Going from one to two kids

DH and I are starting to think about baby #2, for those of you who went from 1 to 2 kids (my daughter is one now so maybe around 2 when the second baby would arrive, how was it? We are in such a rhythm with DD and its so easy (good sleeper eater etc) so wondering if a similar groove is possible with 2. TIA.

Re: Going from one to two kids

I went from 1 to 3 and it has been awesome. Like everything else, it's an adjustment, but we found our groove quickly! My oldest was 2.5 when my twins were born and my twins will be 2.5 when baby #4 arrives. There is nothing better than watching your children interact with each other. I personally feel like 2-2.5 years is the perfect age difference.

Re: Going from one to two kids

I went from 1-2 three months ago. I find it easier than going from 0-1. I now know better of what I'm doing and my 3 month old is already a decent sleeper and we have our routine already. Dd was exactly 2.5 when ds was born and It is a great age!

Going from one to two kids

From what I hear, going from 1-2 is a lot easier than going from 0-1.

Mine will be 17.5 months apart so we shall see!

Re: Going from one to two kids

Going from one to two kids

Well it hasn't even been 24 hours, but I can say it's a fabulous thing. My girls are exactly 2 years apart. Literally 2 years, 4 days. I'm sure it's going to be tough, but to have a sibling so close in age I think is s huge blessing. Espec as they get older.

Going from one to two kids

Just had my second two weeks ago and both children will be exactly 2 years apart. So far, its been crazy at my house! My son just turned 2 and is still finding it difficult to sleep in his toddler bed, he just started having tantrums and a few times, he pretends he is his baby sister. I used to love cuddling with my husband to watch our late night shows and now that's the last thing on our minds. We are both busy taking care of our children and seem to rarely have time together. Its very very tough and few people will admit that. I do feel blessed but i would consider (for the third time around) spacing the next child three years apart. This way they are potty trained and are more mature.

Message edited 7/2/2015 9:51:59 PM.

Re: Going from one to two kids

Re: Going from one to two kids

Re: Going from one to two kids

my first and 2nd are 2 years 2 days apart. Honestly I found it to be very diffuclt in the beginning. Trying to give the baby attention while also attending to the needs of my 2 year old was not easy for me. But as time passed it got easier and easier...and I made sure to enroll my 1st in school a few days a week to give me some one on one time with the baby. Now that they are 3 and 5 its great! they are into many of the same activities and always have each other to play with!

Re: Going from one to two kids

I think everyone makes it work no matter what the age difference. However my daughter has changed a lot from 2-3 and we will welcome baby #2 after she is 3. I actually wanted them closer together in age but I miscarried a bunch of times. Anyway I just think DD1 understands so much more and is so helpful now at 2 yrs 9 months. New baby isn't here yet but already I can ask her to get mommy a tissue or get me a burp cloth and she can do those things. She was still learning how to talk at 2 and still needed a lot of help with things. Now we can take time to potty train and transition to big girl bed before new baby comes. I have to say I am very excited for the 3 yr age difference!

Re: Going from one to two kids

I'm 6 weeks into have 2. I don't know if 0-1 or 1-2 was harder - they are both hard in different ways. When I had DS, I didn't know what I was doing with a baby, so everything was new. Now DS is almost 2.5 and I have a DD. Taking care of her isn't hard (aside from the sleepless nights!) but balancing both children is a bit difficult on my own. A baby obviously needs to be held a lot so it's harder to do things with/for my older one. Sometimes I feel guilty I'm not giving him as much attention. When DH is home, it's obviously easier, but still not "easy."

But that being said, I know in another year or so, when they two of them are playing together, it will all have been worth it. No matter what, a newborn is hard! But DS already loves DD, so that's what's getting me through the tough times now!

ETA: I think it also makes a difference if you're a SAHM or not. I work FT so I'm only home for 12 weeks with my newborn, and my older one is only home 2 days a week with us. It's hard when I have them both, but I also know that I'll be going back to work really soon and I'll miss this time. Then, weekends are crazy, but DH will be home with me, so that helps.

Message edited 7/6/2015 12:49:20 PM.

Re: Going from one to two kids

My Dd is only 6 days old but it is a little harder right now bc with my DS at least I could nap when he napped. Right now DH and I take turns with middle of the night feedings but once he goes back to work in a week it's going to be just me (he works overnight). I'm sure as she gets older it's going to be easier though.

Going from one to two kids

I have a 4 month old and a 2.5 yr old. For me it's been very hard. It's hard getting used to running around with an infant again. I can't give either one my full attention. For me it was easier going from 0 to 1 than 1 to 2, but I'm also dealing with some postpartum issues and I got laid off 1 week after returning from maternity leave, I never intended to be a sahm so this is a tough time for me

Re: Going from one to two kids

Mine are 2 yrs 4 months apart dS is the easiest baby but DD is a challenging toddler. DS is only 2 months but I find it incredibly hard to be on my own with both kids. With just DD, we had a set nap time enabling us to get work done, exercise, clean or even rest. Now it seems there is basically no "me" time as more stuff to do and even less time.

It's hard for me to feed the infant and entertain a toddler. She is helpful and I try to make a game of things. I do feel guilty sometimes that I can't play as much with her etc. there have been a lot of tantrums and she gets upset when she wants to be carried but I can't because I'm holding the baby.

I do think the transition to 1 was harder. Looking back it feels like why did I think it was so hard lol. You go from being able to do whatever/whenever to now adapting to a baby schedule and needs. We are now in more of a family routine so that part is easier. However it is a lot more work to have 2 and you have a toddler to care for even though you are so tired with the baby.

I just keep telling myself it will get easier after infant stage. Dd already kisses her brother and gives him a binky. She smiles and laughs when he makes baby noises. I know they will be close and that makes it worth it.

Re: Going from one to two kids

DD2 is 4 months old and DD1 will be 4 in October. They're 3.25 years apart. The age difference is absolutely awesome. DD1 is self-sufficient enough to be able to handle it well when I need to give the baby attention. I feel like with my DD1's personality, it would not have been as easy of a transition if I had a second DC like a year ago. But I think no matter what the age difference you make it work.

Going from 0-1 and 1-2 were not particularly different or difficult for me. Life is a lot more hectic now, and I can barely keep up with keeping my house clean (I am a FTWM and i'd rather spend my free time with the kids as opposed to cleaning), but I don't find it "difficult" in any regard. My house is full of love and seeing the girls interact makes any crazy moments absolutely priceless.

Re: Going from one to two kids

Re: Going from one to two kids

I think it depends on the age difference between kids. My kids are 4 years apart. My older one was super jealous of her sibling because she was used to getting all the attention... also, she's very hands on and likes to get involved in everything so I would constantly have to tell her to stop bothering the baby.

(Now she's 7 and her sister is 3 and they still bother each other)... mostly for toys though...

My friends who had kids 2 years apart had it easier with the kid-kid interaction, but harder on the other stuff... like if one is still in diapers, etc...

Re: Going from one to two kids