Yes, I was one of the crazy mums who planned two kids under two. I thought having my two kids close together would be a win-win. I get all the hard stuff out of the way in a shorter space of time and they become good pals being closer in age. When I told people my plan they said I was mad and it would be so much hard work, and they were right, having two kids 20 months apart was such hard work. But now with my youngest about to turn two things are definitely getting easier and although there were times I didn’t think I would cope, seeing them play and grow together now, I would plan it the same way again.

Some tips on surviving with two kids under two

Here are some tips I used to get through the tough times of having two kids both aged under two…

• Sync nap times

When my baby was about six months old I started moving her middle of the day nap forward 15 minutes a day until it overlapped with my toddlers nap. The first time I managed to get both my of my two kids asleep at the same time was such a happy moment! The next thing… use this time to rest, leave the house untidy, it’s only going to be chaotic again when they wake up.

• Wear your baby to keep your hands free for your toddler

For the first ten months of her life my second born lived on me in a baby carrier. She was always happy to be there and I could bounce her around while freeing up my hands to feed or play my my toddler or push him on a swing.

• Prepare food ahead of time

I would prepare my toddler’s meals in the evenings for the next day and take them out of the fridge when I needed them. This way I was never caught out. I also made good use of the great range of organic baby food available… there isn’t always time to start mashing and whizzing.

• Keep multiple sets of things so getting out of the house is quicker

Getting out of the house with two kids under two was a serious task which seemed to take forever. I would live in fear of forgetting something and not being able to comfort the child who needed that something I forgot. So I started keeping multiple sets of everything I needed when we would go out at all the exit points. With two under two with eczema this included multiple moisturisers. There would be a set in the car ready to go, a set in the pram and just to be sure a spare set of everything I would need packed in the house.

• Invite people to come and visit you

Other mums from mother’s groups (with only one child), friends and family – while they’re around fit in a shower, let them hold the baby so you can attend to your toddler, say yes to letting them put the kettle on, anything to help.

• Who’s jealous?

Make your toddler feel needed by asking them to be your special helper. Give them little things to do for the baby. I let my toddler be first person to see the baby when she woke up and I put the baby’s nappies somewhere where my toddler could bring them to me when I need them.

• Online shop!

I bought everything and mostly still do, from weekly groceries, meat and dairy to baby clothes and bulk nappies. Aussie Farmers Direct and Belmore Meats were saviours for me.

When does two under two get easier?

With every day that passes it gets easier. Every day brings you closer to no longer dealing with double nappies, double prams and double bottles. Now, with my youngest nearly two they are playing well together (most of the time) and I don’t have to constantly watch over them. Hang in there it will all pay off.

This post was brought to you and your baby with love from Julia and the Itchy Baby Co. Team x.