How hard is it to have a newborn & a toddler?

Rachel - posted on 11/11/2011

Di i was wondering how you're finding it now that its eben a while and you have more experience with the 2 of them? :) how is everything going? mine are 2 yrs and 12 days apart. older girl and younger boy so lots of work balancing family, cvollege work and quality time with my husband but worth it all!

Christi - posted on 11/11/2011

I have a 21 month old & a 5 week. Anyone that says it is easy, is definately WRONG! There is nothing easy about it! I'm finally beginning to get in a routine! My husband & I have full time jobs but what alot of men does not understand is a mothers job is neverending!!! Our days do not end until are children are bathed, fed & asleep then we have housework! It is all very challenging, but I wouldn't have it any other way! My girls & husband are my world! Good luck to you!!!

Maya - posted on 11/09/2011

Try putting them on different eating schedules. When they are both screaming because they are hungry, it gets very over whelming!

Mercedes - posted on 01/21/2011

Im 17 years old. I have a 14 month old and a 3 and a half month old. Depends on ``you`` as a person. What you can handle at a time. The first time around you don`t know what to all expect. Second time is much easier cause you know the basic. My second time around I had a colic baby. But I managed by myself. Thats the thing you feel ``wont`` happen to you. My child recently just got over colic. I was up days and nights. with catching maybe a hour or 2 if I was lucky. My drive and what I live for is my kids. You will do just fine managing both children. Depending on your toddler also.Don`t be worried thats the worst thing to feel. It will take over what you could be feeling instead. YOU cant do it! :) Believe in you.

Hayley - posted on 01/20/2011

I honestly didn't find it anywhere near as hard as my family and friends said it was going to be. In a weird way I actually found it easier having the two together than when I had my first on her own. I can't explain how or why, it just worked out that way. One thing I used alot that made everything easier was one of those baby slings.....Not the purpose made harness thinger me bobs but the plain cloth ones (have a look on ebay) They are brilliant! and leave your hands free to do other things including picking up your toddler if you need to :)
Best of luck x
My two are 11 months apart so they're more like twins really.

Rachel - posted on 01/17/2011

http://www.circleofmoms.com/brothers-and...

Nikki - posted on 01/05/2011

I have a 2 year old and an 11 month old. Honestly, the second those two line showed up on the test I immediately started worrying, about walking and chasing her while pregnant, sleep situations, etc. The best thing to do is tell yourself "everything works out perfectly everytime" The more you stress about it the harder it will be, but if you take it one day at a time, you will be fine. mine are 13 months apart and I wouldn't trade that experience for anything.

Cheryl - posted on 01/03/2011

It's going to be tough! but hang in there..... if anyone offers help while you nap..... accept..please do! I have a niece who is trying this alone. With very little help although I've offered. Her first child is a late walker so isn't walking yet though, and her baby is 6 weeks old.
My advice is to not worry about the housework.... do basics and let hubby help you too. I wish you good luck ; )

Angela - posted on 01/02/2011

my first two were 15 months apart. It was easier when they were a toddler and newborn than when they were 2 and 3, my daughter was a dream. didnt fuss and only cryed for diaper changes and food. that gave me time for the toddler. only advise is child proof as much as you can. you wont be able to follow the toddler everywhere and they know that if your feeding the baby you cant chase them lol. beyond that after the first 6 months they were great. kind of like twins. played same toys. just take one day at a time and you will be fine.

Julia - posted on 01/01/2011

Hello. I have an 18 mth old and a 5 mth old. I can't tell you it will be easy but I can't tell u it will be hard. It is wonderful having them so close. I can already tell they are very close to each other. But there is hard times like when they both want fed or need changed but all you need to do is take a deep breath stay calm and do 1 thing at a time.

