2 under 2

RSupry · January 2015

When this little one arrives I will have two boys under the age of two. I know it's going to be great and a challenge.

Anybody else had or having two this close together?

Any advice or worries about how to handle it?

littlewest1 · January 2015

Mine will be just under 2 years apart. I plan to just figure it out as I go.

mhickey426 · January 2015

Mine will be just over 2 years apart. My dd was born March 19, 2013 and I'm due 4/5. I know it isn't going to be easy but it will be nice to have them close in age. We will just have to figure it out as we go.

Sharon&Paul · January 2015

All four of mine are spaced 2 years apart. I find it to be a great spacing. They are old enough to do some independent play. You can also ask the to "help" get diapers or a toy. I like to wear the youngest while playing with the others. Mine will be 6, 4, and 2 when this one arrives.

tjheld · January 2015

My oldest will be 17 months apart--guessing I may go early so that will put them at 16 months apart. I am worried and have looked up a lot of things on Pinterest with "sharing" but I didn't find it being as helpful as I was hoping. I know it will be a struggle for sure! Good luck!!

PinkDahLia44 · January 2015

Mine will be 18 months apart. I figure it will be hard for like, a year, and then a ton of fun for the rest of their lives. It makes me really excited for this adventure!

laceytravis25 · January 2015

Mine will be 15 months apart. As PPs have said I know it's gonna be hard at first but I think it will be great in the long run.

kerimontanye · January 2015

With my last, they were 16 months apart. I would read books and watch cartoons with my older one while feeding/pumping the baby. Then include her in the diaper changes. Eventually we had a schedule of eating/napping at the same time and I never had much of an issue. Once they were 2 and 3, the real issue began. Lots of tantrums and fighting between the two of them.

MitoRachel · January 2015

My first 2 were less than 14 months a part. 2 and 3 will be 23 months a part. If they are going to be less than 18 months a part I would plan like you would if you were having twins. The amount that the oldest can help is negated by the fact that a newborn and a bigger baby have 2 separate sets of needs. So, if you would hire help if you had twins, hire help. If you would say no to being a church deacon, say no. DH and I didn't do that and both of us had health problems of note when the youngest was 3 months old because we were so flippin' tired.

The things I was glad I did before #2 came were working a lot on my oldest coming the first time I called him (so we could go outside without worry) and having him be as independent moving around the house (such as crawling up the stairs) as possible. Since 2 and 3 are going to be a larger gap we are/will also work on throwing away your own dirty diapers, putting away toys, helping clean up the dishes.

Now on to the awesome parts! My kids are 1 1/2 and 2 1/2. The oldest never has had the terrible 2 stuff that his friends have and I wonder how much of that is because he got used to not being the only important person in the world at a very young age. They love all the same toys, so we only have to make 1 mess instead of 2. Also, I don't have to worry about 1 playing legos while the other chokes on them! Likewise, it is really really nice to all cuddle on the couch and read the same book. With the snow it has been awesome that they are at the same stage of wanting to do snow angels and chase the cat. I already can't wait for 3 years from now when I have 2 preschoolers and a kindergartener! All my kids should be out of diapers by my 30th bday. Yay! I also love how capable my kids are. Because I only have 2 hands, and so much energy, they have figured out that they are capable of doing things on their own, that I probably would have done for them if I wasn't busy with the other kid.

be888 · January 2015

My two boys will be just under two years apart. I think it will be a rough couple of months, but I'm trying not to overthink it. The spring/summer weather will help I think, just because DS1 will be able to play in the yard. I plan on getting some family help for DS1 when DS2 arrives. My dad is retired, and is planning on coming often to help out.

lindsayanne14 · January 2015

My DS will be 20 mths when his brother arrives. I'm a bit intimidated to have two young children, but I'm also excited to watch my sons grow up so close in age. I anticipate the first few months being a challenge, but my mom will be there most everyday, so I know I'm more fortunate than many!

CivilMommy · January 2015

#1 and #2 were 20m apart. It was insane for a while. 2 in diapers, 2 kids not STTN...and both of use working full time. The hardest was keeping #1 entertained and safe while I was trying to nurse or get #2 down for a nap. Keeping #2 quiet for #1s bedtime was also a challenge. Our house is small, so there were nights that #2's colic required me to leave the house with him while DH tried to get #1 down for bedtime.

