Top tips for juggling two

Your first baby may have enjoyed all your attention, but second time around things can be very different! The good news is that second babies are famously flexible, and there's plenty you can do to help everyone adapt:

SNOOZING ON THE MOVE
Life may be a blur of toddler groups, play dates and nursery runs, which means your newborn will have to do some napping while you're out and about with your toddler. As long as your baby isn't constantly woken up, sleep quality shouldn't be affected. Try and plan ahead a little and put her to sleep in the pushchair if you're going out within half an hour. They also quickly get used to being moved from car seat to buggy!

TWO MOUTHS TO FEED
Is it possible to feed your newborn on demand with a toddler in tow? The answer is yes, as long as 'on demand' means still means aiming for a gap of at least one-and-a-half to two hours between feeds. It also makes sense to time feeds so they don't coincide with your toddler's lunch or tea. If you do need to feed your baby before your toddler, give him a small healthy snack to tide him over.

TWO LOTS OF BATH AND BED
By all means try bathing both at once if you're feeling calm and confident, but if you're struggling, explore other options too. Perhaps let your baby have a kick on the change mat with her nappy off on the floor while you wash your toddler. You could also try staggering bath times, doing your newborn earlier in the day, so your toddler can enjoy his bathtime with you.
When it comes to which child to put to bed first, it's a matter or trial and error. Perhaps try putting down the easier one first. But it's often a case of experimenting to find what works for you. 

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