A mom of kids 18 months apart reveals what it’s like to have two kids under two. If you have kids close in age, you will love this!
When my son was 10-months-old, we found out we were pregnant with another baby. Our daughter was born two days before our son turned 18-months-old. Gasp! I know. They are pretty close. And it was awesome at first. Our son wasn’t old enough to be jealous, and he was really interested in helping me with her. He would always bring her blankets and toys and pacifiers, and it was really sweet. Until about three months in and things started getting crazy.
Having two kids under two means having two kids in diapers. It’s expensive buying multiple sizes of diapers, and that’s not even the worst part. Some days feel like one giant dirty diaper. You change one poop, and then the other one poops. Then thirty minutes later it happens again. Some days just feel like an endless cycle of poop. Your house starts smelling like poop, and you end up trying to mask the scent when visitors come by spraying unnecessary amounts of Febreze everywhere. But your guests will know something’s up when every room smells like “Linen and Sky.”
When you have two kids under two, you never go out to eat. You either have to try and fit your car seat into a booth for your baby and put your toddler in a high chair, do two high chairs, or try and put your toddler in a booster seat while your baby is in a high chair. WHICH IS A JOKE. It’s impossible. And that’s just the seating arrangement. Try making it through a whole dinner without a meltdown from your children (or you). Good luck.
Going places takes forever, too. You have to get both kids ready, then get them both out the door and buckled into the car. Then when you get wherever you are going, you have to get them both out, and figure out a way to carry both of them. If you choose a stroller, you have to get the stroller out, buckle them both in, and then you’re good. And you have to repeat all of that backwards to get home. You might as well add on 30 minutes to any of your plans, and even then, you will probably still be late because one of them will poop as soon as you walk out the door.
Your schedule is tied to naps when you have two kids under two. Family get-together at 1? Nope, that’s when my kids nap. Morning playgroup at nine? Nope, that’s when my baby naps. Just skip the nap you say? No way. Because when four o’clock rolls around, you’ve got two kids on meltdown mode and that’s not going to fly.
People give you “the look” when you have two kids under two. Or worse, they ask how close your kids are in age and then go “Oh, wow” and proceed to tell you that they can’t imagine doing that. Thanks for judging my life decisions. I just love children.
When your baby is really young and eats all the time (and you feel like a milk factory), it’s super hard to simultaneously take care of your toddler. You will suffer some guilt, and then you’ll get over it because you can only do so much. And even though you said you’d never let your child play with the iPad, you quickly realize that he will sit down and watch weird YouTube videos of people opening plastic eggs for hours so you can get some quiet and feed your baby.
Sometimes both kids will cry. And cry, and cry, and cry. And then your head will explode.
When you have two kids under two, you will be absolutely exhausted by the end of the day. You will be out as soon as you hit the pillow at night. You will sleep deeply and soundly, even though the slightest noise from either of your kids will immediately wake you up. But in the morning, you will get up and do it all over again. Because when you have two kids under two, you have two tiny human beings who rely completely on you. And it will be the best.
Melody says
My mom did it alone with my brother & I. We are 15 months apart. My dad worked a lot & my mom took care of us. I wish more than anything that I could have 2 kids this close. I’m fighting infertility and at this point I wish for a child, sleepless nights, meltdowns, & poop everywhere!!!!
Chelsea Johnson says
I’m so sorry! Infertility is the worst. We struggled with it trying to get pregnant with our first and it’s awful. I hope it happens soon for you guys! Remember you definitely aren’t alone!
Kristin Pearce says
Your post made my husband and I laugh out loud! We are expecting out second in January-boy. Our first just turned a year-girl. Thanks for the comic relief
Chelsea Johnson says
You bet! And congratulations! You’ll love having one of each!!
Topfivemum says
I’m in the same club and my daughter has now just turned two and my son 6 months. I don’t ever want to do those 6 months again. As much as I love them! It’s getting easier now but I now have weaning to enjoy while my eldest still tips her food everywhere. Give me strength! Lol
Chelsea Johnson says
The good news is that you’ll make it through! It definitely gets a little easier as they both get older!
