what made your life easier with 2 kids?

[nkrumpfer]

Since I was asked to register for a second shower what are things that made your lives easier with 2 kids.

My daughters will be a little more than 20 months apart and you never know what truly was a life saver until you live the life.

Any suggestions on things I should register for? I wish I had someone to tell me what to get when I was registering for baby number 1!

[eniese]

With two kids, having an activity chair for infants and an exersaucer for when they get older is very helpful. It gives you a safe place to put the baby when you have to help the older kid with something. Along the same vein, having a highchair that reclines can also be helpful for mealtimes, even early on.

If you are going to pass toys from your older to the new baby, make them "disappear" for a few months first so your older kid forgets about it. Try to start any big transitions (potty training, crib to bed, etc) well before the new baby comes.

[moonemaiden]

I'm guessing you still have most of your major items from the first baby. However, what worked wonders for baby #1 may have no (or negative) effect on baby #2. So, unless there's something you know you would truly need (perhaps a double stroller), I would suggest sticking to the small things. Diapers, bath items, those things that get used up and you always need to buy more. Perhaps a few new outfits that are special just for this baby.

There's a large gap between my kids, so we had to basically start all over from scratch.

[lbkeyway]

Hi, I have a 22 month old son and an 8 week old daughter now! Everyone I talked to about trying to rush a child into potty training before a baby comes, never had good outcomes. If the child does get potty trained, it often times reverses when the baby comes because the child wants more attention. Since your oldest isn't 2 yet, I would put it off for a few months when you have more energy to devote to it. I haven't started my son yet since boys take longer to potty train anyways. You don't want to wait too long, but make sure your child is showing the signs of potty training before starting.

Material-wise, having diapers was a blessing. I had forgotten how many you go through that first month. The meals people brought over were VERY helpful, I guess you could register for some pizzas at Wal-Mart! LOL!

[bornin03]

With two kids, I demand less on myself. Now, I tell myself I am happy if I can accomplish 2 of 3 things. Happy kids, food on the table, and a clean house. It helps not "having" to be supermom.

[michellejoe8]

My dad's company is coming out with a new product in August called the MamaRoo. I was fortunate enough to get to test drive it! I have a 4 month old and a 3 yr old and I care for my 2 yr old nephew. Needless to say things get hectic! I think that it is a must have for parents of infants and toddlers. I can put the baby in it and she is content while I need to tend to the older two. It is a cross between a swing, bouncy seat, and sanity saving device. If you go to their website 4momsonline.com you can watch a video of it.

[may2mac]

The biggest help for me was the double stroller. We have have the sit n' stand stroller where the baby goes in the front and there is a little seat in the back for the toddler to sit or stand up. It was great. My only other suggestions would be items that you can put the baby in while tending to the other child. Or, things that will entertain the older child while you have to feed the baby.

Good luck! Life is tough with two. I knew it would be harder, but i had no idea how much harder it was actually going to be.

[may2mac]

I forget to mention a sling. This was great for outings to the mall or taking walks. I also used it a lot when we went over to the other peoples homes and the baby needed a nap. That way she could sleep on me, but I still had my hands free to eat, drink or whatever.

[girlreader284]

i have a 10 month old and a 2 year old. i have 2 high chairs and a double stroller. that i can't think of life with out. other than that i use all of the same stuff. the 2nd high chair i could live with out my oldest could use a booster seat but she is safer in the high chair.

[big-mouth-burgher]

When my 2nd son was on the way my older one was almost 3. I couldn't live without my baby sling. I did everything with the baby in there (except showering and cooking, of course). I also loved my double stroller, I had the one that one kid sits in the front and the baby sits behind him. It fit really well through the doors and aisles in the mall and stores. Instead of 2 highchairs, you may want to consider getting a booster seat for your older daughter. She'll be over 2 when the baby will be ready to use the highchair and she may like the idea of a big girl seat at the table (I only would switch to this if she sits at the table fairly well because they're usually easier to get out of than a highchair.)

[mommy42boys]

My boys are 2 and 1/2 and almost 7 months. I know this isn't exactly your question but the biggest thing that helped us was talking to our oldest A LOT about having a baby in mommy's tummy and how the baby wouldn't be able to do much and that mommy and daddy were going to need him to be a big boy and help take care of the baby. Now he entertains the baby while I'm cooking, he'll bring me his pacifier or get toys for him, brings me diapers when he needs to be changed. And if the baby is upset and we don't notice, he comes running to say Declan's crying! He loves his little brother so much and, though he is small, he is a HUGE help.

[ProudArmyWife]

I would def say a double stroller. We got the sit n stand one. Our children are about the same age difference as yours will be. Our son will be 2 in November and we just had our daughter July 29. We got the Baby Trend car seat and then the double stroller with 2 seats and can also be a sit n stand. Its amazing! They sell it at Babies R Us.

Since we had a boy and then a girl, we had to buy all new clothes, so you are def lucky to have the same sex again lol. A lot cheaper. But, the only thing right now I can think of for the same sex would be a double stroller. If I think of more, I will come back and post. I am brain dead right now lol.