Believe me, I know why you’re here.
You’re preparing for (or in the thick of) life with two babies under two.
Either way, let me tell you—I see you. Raising two little ones this close in age is wild, exhausting, and a total rollercoaster. But guess what? You’re going to survive it (even if it doesn’t feel like it right now).
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So, let’s skip the sugar-coated advice and get into the real, sanity-saving tips that will actually help.
1. Ditch the Expectations—Take It One Day at a Time
If I could go back and tell myself one thing before diving into the two-under-two chaos, it would be this: stop expecting anything to go as planned. Some days, naps will magically align, and you’ll feel like a parenting superstar. Other days? One kid will be teething, the other will be throwing a tantrum over a banana, and you’ll be wondering why coffee doesn’t come in IV form.
Go into each day with the mindset that you’ll just take it as it comes. Some days will be survival mode, and that’s okay. You don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need to make it through today.
2. Prioritize, and Reprioritize
Here’s the thing—you physically cannot do everything. And if you try? You’ll burn out by noon… maybe even sooner.
So, let’s get real about priorities. Are the kids fed? Safe? Relatively happy? Then you’re already crushing it. Th
e dishes, the laundry, the Insta-worthy activities? They can all wait. Focus on what actually matters, and let go of the rest. I promise you, no one is judging the state of your kitchen but you.
3. Nap Schedules Are Great… But Don’t Stress Over Them
Yes, having both kids nap at the same time is the holy grail of parenting. I was a stickler about when it was just my first baby, and I honestly wish I could be more strict with it now, but does it always happen? Haha! Nope.
Instead of stressing about perfect synchronization, aim for some kind of rest time overlap. Even if one is napping while the other plays quietly (or, let’s be real, watches Bluey), you’ll get a tiny break. And some days? You’ll just power through the chaos and count down to bedtime. Both are valid strategies.
4. Have a Safe Spot for the Baby (Because Toddlers Are Unpredictable)
Let’s be honest—toddlers are tiny hurricanes of energy, and newborns? Well, they’re basically potatoes with fragile necks. You will have moments where you need to put the baby down ASAP to deal with whatever your toddler just got into (or is about to get into).
A swing, a pack-and-play — whatever works for you. Just have a spot where the baby can chill safely while you chase down your toddler before they, I don’t know, try climbing the bookshelf. Here is what we used. It has a 40lb weight limit, so we’ll likely be using this bad boy in some form or fashion for a while.
5. Let Your Toddler “Help” (Even If It Slows You Down)
The jealousy struggle is real. One day, your toddler is the center of your universe, and the next? There’s a tiny intruder taking up all of Mom’s attention.
Instead of constantly saying, “Not now, I’m busy with the baby,” find small ways to include your toddler. Let them fetch diapers, “help” with tummy time, or sing songs to the baby. Will it actually help? Maybe just sometimes. But it’ll make them feel important and included, and that’s the real win here.
6. Keep a Stash of No-Prep Toddler Activities
You know those moments when you’re trapped under a nursing baby, and your toddler is suddenly too quiet (which typically means they’re up to no good)? That’s when a go-to activity stash saves the day.
A few easy winners:
- Stickers and coloring books
- A bin of random safe kitchen utensils (toddlers & babies love these!)
- Dry rice or pasta in a sensory bin
- Water play in the sink with some cups and spoons
- A magnetic door or wall with magnetic toys to stick on them
Basically, anything that keeps them busy without requiring you to move. My favorite activities, personally.
7. Accept Help—Seriously, Just Say Yes
If someone offers to bring you food, watch your toddler, or fold a load of laundry (and you truly trust them)—say yes. Don’t do that thing where you say, “Oh no, I’m fine!” when you’re clearly on the verge of a meltdown.
Honestly it’s so hypocritical of me to say this because I NEVER accept help, but accepting help is NOT a weakness. It’s survival. If someone is willing to lighten your load, and you’re okay with a break, LET THEM!
8. Get Out of the House (Even If It’s Just to the Driveway)
Being stuck inside 24/7 with two tiny humans can make you feel like you’re losing your mind. Even a short outing can be a game-changer.
Some easy, low-pressure options:
- A walk around the block
- A quick store run (grabbing a coffee is mandatory)
- A trip to the library’s baby/toddler storytime
- Just stepping outside for five minutes while the kids stare at birds/squirrels
It doesn’t have to be a big production—just something to break up the day.
9. Invest in Baby Gear That Actually Makes Life Easier
Not every baby gadget is worth the hype, but some things will make your life so much easier.
A few MVPs:
- A good baby carrier (so you can be hands-free while chasing your toddler)
- A double stroller or stroller/carrier combo (because carrying both kids is not sustainable)
- A sound machine (because synchronized sleep schedules are a fantasy, and you need all the help you can get)
Skip the fancy stuff and stick to the essentials that make your day easier. Here’s a more specific list of what I use.
10. Lower Your Standards—Like, Way Lower
Listen, your house will not be spotless. Your toddler will eat more snacks than you’d like to admit. Your kids might live in pajamas (honestly, I love that lifestyle anyway).
AND THAT’S OKAY.
This is survival mode. Adjust your expectations, let go of perfection, and just focus on getting through the day. Good enough is truly good enough right now.
11. Take Care of Yourself (Even in Tiny Ways)
I know, I know—self-care feels like a joke when you have two under two. But it doesn’t have to be fancy!
Drink your coffee while it’s still hot. Take a deep breath outside. Any tiny little thing that makes you happy!
Little things do add up. Take the moments where you can.
12. Remember: This Phase Won’t Last Forever
I know it feels like you’ll be sleep-deprived and overwhelmed forever, but you won’t. It’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when you’ve never truly experienced what “the light” is.
The newborn days will pass. The toddler meltdowns will ease. One day, you’ll blink, and they’ll be playing together instead of demanding your attention 24/7.
It’s hard right now, but you’re doing an amazing job. Give yourself grace, take it one day at a time, and know that you are absolutely crushing this whole two-under-two thing.
Now, go reheat that coffee for the third time (or drink it cold, like me), and remind yourself that you got this in the baaaaggggg.
