*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read my full disclaimer here.

Life as a parent can be a rollercoaster, but when you have two kids under the age of two, that rollercoaster feels like it’s gone off the rails. After being in complete survival mode for the first 9 months, the times are changing. As of August we have an official 2 year old and come October the littlest will be one. 🥲 The newborn/infant stages are officially over.

After finding out I was pregnant with Marlee (back on March of 2022), I really thought I wasn’t going to be able to handle it. I had so much anxiety surrounded by the thought of having 2 under 2.

But after actually being on this journey, I’ve come to find out that it’s actually not so bad… once you get the hang out it. 😅

From sleepless nights to double diaper duty, it’s a whirlwind of emotions and challenges, but there’s also so much beauty in all the chaos that comes with it. So let’s get down to the truths of what it’s like to have two under two.

#1 Sleep Deprivation, The New Normal

Remember those peaceful nights of 8 hours of beauty sleep? Well, say goodbye to them. Sleep deprivation is now your way of life as you navigate the needs of a baby and a toddler. It’s a round-the-clock job, and naps don’t exist there.

I remember that saying “Nap when the baby naps.” Yeah, that’s definitely not a thing at all anymore. When the baby sleeps you’ll be trying to maintain some type of routine for your toddler or taking that time for some one-on-one time you don’t get with them anymore.

#2 Double the Diapers, Double the Mess

If you thought changing diapers was a chore with one child, get ready for double the fun. You’ll become a pro at changing diapers with one hand while holding a wriggly toddler with the other. And let’s not forget the epic mess that occurs when both kids choose to have a “diaper blowout” simultaneously.

My best advice for this: Buy diapers and wipes in bulk because you’re gonna all need them.

#3 Finding Time for Yourself is a Challenge

With two little ones demanding your attention, finding time for yourself becomes a rare luxury. Alone time might consist of stolen moments during naptime or like me, late at night when everyone else is asleep.

Self-care comes to be essential, so don’t forget to about yourself mamas, even if it means stealing a few minutes to enjoy a cup of coffee in peace.

#4 Sibling Bonds Form Early

One of the beautiful aspects of having two kids under two, and by far my favorite part is watching the sibling bond develop from an early age. They might fight and compete for your attention, but they’ll also share special moments of laughter and play with one another.

Seeing their faces light up every morning when they see each other or watching my toddler feed her sister in her chair, these early connections lay the foundation for a beautiful and strong sibling bond.

#5 Two Kids, Two Personalities

It’s captivating to observe how two children from the same parents can have completely different personalities. Our toddler is fearless, rambunctious, so sassy, and a bit reserved when meeting new people. But our baby is bubbly, and timid, yet extremely calm and happy all the time. Embracing these differences and nurturing each child’s unique qualities has just been a rewarding journey in itself.

#6 Pro Level Multitasking

You’ll become a multitasking SUPERHERO. You’ll be able to prepare meals while helping with homework, soothe a crying baby while reading a bedtime story, and the goes on.

It is no joke the ability to juggle multiple tasks will reach superhuman proportions, and you’ll just roll with it. *Pro tip: Baby-wearing helps a lot when you have a newborn. At this stage in life, I get asked all the time, “How do you handle x, y, and z” and you learn how to do a lot when it’s just 2 babies and you are by yourself all day. It just becomes instinct.

#7 Cherishing the Little Moments

With the chaos going on with two kids under two, it’s so easy to get caught up in the daily grind. But amidst the chaos, you’ll learn to cherish all the little moments—the sound of their giggles, the warmth of their hugs, and the joy of watching them discover the world. It’s in these moments that you are reminded of the precious gifts that come from parenthood.

#8 It Gets Easier…Eventually

As challenging as it may be, I promise parenting two kids under two does get easier with time. They will start to become more independent, and you’ll find a rhythm that works for you and your family. And when the sleepless nights and diaper changes eventually go away, new challenges and adventures will replace them as the babes grow.

All in all, having two kids under two is a beautiful, yet chaotic experience. It’s a journey filled with ups and downs, lots of laughter and lots of tears, and then moments of pure and utter joy. It will test all your patience and resilience, but it also rewards you with the love and memories of watching your kiddos grow up together.

Embrace the chaos, cherish the moments, and know that you’re on an extraordinary parenting adventure that will shape your family in the most beautiful ways.

XOXO – A Busy Mama