Elizabeth - posted on 12/30/2010

I'm not going to lie, its challenging at first but It gets alot easier as time goes on. You need to breathe and take your time. the baby will cry when your busy with the toddler, but the trick is make time for just you and the toddler or your toddler will get jealous and will start to depise the baby and that will cause unneccasary tension in the house. That will be harder. In the beginning its stressful, but theres nothing to be worried about. You'll be a good mom even though theres these moments where you'll feel like you could do more. Get sleep whenever possible trust me your going to need it and when you need help dont be afraid to ask. There will be times your going to need help. My daughter was 18 months when I had my daughter and it was hard just take your time. I didnt have any help when my daughter was born because my husband was deployed. Its hard but its rewarding and were trying for another one..

Nicole - posted on 12/29/2010

nice to hear all the positive notes about it! I have an 8yo and 12 month old twins and pregnant again with #4 was a huge shock after fertility help with our twins, I know i'll be busy i know i'll be tired positive thinking and good attitude does it all and the attitude that the unimportant things can wait you'll still be there waiting for you tomorrow or next week lol! So fingers crossed we all survive ha! and surround yourself with helpful friends and family!

Marina - posted on 12/27/2010

My 2 sons are ages 3.5 and 1.5 and the next is due in May. It isn't easy but my best suggestion is if you aren't opposed to it- to put both children on a schedule. If you get baby onto a feed, play then sleep- repeat type schedule starting around 3 weeks or a month old it REALLY helps. Then as the baby grows, obviously the schedule gets more and more spread out but it keeps things regular so everybody knows whats next. After a little while you will have both kids napping and going to bed at the same time, giving you valuable time to get stuff done or relax! Give lots of attention to your older daughter in the beginning so she doesn't feel replaced and don't blame things on the baby- like we can't go there b/c of so and so etc.
Hope some of that helps! Good luck!

Kristen - posted on 12/27/2010

I have a 4 year old, soon to be 3 year old and I am due in 3 weeks with #3. I really didnt find it that much more difficult than having one honestly. Its just like having twins. You just do everything twice and they always have a playmate. I love having my children close in age. Yes sometimes you can get frustrated but what mom doesn't. Just think, there are some moms taking care of 4 or more at once!

Nicole - posted on 12/26/2010

I have a 3 1/2 year old, a 1 1/2 year old and #3 is due in 6 weeks. The first few weeks of adjusting is the hardest but then you just have to find a routine that works for you.

Amanda - posted on 12/22/2010

There are challenges with having both but there are ways to make it easier. Have your toddler "help" you out. Getting diapers, spit rags, and binkys. My first is two and is slowly getting used to having the baby here at home with him.

S. - posted on 12/22/2010

I have a two year old and a 10 week old, I was terrified I often looked at my two year old and asked myself what I was doing. My two year old is hard work she is head strong and needs alot of attention.everyone said how i would have my hands full and how i wouldn't be able to blink around them. However when my baby came it wasn't at all what I was picturing my two year old is lovely with her little sister, I let her help and be involved in anyway I can my two year old is a bit clumsy around the baby like two year olds are but I really think that is the worst thing. I think they are going to grow up really really close. As for me coping with them it feels like it's always been this way, I think you just quickly adapt xx

Emmy - posted on 12/20/2010

hey, i have a 4 year old, a two year old and a 3 month old bubba. and its not as bad as you think with my eldest he just wanted to help with my 2nd bubba wanted to feel apart of it all he was really good and they got on fine, my two yr old wasn happy at first about a new baby but she soon came round once she realised it wasnt going to change anything between her and i. its really quite exciting and im sure you and ur bubba's will be fine, just let ur daughter see what you are doing with the baby and let her know you still love her and things should be great :) best of luck

Sadie - posted on 12/17/2010

I have a two year old and a nine month old so I am right there with you! I was scared to death before hand, but honestly it's not all that bad. Everything is just more relaxed the second time around, you know what to expect! Honestly the single hardest thing I can recall is worrying about them waking each other up...totally stressed me out! But funny enough even in close quarters this has never been an issue. But we invested in some fans to help drowned out background noise.
The first few weeks its just a matter of getting your routine down, once you have that set....it's fine. Also be sure you have somewhere safe to set the 14 month old where he/she cannot get to the baby in case you need to!
I could go on all day, but really just make sure you ask for lots of help and be sure to take care of you too!