Cheri says
My kids were 11 1/2 months apart (definitely not planned), sometimes called Irish twins. My son is the oldest and I felt incredible guilt when his sister was born because he was still a baby himself. They fought like cats and dogs sometimes especially during their teen years when I became a single mom. Now they are 28 and 29 years old and they are so close, it warms my heart to see the way they love and support one another. Best of luck with your little ones, savor the days while you can. It’s true, they grow up so fast!
Chelsea Johnson says
Thank you, Cheri!!
Alyson says
I have boy and girl 16 months apart and then another boy 17 months apart from the girl. So three under three. I think the best advice I’ve ever received was to not think about it. And it’s so true! Once I stopped thinking about the diapers and the cleaning and the changing clothes and the putting in and out of car seats- I was so much happier.
And if I had dollar for every time someone told me my hands are full…. I would be rich. Filthy filthy rich. Lol
Thanks for the laughs!
Mothers unite!!
Chelsea Johnson says
Thanks for sharing! I had three under 4 for a month, now three under 5, and it definitely gets crazy. You just have to relax and let things go! I agree that not thinking about it all makes you happier! Thanks, Alyson!
Rachael says
I am 7 months pregnant with number 2 and my daughter will be 18 months old when in two months. I think I’m going to bookmark this! A little reminder to hold it together because thats how it is I guess! I don’t know how my mother handled having twins with and 18 month old… But if she can do that, surely I can juggle another! So look forward to my new baby, and I have an idea of whats coming now. THanks!!
Chelsea Johnson says
You’ve got this, Rachael! Having two under two is hard, but now that mine are 4 and 3, it is so much fun to see them together. They really are best friends and I can’t imagine it any other way!! Good luck!
Jenny says
I have 2 that r 12mo, 19 days apart. My youngest is 10mo & his sis 23mo as well as a 7yr old w adhd. This post is so funny cuz it’s SO true! It’s so nice to know I’m not alone so thank u4 the honest, refreshing & hilarious read. Anyone who takes offense will look back & laugh as we all r (or will be soon.) I’m all 4 New Mom Encouragement but a healthy dose/glimpse of reality never hurts & I wish I’d had more “mental prep” like this b4 I had mine 😉 Thanks 4 sharing ur relatable perspective; it can’t be easy 2 do 4 all the world 2 judge but this Mama appreciates it (as she nurses her 10mo old 4 the 4th time 2nite lol.) Xoxo
Chelsea Johnson says
You bet! And you are absolutely not alone! It’s definitely crazy having two under two, but so worth it!!
Kayla says
I thought reading this was going to scare me! I’m 10 weeks with baby #2 and my daughter will be 25 months when the new baby arrives, needless to say I’m nervous! But this post was cracking me up. Thank you!
Chelsea Johnson says
The good news is that moms have kids close together all the time, and we survive together! Congrats, and you’ve got this!!!
Brittany says
Just like everyone else, I’m scrolling Pinterest because I’m freaking out! Almost 10 weeks pregnant and when this baby is born my wild very rough and outgoing son will be 27 months. I’m so happy there’s so many women for support and tips! Speaking of, my baby is watching a weird opening egg video now thanks to you guys! Lmao he’s in a trans! Thank you!!!
Chelsea Johnson says
You’ll be fine! Congrats, and you’re welcome!!
Lesly says
Reading this is making me feel a little better Im turning 24 in month my baby boy just turned 6 months and I just found out I’m about 5-6 weeks pregnant I have no idea how I’m gonna do this I feel like in still learning to be First time mom
Chelsea Johnson says
Congrats! The good news is that you figure it out and your kids will be best friends! You’ve got this!
Jessica says
Im expecting my third child late october. I will technically have two under two with the middle child.
When i had my second child though i could seriously relate to the ipad thing! I thought i had the only child in the world who watched weird youtube videos with surprise eggs and people playing with toys! HAHA. Im glad i read this blog. Thanks so much.
Chelsea Johnson says
Aren’t they so weird!? I’m glad my kids are over them now because they are crazy! And congrats!!