Growing your family is exciting, but it can be exhausting, especially if you have two little ones close together. Having a newborn baby and toddler to care for at the same time can be overwhelming at first. But with support from your friends and family and our top tips, you’ll soon be taking it in your stride and making wonderful memories!
Before the baby is born, it can help to talk with your older child about what newborns are like and how they need to be held much of the time. Get your older child a doll, and start the role play. A lovely idea to help your toddler feel special and connected is to let them choose a gift for their new baby brother or sister.
In the early days of parenting two under two, juggling the priorities and needs of your children can be tricky. It’s good to keep in mind that your toddler is still little too and may need help adjusting to life in a bigger family.
Make sure you talk to your older child about their new exciting role as big brother or big sister and what a great job they’re doing. Try to involve your toddler in caring for your baby if you can. They might be able to help you out with nappy changes by passing you the wet wipes or a new nappy or choosing the babies outfit.
If that fails, get creative with some verbal games to keep them out of attention-seeking mischief. ‘I Spy’ by colour, or scavenger hunts, Simon Says, or guessing games, are all excellent ways to give the toddler your attention.
Ask for help if you need it and take up any offers of support. Whether it’s your partner, mum, friends or neighbour, there is usually someone who you can talk to and ask to help you out.
Depending on how old your toddler is, you might want to consider a double buggy, or a single one with a buggy board attached. Depending on where you live, you’ll want to take into consideration door width and ease of pulling your stroller in and out of your car for outings away from the house.
To help you, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite double buggies on the market to suit a variety of lifestyles and budgets.
Another option some parents go for is carrying your baby in a sling, which can be good as your hands will be free to take care of your toddler.
Your sleep is more important than the cleaning. Try to get both the baby and toddler napping together, so that you get some downtime. If this fails then, when you can, play lying on the floor with your toddler or snuggle up to watch a film together.
Having children close together can also offer practical benefits. They’re more likely to share activities and be at the same schools, which can make the organisation of family life easier.
Juggling a newborn and toddler is a roller-coaster ride of nappies, food, sleep and love. It is a juggling act, but it can be done!
Even if you’re having a tough day, don’t forget to enjoy all the little things that make you smile. You’re going to look back on these days of insanity with wonder and delight and positive memories.
Price Comparison!
You can find the latest prices for buggies across the entire market using a price comparison tool at https://www.mybuggymycar.com/buggydetails
Will the buggy fit in my car?
Our online tool will tell you whether your Buggy should fit in your Car Boot and in what position or orientation it will fit, find out here.
Comments by Hazel Spencer