How do you deal with two babies under 2?

Misti - posted on 04/23/2012

I had my first 2 babies 1 year and 19 days apart. The best advice I can give is get them and yourself on a STRICT schedule. That helped me survive the "little" years of their lives. This will help make sure you get enough rest and "me time". Always remember that it may be stressful and hard but you have to cherish every moment you have with your precious babies because before you know it they will be grown. Financially there are many ways to save money and make sure they have the best childhood. Always buy used. I bought many birthday and Christmas gifts from a local used baby and child store. I bought some new things but rarely because clothes were outgrown too fast and toys were too often played with once or twice and forgotten. I always bought used books for them from our local thrift shop. Another way to save money is to recycle their clothes, toys, or other things that could be reused. I did my very best to keep all their things in like new condition. When they outgrew them or were finished with them I would sell them to the local used baby and child store. This was before Craigslist or Facebook yardsales existed so you will have a better chance to sell now a days. There are many ideas for homemade things to keep them entertained and to teach. We made homemade playdough, bubbles, and recycled broken crayons to make new ones in the oven or microwave. I made their coloring books with free printables from online sources. We took full advantage of parks close to our house. Our children are now 15,14, and 7 and they all still love doing things that are inexpensive. I think that because we raised them without the need for expensive trips, toys, clothes, etc. they really absorbed the "it's not about money" idea! Good luck and remember to cherish these days you have with them.

Kim - posted on 04/15/2012

I've started asking my 2 year old for her to help more around the house. She's such a good girl and (usually) does what I ask her to (after a minute of explaining what I need done). I had a recent stay in the hospital from a retained bit of placenta when my newest was only 2 weeks old and after I got home I was struggling to keep up with a toddler and a newborn. But once I started asking my 2 year old for help, it's gotten a lot easier. Emotionally it takes a toll but patience is the number one key. That and learning to laugh rather than explode. Every time I feel like I'm about to lose it, I just laugh and it clears the tension immediately. Hope this helps.

Sal - posted on 04/11/2012

Mine are now 4&5 and to answer you, you just do what had to be done when you can, I lived 8 hrs from family and my hubby was on call 24/7 so I had to prioritize learn to ask friends and neighbors for help when I needed but it is amazing what we can achieve when we need to.
You will find a routine or rhythm for your days they will be big days but you will make it, and when they get bigger they will occuPy each other and you will get things done