Two babies a year apart...

sparklenshine_89

Im about to have my second child... Im due on aug. 19th. And my first born is going to turn 1 year old on aug. 14th. My husband is constantly on call for work and leaves for 2-3 weeks at a time. Im just wondering what other people did to make it easier on themself with 2 babies...

 Also... Im supposed to start the fall semester on aug 15th. Im taking mostly online classes for now and the one I have to go to doesnt start for a couple more months. Does anybody have any advice for me? Thanks.

hellopoppyseed

Mine are 363 days apart. The beginning was kind of a blur but I had an area gated off where we would all hang out and I could nurse ds2 with ds1 in sight. I had a swing just outside of that area where I put ds1 for all of his naps. It felt good to be able to see everyone all the time. I just took one day at a time ds2 slept a lot at first so I still had plenty of time with ds1. I wrapped ds2 up and put him in the swing at the first sign of tired (and I watched the clock) so he never got overtired. I maintained ds1s schedule throughout and that helped my sanity. You'll do fine.

MamatoJackson

Mine are 359 days apart - My advice...

Baby-Proof REALLY well so that your older child can meander about without you having to be on their tail the entire time.  

Have several 'stations' set up around the house where you can quickly put the new baby if you need to quickly tend to the older one - pack and play bassinet, swing, bouncer, etc.

Maintain first child's schedule

If you can afford it, hire a housekeeper to come by every other week to do a deep-clean so that you don't have to worry about finding the time for that.

GL and Congrats! 

rgtsmom01

Mine are 10 months apart and as soon as the LO was 3 months, I got him on a tight schedule.  He goes to bed the same time as his brother every night 7pm sharp.  That gives me time to get some things done.   I stick to schedules, don't worry it will work out fine. 

sparklenshine_89

Yeah maintaining a schedule is a great idea... Ive finally established a schedule with him that he loves. Thank you!

kcisthebombdotcom

What really helped me (besides the great tips already mentioned) was keeping snacks/sippy cups/toys/books right next to the recliner I would feed the baby in. If my DS needed something while I was tending to the baby, I had everything right there. I'd let him sit on my lap and read him a book or give him a snack. I also sat on the ground with the baby in my arms a lot and played toys with him so he didnt feel left out.

I would put off classes until the spring. 2 babies, a DH gone a lot, and school probably wouldnt work right away. You need time to adjust to your new life.

GL!

sparklenshine_89

KC_13:

What really helped me (besides the great tips already mentioned) was keeping snacks/sippy cups/toys/books right next to the recliner I would feed the baby in. If my DS needed something while I was tending to the baby, I had everything right there. I'd let him sit on my lap and read him a book or give him a snack. I also sat on the ground with the baby in my arms a lot and played toys with him so he didnt feel left out.

I would put off classes until the spring. 2 babies, a DH gone a lot, and school probably wouldnt work right away. You need time to adjust to your new life.

GL!

 

I didnt even think of having snacks around. That really helps, thank you!