10 Tips for Moms - 2 Under 2 Must Haves

First, congrats to you on your two little ones!

I do wish you the best for this busy time in your life. I’ve had three boys all roughly two years apart and totally remember what it was like when they were tiny.

That’s why I wanted to write this article about 2 under 2 must haves and advice in getting through this busy and crazy time.

It can feel so overwhelming when you’re smack in the middle of raising two littles but these tips will give you a leg up on the stress – or, let’s face it, I HOPE these tips do that. I get it, it’s so hard being in the thick of it.

So if you’re a mama who feels like she is drowning in diapers and bottles and tantrums and lacking sleep, this article is for you!

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2 Under 2 Must Haves

Let’s get into the nitty gritty, no more small talk, time for the tips to give you the tools to make the most of these harried but fleeting and tender years with your littles.

Below you’ll find ten tips that helped me as my family quickly grew from one little baby boy to three in total and how I took on the role of stay at home mom without losing my mind (most days).

2 under 2 Must Haves Tips for Moms

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1- Establish a Routine

Establishing a daily routine is a cornerstone for navigating the demanding responsibilities of motherhood with two kids under two and my top tip for 2 under 2 must haves.

Creating a structured schedule that incorporates set times for feeding, napping, and play not only fosters a sense of predictability for your little ones but also lays the foundation for a more organized and manageable day.

Consistency is key, as it provides stability for your children, helping them feel secure and reassured.

A well-thought-out routine not only addresses their basic needs but also allows you to plan your day more effectively.

Knowing when to expect meal times, nap breaks, and play sessions enables you to allocate time for personal tasks and self-care, promoting a healthier balance between caregiving responsibilities and personal well-being.

This routine becomes a comforting framework, fostering a sense of security for both you and your children in the midst of the busyness that comes with raising two young ones.

2- Self Care is Vital

Prioritizing self-care is an essential part of getting through these harried years as a mother with two kids under two. Along with tip 1, this tip is one of my best 2 under 2 must haves hacks that every mother needs.

Realizing the importance of taking breaks when needed is not just a luxury but a vital necessity.

Understanding when to step back and recharge your energy is a form of self-preservation that enables you to meet the demands of parenting with a rejuvenated spirit.

Enlisting the support of your partner, family members, or friends to watch the kids during these breaks is a proactive strategy to ensure you have dedicated moments for self-care.

Whether it’s indulging in a quiet moment alone, enjoying a hobby, or simply catching up on rest, these breaks serve as lifelines, allowing you to regain focus, reduce stress, and maintain a strong emotional well-being.

By nurturing yourself, you are better equipped to provide the love and care your little ones need, creating a harmonious balance between your role as a mother and your individual needs.

Practical Self-Care Ideas

Self care for a mother of littles isn’t always easy and the ideas have to be a bit more practical than the traditional ideas of self care.

The below ideas are practical ways to add a bit of self care into your life.

Efficient Exercise Routine: Opt for quick and efficient workouts that can be done at home. Short, high-intensity workouts or yoga sessions can boost your energy and mood without taking up too much time. Online platforms like YouTube have numerous mom-friendly workout routines.

Scheduled “Me Time”: Set aside specific time slots each week for dedicated “me time.” Whether it’s reading a book, taking a bath, or enjoying a cup of tea, having scheduled breaks ensures you prioritize self-care amidst your busy schedule.

Delegate and Share Responsibilities: Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks and share responsibilities with your partner or other family members. Having a support system in place allows you to take breaks without feeling guilty, knowing that your kids are in good hands.

Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Establish a calming bedtime routine not only for your children but also for yourself. After putting the kids to bed, engage in activities that help you unwind, such as listening to soothing music, practicing gentle stretches, or enjoying a calming cup of herbal tea.

Expressive Journaling: Carve out a few minutes each day for expressive journaling. This doesn’t have to be a lengthy process; even a brief jotting down of thoughts, feelings, or highlights from the day can be incredibly therapeutic. Use this time to reflect on your experiences, express gratitude, or simply unload any stress or emotions.

