helpful tips...

skibi83

So I'm sure many of you have made some accommodations to your routines that you may not think of off hand. I was talking to a friend and she said one thing she did when she went shopping, she would load both kids in the cart and stick two baskets in the under carriage for her supplies.

What things do you just do that have been helpful?

MAMAxB

I prefer to wear DS and have DD in the cart while shopping.

Using a backpack as a diaper bag is 369x easier than anything else IMO. Especially for those times you may have to carry BOTH kids back to the car.

Um, always have snacks for your toddler lol

Honestly, I didn't BW with DD much because I never "needed" to but I was determined to get used to it and love it for DS and it's been a lifesaver.

Idk, to be honest I don't really have many more tips... you just do what you have to! It really becomes your new normal

kcisthebombdotcom

I did this when baby was brand new and slept 24/7 so it was easier to leave her in the infant seat sleeping, but once those first few sleepy months were over I found it a whole lot easier to wear the baby/let the toddler sit in the seat. Parking next to the cart corral helps a lot with grocery shopping as well.

I think the most helpful tip in surviving the early months with 2 babies was keeping organized and planning ahead. I kept diaper changing stations in every room we frequented instead of going to the nursery when the kids needed to be changed. I was unable to BF, so the playtex liner system worked wonderfully for feeding baby. Before DH left for work in the morning, I fed the kids breakfast, prepped DS's lunch, and measured out all the bottles DD would need that day. When she got hungry, all I had to do was pour water into the bottle, shake and feed. When DS got hungry, there was no prep work involved (and naturally, they would both always want to eat at the same time!) In the chair that I'd feed the baby in, I always made sure there were items for my oldest (like sippy of water/snacks/toys/books) so I could meet his needs while feeding the baby.

celiabwatson

I made a diapering station in the trunk of my car. It has stuff for both babies diaper changes (including clean clothes). When we want to just run to the park or grocery store I don't have to bring a diaper bag at all. We can just get in the car and go. If we're planning an outing I bring along a smaller bag with snacks and toys that I always keep stocked. I have a larger diaper bag (backpack) that I use for bigger outings like a museum where we won't be near the car. 

I agree about parking near the cart corral. Also, I convinced my son that it is fun to climb in the car underneath the infant seat. So I open the door on her side and he crawls through while I buckle her. Then I walk around and buckle him in. It works great. When we arrive somewhere I always get her out first.  

12bailey18

Getting them on the same nap schedule (at least for one nap if your toddler only takes 1) is by far my #1 tip. I've been doing that since DD was home from the hospital and a lot of days it's been my saving grace.