Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Coping with Two Under Two
- Meeting Their Sibling
- Getting Prepared
- Sleep Routine
- Feeding
- Final Advice
YOU’VE just about mastered the art of caring for one little person, and suddenly, another is on the way!
While there are many advantages to having children close in age—such as lifelong playmates, adorable matching outfits, and the recent memories of diaper changes and midnight feedings—caring for two children under two can be quite overwhelming.
Managing two children under two can be a challenging experience.
Sarah Campus , the founder of LDN MUMS FITNESS , is a mother of three children under seven, so she has valuable insights on multitasking with toddlers and babies.
Here, Sarah shares her best tips for maintaining your sanity and ensuring both of your little ones are happy, along with essential items she found indispensable.
Before the new baby arrives, Sarah advises encouraging your toddler to engage in independent play.
“Get them accustomed to having short periods of playtime alone with toys or safe activities,” she suggests.
“This will boost their confidence—and yours—helping your toddler manage when you need to feed, change, or settle the newborn.
“Also, practice having your toddler learn to wait briefly—tell them, ‘just a minute, I’ll be right back’—and then praise them for their patience.
“This will prepare them for moments when the newborn’s needs must take priority.”
Sarah also recommends involving your older child in simple tasks, like fetching wipes, tidying up toys, or selecting a story.
“This fosters a sense of responsibility and lessens jealousy when they are included in caring for the baby,” she explains.
“Encouraging independent self-care skills, such as climbing into their high chair, eating with a spoon, or picking up their toys, will also help free you up when you're busy.”
According to Sarah, establishing a consistent routine with your toddler, if you haven't already, is essential for surviving that first year with two under two.
“Creating predictable nap and bedtime schedules before the newborn arrives will help ensure your toddler is more rested, reducing the likelihood of them becoming overwhelmed or misbehaving when the newborn needs your attention at odd hours,” she advises.
Meeting Their Sibling
Sarah suggests introducing your new baby to your toddler while the baby is in a moses basket or crib, allowing you to be hands-free for cuddles.
Your toddler may have shown little interest in your baby bump or the idea of a new sibling during your pregnancy, but it's still beneficial to prepare them for the new arrival.
Sarah advises: “Talk about the new baby early on using age-appropriate language—like ‘the baby will need lots of cuddles and milk’—and read picture books about becoming a big sibling.
“Involve them in preparations too. Let your toddler help choose a blanket, toy, or outfit for the baby. This gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility.
“Practice gentle touch using a doll or soft toy to demonstrate how to stroke gently, hold hands, or kiss the baby.”
When introducing the baby for the first time, Sarah recommends having the newborn in the crib or in someone else's arms when your toddler enters, so you can greet them with open arms first.
“You might even consider getting a small gift for the toddler from the newborn to make them feel special,” she adds.
Practice gentle touch using a doll or soft toy to demonstrate how to stroke gently, hold hands, or kiss the baby.
Sarah Campus
After the introduction, try to maintain consistent routines—