I say we were in survival mode for about 7 months.

Once #2 was sitting up to play, it got easier b/c the kids started to play together. Now that they are 2.5 & 4 it is awesome to see them play together all the time.

lilann2011 · January 2015

My sons will be 23mths apart. I too am a little worried about the first year or so too!! I figure we will all learn as we go like we did with the first

ScarletOflaherty · January 2015

This will be my second set of 2 under 2. The first year is sheer hell, after that it's awesome

Mireille LeBlanc · January 2015

Mine will be pretty much exactly 2 years appart (give or take a week). My DD1 is not doing well with sharing at daycare right now, so that worries me quite a bit. We're working on it, but I anticipate her being jealous a lot. On the other hand, she can be very sweet and caring. I will try to involve her as much as possible, and still have special time for just the two of us (as much as you can when you (plan on) bf a newborn). I'm pretty scared of leaving the house with the both of them on my own. And I'm nervous about the newborn waking my toddler so many times per night. I just tell myself we'll get through it and the good moments will be sooo worth it. I can't wait to see her meet the baby, and give the baby a kiss. I think she will looove having a little brother/sister to boss around. lol One day at a time!

RIngReady · January 2015

My kids will be 21 months apart and while we had hoped for kids close in age, the reality is a little scary suddenly. I am planning on the first few months being nothing but survival, but fortunately DH will get 4 weeks of paternity leave and then is off for June, July and most of Aug (he's a school principal)

My sister and I were close in age, which made us great playmates for one another, so I am hoping for the same dynamic. I am also pretty excited to get the baby stuff out of my house sooner. I have several friends who have been holding onto the crib or basinet or swing for 3-5 years as they plan baby #2. I feel silly, but I already am excited for the day I can put all the baby stuff in my driveway with a huge FREE sign!!!

julievdm12 · January 2015

I have no first hand advice as I am a FTM but my hubby was born in Dec 1988 and his older brother was born earlier that year in Jan 1988. That's right.... My MIL had two kids in one year, 11 months apart! She said it was tough but the cool thing is how close they are now! I mean, they were badically twins! They work together now, live near each other and even when they fight, they love each other like crazy. It's super cool.
So, I guess all that to say: according to my mother in law, the hard days were outweighed by the amazing relationship her boys have now.

texasmomma22 · January 2015

I will have a 20 month old when I have the new baby and I am freaking out. With the first one I could sleep whenever the baby slept and now that is going to be different. Im also worried about giving equal attention to my first. He gets so much now. Im stocking up on coffee!!

texasmomma22 · January 2015

@julievdm12‌ everyone here calls kids that close Irish twins.. Lol

DixieNormous330 · January 2015

Mine are 4 year apart, but PF is very much a young toddler in many ways. It'll be very similar to having 2u2. I'm trying to gear myself up for this. The plus side is that PF goes to school for the majority of the day.

Amandysergio · January 2015

My DD will be 17.5 (or 18) months depending on when DS is born and I'm freaking out a bit here and there. I know it's doable but we plan on rolling with it and figuring it out as we go. Like last night, I had too much time to think and almost got myself into a panic attack because we have a really great routine with DD and I have days of guilt that I'm taking time away from her but I know we will work it out as we adjust.

Amandysergio · January 2015

And my brother and I are 13.5mo. apart... My mom and dad said it was so hard at first only because my brother did nothing but cry for 10 months, lol (and I was the good baby

) but I love how close we are. I'm 25 and he's almost 24 and we both have young daughters that will grow up together and he's such a great friend, and I always had a playmate growing up

I'm sure it'll get easier as they get older.... Or we can hope lol

PinkDahLia44 · January 2015

I'm really glad to see all these posts that just solidify how much fun having kids close in age is as they age. My brother and I are 4.5 years apart and we aren't super close. DH's closest sibling is still 3 years older. So this is entirely new territory for both of us, and I'm so excited.

HZ2012 · January 2015

PinkDahLia44 said:
Mine will be 18 months apart. I figure it will be hard for like, a year, and then a ton of fun for the rest of their lives. It makes me really excited for this adventure!

This! Mine will be 23 months apart but I completely agree (and hope) that the tougher part will be temporary and for not too long. Once they're a bit older I think it'll be awesome having them close in age.

