2 Under 2 | The First Month

3.9.15


When I first discovered I was pregnant we had just celebrated Indiana's first birthday. I must say I was pretty nervous; you hear so many horror stories of having 2 under 2 and I knew it wasn't going to be a walk in the park. However it's really not been as bad as I thought. Yes it's tiring, yes it's a lot more work (Indie's still in nappies, having 2 bottles of milk a day and can't walk everywhere yet), but it's not as terrible as people make it seem - you really do just adapt!

We were very lucky that Jack had 3 weeks off when Parker was born, so we could both learn to cope with the change together. When either of us was sorting out Parker, the other was giving Indiana the attention she needs so she never felt left out. We have continued to do a night shift each too. However now whoever isn't up with baby is on Indiana duty. This works really well as it means whoever was up with Parker in the night usually gets a little lie in in the morning (although this doesn't quite work when Jack does the early shift!).


Parker has just slotted into our family life, and it honestly feels like he has always been here. When Indie was born we pretty much structured the first month around her and her needs. This time there's no time for that; Parker has already been on 3 huge shopping trips, to the beach and has plenty of trips to Costa haha.

Going out does take a little longer than it used to. I forgot how much stuff a newborn needs, and how many pit-stops you have to make haha. Luckily Indie only needs a small bag now, so we usually just throw a couple of her nappies in the changing bag. She can now walk down the stairs too, so there's no need to carry her which makes things a whole lot easier! We've got a double pram (which I'm absolutely in love with) which only takes slightly longer as you need to attach double the bits.


It has got a bit harder now Jack it back at work. Luckily the first month most newborns spend most of their time sleeping, However there have been days where he hasn't wanted to be put down, and then Indie has wanted to play. There's also been days where Indie has really tested my patience and I think the phrase "No Indiana leave your brother alone" has been one I've used far too often!

On the whole though Indiana has taken to it so well. She is happy to play by herself or sit and watch a bit of Cbeebies while I feed/change/soothe Parker. She also understands a lot, and her speech is coming on so well she can tell us what she wants most of the time now.

So from the first month as a mum of 2 under 2, here's the main things I've learnt:

  • Keep your routine the same! We have kept Indiana's routine exactly the same and made sure to slot Parker around her. This helps them to know not everything has changed. Indie still goes to nursery twice a week - she loves it and it gives me some time to either catch up on jobs, or snuggle Parker without feeling guilty.
  • Get them involved! We get Indie to help out as much as she can. She brings me nappies and wipes, gives Parker his dummy, and we make sure to let her do things (even if they aren't always that helpful haha).
  • Make time for your other child/children! When Parker is asleep I make sure to ignore the housework and give Indie all of my attention. I usually try and get him to sleep in his moses basket in the bedroom so we can be as loud as possible. Even if it's just dancing around her room and being silly, as long as she knows she's just as important and I've got time for her, that's all that matters.
  • Be Prepared! If we know we're going out we'll get everything ready either the night before or early in the morning. The changing bag is always repacked when we get home so there's no chance of being caught out. With 2 under 2 you don't want to be leaving things until the last minute if you want to get out the door by 10am!
  • Embrace kid's TV! I know it's not the best, but sometimes it is your best friend! On the days Parker just wants cuddling and feeding Cbeebies or Despicable Me has been my saviour. It keeps Indie entertained for a bit while I can't - obviously not all the time (I don't think I could deal with kids TV 24/7 haha).

I know it's going to get tougher once Parker is awake more, and don't even get me started on the terrible twos alongside a teething baby (please send help when this one comes along haha). But for now I'm loving it... well when Indie's not having a breakdown and Parker's not screaming the house down haha! The love Indie has for her brother already is amazing, and I cannot wait to watch their love and bond grow.

4 comments :

  1. It sounds as though you are doing amazingly well Hun! I can't imagine how knackered you must be but those little faces are worth it! Xx

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  2. Anonymous3/9/15

    You make it sound doable. I'm still petrified at the thought of having another but we do want on sooner rather than later. X

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  3. I had a 21 month gap between my first two - you'll find the younger one just slots into place and will probably be quite a chilled out baby! It also spurred me on to potty train my daughter who was out of nappies by her 2nd birthday. Well done - sounds like you're doing a great job!

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  4. It looks like your doing a perfect job Emily. Give your some well deserved credit to you and Jack. I only have the one sprog myself right now but I'm sure it must be tough and tougher on other days like you say. Your doing fab xx

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