Two children under two years old…is it a DREAM? Is it INSANE?
Some people will say how awesome it is having kids so close in age, while others might warn you about how hard it’s going to be. Well, I’m here to share my honest experience of having two under two with just a 14-month age gap. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re about to embark on a similar journey. Let me give you the good, the hard, and the unexpected—along with some specific details about my two girls to help you prepare. Everyone’s experiences are different, but it’s nice to hear the details sometimes, right?
The First Meeting at the Hospital
When our older daughter met her baby sister for the first time, things didn’t exactly go as planned. She arrived at the hospital a little earlier than we expected, and my husband was holding the baby when she walked in. Instantly, she got jealous and ran straight to him, wanting his full attention. We quickly handed the baby off and placed her in the bassinet, but the clinginess continued for the rest of that visit.
She visited just one more time during our hospital stay, and we made sure not to repeat the same mistake. This time, no one was holding the baby when she entered the room. That small change made a big difference. Instead of feeling left out, she was curious and wanted to explore her new sibling. It was a much smoother experience.
If you’d like to learn some better methods of introducing baby and including big brother/sister, feel free to check out this article!
The First Few Days at Home
When we got home, the transition was actually a bit easier than at the hospital. Our older daughter seemed more curious than jealous. She would occasionally glance at her baby sister and seemed to wonder why there was suddenly a tiny human in the house. She kept her distance but stayed observant. Those first days were mostly calm, giving us a chance to adjust to life with two under two.
The Nap Time Challenge
Nap time quickly became one of our biggest challenges. How do you put two little ones down for a nap when one needs to be rocked, held, or sung to sleep? There was definitely a learning curve for us. At first, I felt overwhelmed trying to meet both of their needs at the same time. But with patience and trial and error, we discovered what worked best for our girls.
I’ve written out my specific nap-time method in another article if you’re looking for ideas. Trust me, it’s possible to find a routine that works for your family, even if it takes some time.
Nap Time Logistics with 2 Under 2: The Early Days
Nap Time Logistics with 2 Under 2: 6 Months In
From Newborn Stage to Now (6-Month-Old and 21-Month-Old)
Fast-forward to now, and life with our 6-month-old and 21-month-old is a mix of chaos and joy. Nap times and feeding schedules are still tricky to coordinate, but we’ve learned to roll with the punches. We’ve also gotten to know our daughters’ individual preferences and routines, which has made things a bit more manageable.
One of my favorite parts of this stage is watching my girls interact. Around the six-month mark (even a little earlier), they started truly noticing and engaging with each other. I’ll never forget one morning when my toddler walked over to see her younger sister. My baby had a big, funny-looking smiley face, and my toddler burst into laughter. The baby noticed her reaction and started giggling too. Before I knew it, they were both caught up in this back-and-forth of giggles, completely entertained by one another. Seeing moments like that, where their bond is so evident, melts my heart and reminds me why this journey is worth it.
The Big Picture
Having two kids under two, especially with a 14-month age gap, is no small feat. It’s a roller coaster of emotions, sleepless nights, and logistical challenges. However, it’s also filled with heartwarming moments, sibling bonding, and the realization that you’re building a lifelong friendship between your children.
If you’re in the thick of it right now, I know how unhelpful it can feel when people say, “It’ll all be worth it.” Take it one day at a time, and trust that you’ll get to a place where you can see the beauty in the chaos. If you’re expecting your new little bundle soon, just enjoy the ride because it will be worth it. Life with two under two is tough, but if I can handle it then you totally can too!
