Two Children under 17months

[Grace3]

Hello,

Does anyone else have two children under 17months and be willing to share some helpful hints for coping and making life a bit easier.

My 16month old is not quite walking yet, but is very close. And I have a baby who is 3 weeks old.

Im doing alright so far, but all helpful hints would be greatly appreciated. :)

[Peaceangels]

Hi Chontel,

I have two boys (Ethan 2.5 and Lachlan 16months) and beleive me it DOES get easier. Right now your kids are on separate routines, so the best advice I can give you is stick to some kind of routine as best you can (eg-same meal time / bath / play every day), it will help when they are older.
For your own sanity try and get 16months sleep time at the same time as your newborns (may be easier in a few months).
While they are this young you really need alot of support, so use it if you can because you won't need as much once youngest turns one.
The other thing is try to get some one on one time with your 16 month old and keep that going as it really helps when they reach two and begin using any behaviour (good or bad) to get your attention.
Hope this helps.
ENJOY them, they grow so fast!!

Vanessa
(aka Ness)
:D :cool:

[2under2]

Hi Chontel,
I had my 2nd bub in feb this year, my daughter was just 16mths. Oh my god - what a shock to the system that was! Stupid me, thinking because dd was such a good baby (sleep at set times, ate what I gave her, entertained herself from a couple of weeks old) that 2nd would be the same - how wrong was I?!?!? Lets see, reflux, colic, cant be put down for 10 min without screaming his head off, the being so upset that he is sick (again) - made toilet trips very quick! Top it all off and my hubby was a shift worker who was trying to sleep (so I could stay home with bubs) and I was stressed out to the absolute max!! But 6 months on and our house is somewhat normal again! A couple of things I did that worked for me -
* use the portacot/playpen (for bub's safety - never know when sibling will want to give a "cuddle" or for older child with some toys or snax while feeding bubby)
* if you have anyone nearby (friends or rellies) ask them to help you out by watching kids while have some mumy time - go to the gym, walk, shop (no not the groceries) have a coffee ;)
* do your grocery shopping on the internet (do a search to find one that delivers to your suburb) - if you are in bris i can recommend food direct my life savers for a few months
* easier said than done - but try for the two sleeping together AND YOU REST AS WELL!!! Trust me, the washing will get done eventually! :o
I am sure there are many more things on a day to day basis - just cant think of them right now - feel free to email me if you like fclan@optusnet.com.au - it is always nice to know there are other mums who have done it and survived!!! Cheers, Lisa :p