Best Tips and Products For Baby Number Two!
My son and daughter are 18 months and 1 week apart. Haha, yes, every week counts. We knew we wanted our kids close, but we hadn't planned them to be that close in age. My daughter is now 1, and I wouldn't have done it any other way! No, it's not a walk in the park, but with some essential items and tricks, you can make the chaos of baby number two a blast!
I still had all my baby gear from my son. However, I used all my gear way more than with my son! Baby number two comes, and you need 4 extra hands! Enter all the products that saved my life and sanity!
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You will need somewhere safe to put your baby. A swing, bouncer, or both, I am all about options. This swing is a great option to have in your most used space. This is also a best seller on Amazon! Even though some are more portable than others, it's not something you will want to move around the house that often. A bouncer is great to have as a mobile option. I used this to put my daughter in while I was getting ready, giving my son a bath, even when I was taking a shower while my son napped. It was also my go-to when my son played outside; I used this bouncer a lot! I loved all the neutral colors as well.
Baby Wraps
Okay, I may be in the minority, but I don't love wearing my baby. Yes, I love my baby snuggling close to me, yet it just wasn't comfortable for me after a month or two. Having 2 under 2 is a different ball game. You NEED the extra hands, or just the hands you have! These are my top 3 wraps!
When home, I used this carrier the most often. When cooking, when outside exploring with my son, cleaning anytime, I had to be ready to grab my son in a split second, and baby girl needed the cuddles.
My favorite wrap carrier for on the go is this one still gives the soft wrap feel, but the seat is already intact. You just have to tie it around yourself. This was great when we were out and about, and I didn't want to have a giant piece of Fabric getting on the ground as I tried to get it just right. My husband also used this when we would go outside together.
I discovered this Baby Tula Lite Carrier before we took a vacation. I loved the belt bag idea when folded up, and boom! Quick access to pull it out when you need it. It is excellent for flying when it seems impossible to find anything when you need it. They have a ton of great options! I will be exploring more if baby number 3 comes along!
I used this one as my babies got bigger, and I needed more back support.
IPad/TV/Amazon Video
While I would always prefer my kids to play with their toys or read a book sometimes, you need a fantastic show or game to keep your oldest occupied. Whether it's when you are nursing, putting your baby down to sleep, or you are exhausted and just need to lay on the couch for 15 mins. This time is about survival. Don't beat yourself up about screen time. This is just a tool to have in your back pocket! You're doing your best. Some days will be better than others. Our Amazon Prime membership has paid for itself included is the Amazon Video which has been great for streaming the best kids’ shows and channels! Click this link to Join Amazon Prime you will be able to Watch Thousands of Movies & TV Shows Anytime Start Free Trial Now!
You will need something that keeps your oldest attention for a decent amount of time. Of course, this will depend on their age, but these worked great for my son.
We love books! Activity books, funny books, book sets. Books. Books. Books!
Play-Doh! This captures my son’s attention for at least an hour.
Sticker Pads These reusable sticker pads are fantastic!
Coloring Books and Toddler Crayons because who doesn’t love to color! These Magic Ink Coloring books and markers are great too if you don’t trust your oldest with any crayons alone, just use water!
Strollers
We take a walk almost every day. I find it makes everyone happier. A double stroller is fantastic. I loved my Uppababy Vista because it was easy to transform into a double stroller! I loved the bassinet when I had a newborn to walk with!
You also want a good double stroller for travel! This stroller is excellent. It weighs 19 lbs, fits through standard-sized doorways, and is Disney Park approved!! I was able to also check this at the gate when we flew! This Zoe stroller was also a great option when my kids got older and the Uppababy got heavy to push up and down all the hills we have in my neighborhood. My kids also love sitting side by side. I use this one all the time now! You can even get an add-on seat if you have baby number 3 or 4 on the brain!
Okay, stick with me here. We are outside almost every day. Rain, sun, snow, everything but a thunderstorm. Getting everyone ready to just go outside takes longer than I'd like to admit. My hands are usually full, snacks, drinks, and my daughter. But my son needs shoes before we go outside, and he is ready to roll! Enter rainboots! He can easily slide them on himself! These are my favorite. They come in all kinds of fun designs. Summertime, we use Crocs same thought process! Seriously they are a simple lifesaver! Speaking of rain I got these kind of as a joke. These are amazing!!! A full-body rain suit! We use these when we go outside in the rain after it rained and it’s a muddy mess or for any painting activities outside! They have a blast and as soon as you are inside you take it off throw it in the wash and they are dry, clean and you don’t have a mess to clean up!
I didn't use my pack and play that often with my son other than travel. As my daughter got older and was more mobile, being outside was getting more difficult. She wanted to play but couldn't get around. I would set up the pack and play outside next to where my son was playing, and she was a happy camper!
Non-Baby Related Products You Will Need!
Caffeine
The thought of sleeping when the baby sleeps is just that.. a nice thought. If you thought you were tired with one.. go ahead and quadruple that with 2. Your schedule will most reflect your oldest, so if they are only taking 1 nap a day, that will be your only break time. That is if your second sleep then too. Catch my drift? Caffeine.
Schedule
Kids thrive on schedules. They like knowing what comes next, even if they can't express that. Being a stay-at-home mom during a worldwide pandemic, a schedule was mandatory. Schedules also help you plan the best time to leave the house and schedule doctor appointments (and not have a screaming baby that's supposed to be napping). Even though schedules will keep changing as the kids grow, a basic schedule will make all the difference. My friend who had two little ones gave me the best advice which was to get them on the same napping schedule. It took a few months, but once it happened it was a lifesaver!
Music
What helps when the kids are going crazy, you are going crazy, and the house looks crazy? A dance party!! 2 under 2 can be Chaotic, and sometimes you just need to join in on the chaos. There's is nothing baby shark can't fix. Just embrace it. We use our Echo Show daily and Amazon Music has all the goods to keep the kids and us jamming to anything we need.
Support.. Food Delivery or Pickup... Cleaning
While you're getting the hang of things, don't feel like you need to do it all. Give yourself a break, whether it's help from family and friends, hiring a cleaning company, or getting take-out here and there. Some days will be much better than others. Only you know what will be the most significant relief for you. Open communication with my husband became even more essential with 2 kids. We couldn't assume we would just know what each other needed. Open communication is critical to not let the chaos take over.
Okay, I know that was a lot, but going from one baby to two can be a lot. Try to make things as easy as possible for yourself to truly enjoy the two blessings you have in front of you! I believe preparedness is essential because you never know what kind of day you are waking up to.