Mommytobe112413 · January 2015

My boys will be 16 months apart! I'm so excited to see them grow up together but I'm starting to get a little nervous about the lack of sleep I will have. My 13 month old sleeps 13 hours straight a night and was such an awesome baby! I'm hoping my new LO will be the same way!

palm513 · January 2015

I have a set of twin boys that are exactly 18 months older than my third son who is going to be 19 months older than baby number 4. So I consider my self an expert in the 2 under 2 topic. The first few months are by far the hardest, but that is the case anytime you are having a baby weather it's your first or your 10th.

Preparation is important some key things I have found are: If you don't have one inplace set up schedule for your older child(when they sleep, eat, and play) that way when the baby is here it will be easier to merge their schedules. Because you will know better what to move where. Teach your child to come immediately when called. If they have trouble with that invest in a safty harness (leash). Allow them ro get used to playing in a safe area alone (for up to 30 minutes at a time).

Having 2 under 2 is demanding but nothing close to having 2 newborn... so don't listen when people tell you it is. Plan on having someone come over for a few hours in the afternoon every couple days (a family member or friend). So you can nap, try to shedule it so it doesn't interfere with the older child napping. This way nap time can still be utilized to get house work/dishes/laundry done.

If you need any tips feel free to pm me.

kjuryfl · January 2015

No personal experience since my kiddos will be about 4yr apart, but my BF has two kids who are 18m apart. She enjoyed having them close and now that the younger one is 2 both of the kids can play with same stuff and are best buds. She had hard days no doubt but overall she says that she wouldn't change a thing.

RSupry · January 2015

I appreciate all the advice and am glad to know I'm not the only one who's a little apprehensive. But I suppose having a new baby no matter how old your first might be is scary.

I expect it will be difficult for the first 6 months or so but at least my first is already very able to get around on his own and is pretty good about coming when I call him in public, not so much at home.

My biggest concern is the fact that as a stay at home mom, my son is used to getting my attention most of the time (I do make him wait if I'm doing something important, though he doesn't appreciate it) and the new baby is going to need a lot of attention too. My husband can only help so much since he does shift work, so on days he works he's pretty much wiped out after a 12 hour workday.

Hopefully we will all adjust quickly. I'm mostly excited at the prospect of my boys being so close in age. I'm sure they will love playing together once DS2 is mobile.

pnutg · January 2015

Mine will be 22 months apart. I'm most worried about being tied down with a nursing baby because my son is very demanding of my time and attention. Ultimately, it will be good for him though.

Sharon&Paul · January 2015

julievdm12 said:

I have no first hand advice as I am a FTM but my hubby was born in Dec 1988 and his older brother was born earlier that year in Jan 1988. That's right.... My MIL had two kids in one year, 11 months apart! She said it was tough but the cool thing is how close they are now! I mean, they were badically twins! They work together now, live near each other and even when they fight, they love each other like crazy. It's super cool. So, I guess all that to say: according to my mother in law, the hard days were outweighed by the amazing relationship her boys have now.

My husband and his brother are 11 months apart, but different years. However, they have very different personalities. My DH is closer to his brother who is 10 years younger.

OliveMom3 · January 2015

My two will be 19 months apart. I'm pretty terrified to be honest especially since my son won't leave me alone! I can't pee without him freaking out. Lol! I'm hoping he grows out of it before this little lady arrives but I'm not holding my breath.

mfouillard · January 2015

I had two under 1.5 and it was awesome. I have two daughters 17 months apart and i thought it would be more challenging than it was. After having them so close I personally think it would be harder bringing a 2nd child in when your toddler is older and used to being the only child. When they are younger I feel it's easier for them to adjust to not being an only child. I had a great experience and I hope you do as well!:)

mfouillard · January 2015

I am also a SAHM

MitoRachel · January 2015

heatherjj19 said:

Yep my first 2 are 11 months apart. It was insane. This baby and my 2nd will be 26 months apart. I'm hoping its easier this time! Its hard but definitely worth it as they are getting older.

I was beginning to think that I was the only one who found 2 under 2 quite hard! Maybe it is the difference between having 2 close to a year a part vs. 2 yrs. a part? I feel like my kids become WAY more independent and capable around 18 months. I'm also more of a toddler person than a baby person in general.

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2 under 2

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DD 7/2010, DS 3/2012, #3 due 4/24/2015

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