Journaling provides a creative and mindful outlet, allowing you to connect with your thoughts and emotions in a way that can be both cathartic and rejuvenating. Plus, it’s a flexible practice that you can do whenever you find a moment for yourself.

3- Meal Preparation and Planning

Meal preparation and planning are essential components of efficiently managing a busy life as a mother with two kids under two.

Developing a strategic approach to meals not only saves time but also ensures that you and your family are well-nourished.

Begin by creating a weekly meal plan, outlining breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.

Choose recipes that are quick, nutritious, and preferably ones that can be prepared in advance.

Dedicate a specific time each week to plan your meals and create a shopping list accordingly.

Batch cooking is a game-changer; consider preparing large quantities of certain dishes and freezing them in smaller portions.

This allows you to have ready-made meals on hand for those particularly hectic days.

Invest in convenient kitchen gadgets and tools that can streamline the cooking process.

Enlist the help of your partner or family members in meal preparation, turning it into a collaborative effort.

By managing meals, you not only ensure a healthy and balanced diet for your family but also free up valuable time for other aspects of your busy life.

Meal Prep Tools

4- Using Technology to Your Advantage

Using technology wisely is a smart and efficient way for mothers with two kids under two to navigate their busy lives.

Parenting apps can be invaluable tools for keeping track of essential routines. Utilize apps designed to log feeding times, diaper changes, and sleep schedules.

These digital tools not only provide a convenient way to monitor your children’s daily activities but also offer valuable insights into their patterns and development.

Having this information at your fingertips can be particularly useful during visits to healthcare professionals.

In addition to parenting apps, leverage online grocery services to streamline the shopping process.

Busy moms can benefit from the convenience of ordering groceries from the comfort of their homes and having them delivered directly to their doorstep.

This eliminates the need for time-consuming trips to the grocery store, allowing you to allocate that time to more pressing matters.

Online grocery services often provide the option to save your shopping lists, making future orders even quicker.

Embracing these technological solutions not only enhances efficiency but also provides you with more time to focus on the well-being of your little ones and yourself.

Best Apps for New Moms

5- Create a Support Network

So, when you’re juggling two little munchkins under two, it’s a whole adventure, right?

Well, here’s a cool trick – build yourself a squad of fellow parents who are on the same rollercoaster.

Find local or online groups where you can swap stories, share tips, and just vibe with people who get it. It’s like having a backup crew who totally gets your struggles.

And here’s the golden rule: don’t be shy about asking for help.

Seriously, call in reinforcements when you need them.

Whether it’s family, friends, or those awesome parents from your support group, they’re there for a reason.

A little extra hand with the kiddos, a chat to vent – it’s all good.

Remember, you’re not doing this alone, and getting a little help is like giving yourself a high-five for being a rockstar mom. You got this!

Finding Your Friend Group:

Find local FB groups for moms
Find local mom groups
Join mom groups at church

Related Reading: Making friends with other mothers

6- Keep Organized, Keep Your Sanity

Staying organized is like having your superhero cape when you’re managing the chaos of life with two little ones under two.

Grab yourself a planner or fire up a digital calendar and start jotting down everything.

From doctor’s appointments to playdates and those little tasks that like to slip our minds, having a visual roadmap helps keep things on track.

Plus, it’s oddly satisfying to check things off.

Also, decluttering can be your secret weapon. Clear out the unnecessary stuff, organize what’s left, and voila – instant sanity.

Baskets for toys, labeled shelves, and a designated spot for baby wipes can be game-changers.

Trust me, when you’re not tripping over toys or hunting for your keys, life feels a tad more manageable.

So, embrace the chaos, but keep it organized – it’s the mom magic trick they forgot to mention!

2024 Daily Planner – 6-Month Undated Daily Planner With Daily Tasks, Goals & Schedule.
Todoist Pro – digital daily planner.

