sprinkled in between.
Give yourself grace.
Being a great mother isn’t by how clean your home is, how empty the laundry basket is, or making a five-course meal. Would having all three accomplished be nice, OF COURSE!
But during this season of life, especially the first 6 months, it is almost impossible.
Know that God’s Grace is enough. He doesn’t require or expect you to execute everything perfectly every day, so why would you?
{RELATED: DISCOVER YOUR CORE VALUES IT WILL CHANGE THE WAY YOU PARENT!!}
Surrendering to God
Surrender your life to Yahweh.
Set time aside to read His Word, no matter how long your to-do list is.
You might go through phases where you will question whether this is all there is. By this, I mean you may wonder if changing diapers, preparing meals, and handling endless toddler tantrums are all there is to life and what your “real” purpose is in this world.
You might even start planning or thinking about tying your tubes because there is NO WAY you could ever do this again.
In this season, you have such short-sighted vision. You think life will always be like this. Where you’re talking to toddlers who respond with “keh ajldfjoais hnwekf,” or their favorite word, “no.” Where all you do all day is wipe bums and prepare meals for only your little one to take a few bites before their butt naked running around feral.
Talking from experience here.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." -- Isaiah 55:8-9
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” —Proverbs 3:5–6
Open Communication
Do not hold in all of your emotions. You will sink quicker than the Titanic.
It’s okay to feel things you know would get you judged harshly by other mothers. These types of thoughts you leave to a one-way thought train to God.
Unless it’s about hurting your little one or yourself, PLEASE call your doctor or a trusted family member or friend.
Communicate with your partner when you need things, a break, a shoulder to cry on, help with dishes or laundry, etc.!! More often than not, we assume that they should know or read our minds, but this assumption only puts more stress on ourselves. Communicate your needs, and your husband will be more than willing to help you out!!
Hard Doesn’t Equal Bad
Hard is not the same thing as bad!
You have probably seen this phrase on all the social media platforms, and honestly, I don’t know who said it first, but it is so true!
When you separate the two, it will open your heart up more to your little ones. Instead of viewing your situation as horrible and life-sucking, you’ll be able to look at your little ones and think, “Yes, this is tough, but we will get through it together.”
God is working in one way or another to sharpen you as a Christian Mama. To show you areas where you might need a little more work, and honestly, he might remind you to rely on and trust in him, for He knows better than you!
I recently read Abbie Halberstadt’s book “Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad,” which is an encouraging read! It’s a book from a Christian Mama to another Christian Mama.
2 Under 2 Essentials
This comes from a mom who dislikes clutter and prefers a minimalist approach to parenting.
Baby Doll
A baby doll is a MUST!!
It sort of prepares your Little One for when the newborn arrives.
It is SO SO SO sweet to see your little one parenting their doll.
2 High Chairs
Yes, I know. Having two high chairs takes up more space, but it’s a must. This will keep your toddler safe instead of standing on top of the chairs or getting on top of the table.
For sure, the best 2 under 2 must-haves!
2 Cribs
Having two cribs is up to you, but I highly recommend it! I decided to get my first baby a “big girl bed,” and by “big girl bed,” I mean a full-size bed. Personally, it was a huge mistake.
It was a great thing when it was just herself. She loved her bed. But when we brought our second baby home, she would get out of bed and out of her room. Talk about not being safe.
Having 2 contained babies is much better.
That way, when you are tending to your newborn, if your toddler needs you, you know they are in a safe space until you finish up.
Baby Carrier
Keeping up with your toddler while having a newborn is only possible with a baby carrier. It’s a must-have for 2 under 2 essentials!
They are life changing!!
I recommend three options: a Wrap, an Egrobaby Embrace Cozy Carrier, and a Carrier with a Seat.
A wrap carrier is by far the comfiest and most secure option compared to all other carriers. The only thing is that it takes a bit of time to get the hang of it. Many videos are available that can help ensure you carry your baby safely.
The Egrobaby Embrace Cozy Carrier is quick and easy to put on! The material is also very comfortable to wear and super soft!!
A carrier with a seat is handy for visiting parks, going for walks, or having a chunky baby! It saves your back and provides support for your little one as well. This is the one I have, and we have gotten our money’s worth from it!!
Toddler Tower
Toddler towers are life-changing. Not all of them are built the same, and there are some that you should avoid, like the plague.
Your toddler is likely in a stage where they want to be included or see anything and everything you are doing, especially when it comes to cooking. A toddler tower is a safe and great way to include them while you’re busy meal-prepping.
This one right here is one that I recommend for every parent. It is simple to build, safe, and easy to clean!
Rolling Bassinet
A rolling bassinet or an extra bassinet will come in so handy to be able to provide a safe place for your little one from your toddler.
It also comes in handy so you are able to keep an eye on your little one.
Doona
I wasn’t a big fan of the Doona with my first one, but it was a life-changing experience with my second one.
Having a car seat that converts into a stroller is a game changer, especially when you need to be out and about on your own.
An Extra White Noise Maker w/ A Night Light
Having two white noise machines is also a huge help. In the first few weeks, when your newborn fusses or cries, it could wake up your toddler. A white noise machine can muffle those noises.
It’s also super helpful when you’re feeding and changing diapers at night. Instead of having a bright light, a sound machine with a night light can provide just enough light to help you do your thing while your little one remains sleepy.
If your toddler still wakes up at night, like mine, it can also be beneficial to have a light in their room for when you have to go in and soothe them. If they start to be afraid of the dark like mine, it’s a great comfort for her to have the light just bright enough to light up her room.
We have a Hatch Machine and the Brown Noise Machine (Cheaper). They both work great and honestly, the more affordable alternative does the job if you’re not going to use the app that Hatch provides.
Child Proofing Set
Childproof your home thoroughly. That way, your toddler is free to roam around without you having to worry about them getting into places they shouldn’t be.
I recommend getting an entire child-proofing set, and even if you end up with extras, you’ll still have them on hand to child-proof an area that you might have missed.
This one comes with everything you need, from cabinet slide locks, doorknob covers, drawer latches, and outlet covers.
Double Stroller
A double stroller is a lifesaver when it comes to having 2 under 2.
Being able to get your toddler and newborn out at the same time is life-giving!
We currently use the UppaBaby Stoller, which has seen and handled its mileage so well!! It does so well in every kind of territory! The only thing is it comes with a hefty price tag.
Healthy Snacks For Your Toddler
There might come a time where you feel the strain of time in perparing a meal for your family. In order to buy yourself some time have healthy snacks available to keep your toddler from getting hangry.
A few healthy snacks include whole milk string cheese, yogurt pouches with no added sugar, deli meat with no nitrates, berries, and cut-up veggies.
2 Under Essentials
Hopefully, this 2 under 2 essentials guide will help you prepare for baby number 2!!
