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This blog post is all about the BEST way to start preparing for 2 under 2!!
Having two under two is SO EXCITING!!
(Speaking from experience)
Whether it was planned or a surprise pregnancy, having 2 babies under 2 should not be feared!
There are countless blessings when bringing life into this world!!
BUT preparing for 2 under 2 is essential. It will make bringing your second baby home much more manageable than just winging it (although sometimes that’s required).
I’m confident that this blog post about Preparing for 2 under 2 will be as helpful as I intend it to be, providing you with the support and guidance you need!
Start Preparing for 2 Under 2
Preparing Your Body For 2 Under 2
Take Your Vitamins
Taking your vitamins is crucial, especially after having babies back to back.
Pregnancy, having a baby, and nursing take so many nutrients from your body.
You need to nourish your body by taking a prenatal or multivitamin to give your second child the best chance of a healthy start.
Talk to your doctor and see what they recommend!
Eat Nourishing Foods
If you’re in your first trimester, you might be rolling your eyes or gagging at seeing the word “food.”
However, eating nourishing foods will help your growing baby and provide you with a little extra energy to pour into your first baby!
This means eating the right amount of protein based on your weight, healthy carbs and fats, and DON’T FORGET your vegetables!
Sleep When Your Little One Sleeps
The best part about having two under two is that your firstborn usually takes sweet naps, so join them in a few throughout the day!
Get Outside
Spend as much time outside as you can! It is so good for your soul to get fresh air in your lungs!
Protect Your Skin
Now, when you go outside, you also need to protect your skin. Your skin will become sensitive to the sun, and you could start getting sun spots all over or get sunburnt much more easily.
Take it Slow in The 3rd Trimester.
The third trimester with an almost toddler or toddler is hard!
You start feeling heavy, the pelvic pain may begin to really intensify, and the exhaustion increases with all of the night wakings; it’s a rough time.
It is okay to slow down.
Give yourself grace and lay horizontally for a little! Or do something that will relax your body and mind.
Preparing For 2 Under 2: Battling the Mom Guilt
The mom guilt after finding out that you are pregnant might be consuming you!
You may feel like you are taking something away from your firstborn. Or that you haven’t had enough time to soak in all the moments with your firstborn.
9 Months With Your First Born
Remember, you still have (God willing) 9 months before your second baby makes their sweet presence into this world.
I truly believe that God gave us these 9 months to prepare.
Use these months to really soak it all in with your firstborn. You still have the freedom to do any activity with your little one. You can go out on walks, travel, have bonding experiences, etc.,
Mom Guilt Might Be Worse in The First Weeks.
Your Mom Guilt might get worse after you bring your second baby home.
Feeding your newborn every 2-3 hours, squeezing in cook time, getting ready for the day, and cleaning will make you feel like you are giving ZERO attention to your toddler.
Even with the attention you do give your toddler, at the end of the day, you might feel like it wasn’t enough.
LET ME TELL YOU!!
In this season of life, it is okay! If your toddler is fed, changed, and interacted with throughout the day, they will be fine!!
Now, if all you are doing is having them sit in front of a screen all day, that’s probably not the best.
Figure out a system you can implement where you dedicate time throughout the day with your toddler.
Also, involve your firstborn in everything you do with your second baby!
Toddlers just want to be involved, and they really don’t care what it is; they just want to be present.
Remember
Have you met someone who refuses to have children because they have a sibling?
I haven’t.
We would not have made it this far in society if bringing a second baby home had severe psychological effects on toddlers.
Remember, you are part of a larger community of parents who have successfully navigated this transition.
Toddlers are incredibly adaptable and will adjust to the new addition in their own time.
{Related Post: 2 Under 2 Pros & Cons}
Preparing For 2 Under 2: Products
I am a minimal mom, and I despise overconsumption! These product recommendations are actually things we use EVERY SINGLE DAY!! I encourage you to think about bringing them into your home!
Toddler Tower
Toddler Standing Towers are the BEST!! You will definitely get your money’s worth very quickly! We have a super tiny kitchen and it still fits perfectly.