Related Reading: Declutter kids play room

7- Incorporate Your Kids

When dealing with two little ones, involving them in your routine can make life a bit smoother.

Consider babywearing during household chores; it allows you to get things done while keeping your child close. It’s practical and helps you both stay connected.

Create a dedicated play area as well.

This gives your kids a safe space to play independently while you manage your tasks.

It’s a practical way to balance your responsibilities without compromising their safety or your productivity.

Involving your children in your routine isn’t just about convenience; it’s about finding a practical rhythm that works for everyone.

Babywearing Wraps

8- Practice Time Management

Effective time management is crucial for mothers juggling the demands of caring for two young children.

One key strategy is breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed by a large task, dividing it into smaller steps makes it easier to approach and accomplish.

This approach not only enhances productivity but also provides a sense of accomplishment as each smaller task is completed.

Prioritizing is another essential aspect of time management. Identify the most critical tasks and focus on those first.

By understanding your priorities, you can allocate your time and energy where it matters most.

It’s important to be realistic about what you can achieve within a given timeframe.

Setting achievable goals prevents frustration and burnout, allowing you to maintain a more sustainable pace.

Time management isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most efficiently and effectively.

By adopting these principles, you can navigate your busy schedule with greater ease and ensure that your time is spent on the things that truly matter.

9- Delegate Some Responsibilities

Delegating responsibilities is a game-changer when it comes to handling the hustle and bustle of family life, especially for moms with two kids under two.

Teamwork with your partner is a cornerstone for smooth sailing. Sit down, discuss the daily responsibilities, and figure out a plan that works for both of you.

This partnership not only lightens your load but also strengthens the bond between you and your partner.

Now, if you have older children, don’t hesitate to involve them in the family dynamic.

Delegate age-appropriate tasks to them. It’s not just about lightening your workload; it’s an opportunity for them to learn responsibility and contribute to the family unit.

Simple tasks like setting the table, picking up toys, or helping with minor chores can make a significant difference.

Embracing a team approach within your family not only shares the responsibilities but also instills a sense of shared ownership and cooperation.

It’s a win-win that fosters a supportive family environment.

10- Keeping a Flexible Mindset

Maintaining flexible expectations is a vital mindset for mothers navigating the unpredictable journey of parenting two kids under two.

Recognizing that not every day will unfold as planned is key to avoiding unnecessary stress.

Babies and toddlers are inherently unpredictable, and embracing flexibility allows you to adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of parenthood.

Understand that some days might present unexpected challenges or disruptions to your routine, and that’s perfectly normal.

Embracing imperfections is a powerful aspect of this mindset.

Being a mama of littles is a journey filled with highs and lows, and acknowledging that imperfections are a part of the process allows you to let go of unrealistic standards.

Instead of dwelling on what didn’t go as planned, focus on the positive moments – the shared laughs, the small victories, and the precious memories.

Celebrate the joys of parenting, even on days that deviate from your expectations.

By cultivating a flexible mindset and embracing imperfections, you create a more resilient and enjoyable parenting experience for yourself and your children.

It’s about finding joy in the journey, even when the path takes unexpected turns.

Final Tips: Surviving 2 Under 2

Being a mother of two kids under two is undoubtedly a demanding yet profoundly rewarding journey.

It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with sleepless nights, countless diaper changes, and a whirlwind of laughter and chaos.

Amidst the challenges, there’s an undeniable joy that comes from witnessing the milestones, the sibling bonds forming, and the unique personalities emerging.

Flexibility becomes a superpower, as each day brings unexpected twists and turns.

The key lies in finding a balance, embracing support networks, and prioritizing self-care.

It’s about navigating the chaos with grace, adjusting expectations, and savoring the beautiful, imperfect moments that define the essence of motherhood.

In this whirlwind of love, growth, and occasional chaos, the journey of being a mother to two young ones becomes an adventure, a testament to resilience, and a source of boundless love.

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