Having 2 toddlers under 2 years old has no vocabulary word that new Mom's can digest or understand! Whether you plan for 2 under 2 or you had a sneak attack here are some helpful tricks & tips!
A Double Stroller - it's a MUST! Either a tandem double or side-by-side invest in one! You can check local adds for a gently used strollers or save each month. You have at least 6-8 months that you know you are expecting! If you waited and you have 2u2 and now realizing there is no way you can go in public without a double stroller check out craigslist or ebay! Go to a local store that carries the brand or model you wish to have and give it a spin in the store 1st! Remember to make sure that the double stroller can A. fit through a standard size door and B. Fit in your trunk! Double strollers help get Mom fit, healthy & out of the house!
Job Charts - having 2u2 is tough and your house doesn’t have to fall apart while you get adjusted. Keep a job chart in the kitchen or a dry erase board on or near the fridge to help share household duties. This way you won’t get to the point of no return on house work! Family & Friends can help follow too when they come over. Great for feedings, medicine and babysitter too! This not only is helpful with 2u2 but if you have older children try weekly rewards & incentives!
Hospital List/Bag - Your OB or hospital you are delivering at should have a general list of thing you can & can not bring....if this is your second go around you know you may have brought too much stuff or not enough or something else the 1st time! All I can recommend is some good food postpartum! Hospital food - Yuck!
(*see my hospital check list sheet )
If you didn't have a cesarean with your first read up on it & find out details just in case. Every labor and delivery is different. Ask your Dr. questions and the "what if's" as delivery time draws near. Recovery time is harder after a c-section when there is an excited toddler at home waiting to play. Ouch!
Big Sister or Big Brother attire is also fun on the big delivery day!
It's not easy being pregnant while you still have a baby yourself! Here is a list of activities to do with your 1st before baby #2 arrives
Book Basket - Reading in bed with your toddler can pass some time & get you off your swollen feet especially if you are on bed rest! Go to book sales or check consignment shops for gently used books for your collection.
Magna Doodle - Easy and NO MESS! Create shapes & stories or let your little one play with no worry of stains or clean up!
Flash cards - Take some regular ABC flash cards or animals cards to your local printer/copy store & have them laminated! This helps with teething or rough toddlers & you can work on animal sounds and letters!
Tea Party/Picnic in bed - Cover your bed with a fun quilt or favorite blanket. Enjoy some tea (water or pretend) Cheers & sip away!
Blocks - Playing blocks with Mommy or Daddy is a great game that teaches fine motor skills & can also help your toddler practice sharing before the new baby comes!
Bubbles - Weather you have a free afternoon or you are in your kitchen what kids doesn't LOVE bubbles?!
Felt Boards - Entertaining & enjoyable! Create and share stories with the whole family! Let your toddler decide what happens next with a colorful felt board using shapes, animals & people. Some Mommy's even make their own! I found some at a local craft store.
Dress Up - Give your toddler tons of confidence & let them pick out fun, goofy object to dress up in or be silly! A few different hats can work too if you don't have a dress up chest yet. Also Mom & Dad's closet is a great resource for ties, shoes or scarfs!
Trip to the Farm - Let your toddler get some energy out while exploring a local farm or park. During the fall many farms are open to the public & have tours or hay rides! Even pick out a pumpkin during months in September & October!
Bounce House - Yes, I said bounce house.....My kids really enjoy these & bedtime on the night we go is a breeze! It was hard to go to a bounce house the first few month with 2u2 so get your time in before baby comes or keep in mind for after! This can also be a great Daddy & toddler play date if you need a break while pregnant or home with a newborn!
Library - Check your local library for actives & group toddler/preschool reading. In the summer libraries may have groups or events that are geared towards little people! Use as a back up for a rainy day field trip!
Decorate Nursery - (or to be shared room) Involve your first born in decorating or contributing something for the new baby. Show your toddler the room & talk about how soon someone may be down the hall or sharing a room with them! Sleep over party, Yay!
A Crying Doll - Even though it may have been a short time ago a crying baby will soon be in your house or may already be! A crying baby doll is an easy way to show your toddler that new sounds are coming to the house and it's ok. If you toddler is scared or uninterested keep the baby doll around and randomly set it to cry. You can even have your toddler help sooth the doll & comfort it. It can be his or her's baby to personally be in charge of! This may instill good gestures to be like Mommy or be a helper. Its good for pets so they too get familiar to a crying sound.
Photo Shoot - Your first born is always special, new times are ahead along with mixed emotions. "Am I ready for this?" "Can we afford another?" "What if I forgot everything about a baby?!" These voices will stop (maybe not for a while) but you are giving your 1st born the BEST gift ever! A life long best friend! Take advantage of this alone time & capture your first born...cause hey, it went by fast didn't it? Just yesterday you were photographing your newly born 1st baby. Either take a few shots outside in natural light or get Mommy & Daddy together for some intimate shots before the baby comes. You can always do another shoot when the 2nd baby arrives!
2u2 is tough even if you have remaining items that you are using for baby #1 But if at all you are able, invest in a DSLR now! There are FUN times ahead!
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