I HIGHLY recommend this specific toddler standing tower we bought. It has three safety bars on the back that keep your toddler from falling. You can also take them off with time so your toddler can get on and off without your help.
Baby Doll
The Baby Doll has been the best toy ever since we brought our second little one home! Toddlers love to mimic everything that they see. They will be “nursing,” changing, and shushing their baby in no time.
It’s the sweetest thing to see, hahaha!!
Baby Carrier
Baby Carriers are essential when you bring your second child home. Chasing a toddler will be much easier with a baby carrier, especially during the first few weeks/months when the head/neck is fragile!
These are the best three carriers that I have used with both babies!
- Keababies Wrap – the best for the early weeks until your baby’s neck control is better.
- EgroBaby Embrace – is “easier” to put off, and the fabric is so soft!!
- Bebamour Baby Carrier – is perfect for when your baby is older. The seat makes it so much easier on your back!
Portable Bassinet
During the first three months, your little one usually sleeps a lot—well, hopefully. A portable bassinet comes in handy during these months.
This portable bassinet will provide a safe place for your little one to sleep so you can keep an eye on them and play with your toddler.
Swing
If you don’t want the portable bassinet, the next best thing is a swing. It’s another safe place to lay your baby; many babies find the swinging comforting.
Never leave your baby unattended for long periods while they are in the swing.
Learn-to-Sit Seat
This specific “Learn-to-Sit Summer” seat is our most used and dirtiest baby product!
Once your baby is a little more awake, they want to be a part of everything you do. This seat allows you to cook dinner while your baby is entertained watching you!
I bought this seat with my first, and she used it since she was 4 months to 11 months old, and it’s still going strong!
Uppa Baby Stroller
The Uppa Baby Stroller is a SPLURGE!!
We got the Vista 2. It comes with a bassinet and a seat, which is handy if you’re having your second baby in the summer.
The one reason why we went with the Uppa is because you can use it for up to 3 kids. It also rides SO NICE!!
A Second Crib
A 2nd crib is a must!!
Keep in mind, though, that you do not need it now. Usually, you’ll keep your LO in your room for the first six months and then move them to their own.
We made the mistake of moving our first to a “big girl bed” at 10 months. As you probably know, your first will usually go through some regression when you bring your second baby home.
Ours was hit with a horrible sleep regression, and she would get out of her bed 2,323,232 times every night for the next 3 months… I deeply regretted putting her in a big girl’s bed.
Keeping her in her crib would’ve been much better.
Blankets
You can never have enough blankets!
Add at least two or three more to the pile. The best blanket we have bought is from the brand Woolino. The blankets are made from Wool and Organic Cotton, which makes them perfect for all seasons. And they’re so soft and cozy! (The sleep sacks are also amazing and last longer than any other ones we’ve purchased!!)
Doona Stroller
I am sure there are cheaper options, but we were gifted the Doona Stroller with our first baby. It was much handier with the second baby.
It keeps at least one baby contained while your toddler is running around, and it makes it easier to go from point A to point B without carrying a heavy car seat.
Pacifiers
You will never have enough pacifiers. There isn’t even one that I will recommend because every baby is entirely different when it comes to pacifiers. Some won’t even take a pacifier to save their life!
Hatch Sound Machine
The Hatch Sound Machine with The Night Light integrated is a lifesaver! Especially for those late-night feedings, it works so well to have the brown noise and the night light right beside you.
I recommend having 2 of these, one for your toddler and one for your newborn. Having an extra Hatch Sound Machine was so handy because our second baby was very colicky and would cry all night.
White noise would block some of this crying, so it didn’t wake my toddler.
Fisher-Price Baby Bouncer
This jumper has been the household favorite! It’s an awesome “activity center” where your little one can be entertained and burn some energy by jumping!
Preparing for 2 under 2
Preparing for the arrival of your second is exciting, sprinkled with a little bit of anxiety.
Just know that you will figure it out! In the midst of the chaos, lean on God.
You are the BEST Mama for your little ones.
xx – sara
