A Parenting Survival Guide to Raising Babies Close in Age

Perhaps you conceived your second child much quicker than you originally anticipated. Or maybe, it was your plan all along to have kids close in age. Either way, you're now preparing for all the ups and downs that come with raising not one, but two babies at the same time. Daunting? Yes. Impossible? Not at all.

Raising a toddler and a baby simultaneously is no easy feat. Take comfort from the fact that others before you have done it while managing to survive with their sanity intact. Read on for your go-to guide on how to survive raising two babies close in age.

Stock Up on Diapers

One of the biggest challenges of raising two babies at the same time is that both will be in diapers at the same time. According to WebMD, a newborn will need 10-12 diaper changes daily for the first month of their life. With a toddler in diapers as well, you may start to feel as though all you do all day is change diapers.

If you're currently expecting your second child, start stockpiling diapers immediately. Stockpiling diapers will help you save money by allowing you to take advantage of low prices.

Cloth diapering is also an option for your babies. Although cloth diapering isn't for everyone, the potential money savings and environmental benefits are worth considering.

Prepare Your Older Child for Baby #2

Going from an only child to having a sibling is often a huge adjustment for a toddler. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to help your little one prepare for their new role as big brother or sister.

You can start by reading plenty of books to your older baby about siblings, newborns and the importance of sharing. Talk with your toddler about what to expect when the baby comes and how they can help.

All of the attention and constant cooing over the new baby will likely make your oldest feel a little jealous. Consider picking up new toddler girl clothes for her or a fun toy and let her know they're from the new baby. By making your firstborn more excited about the new baby, you can potentially reduce some of the tantrums and jealousy after the baby's arrival.

Know What to Share (And What to Keep Separate)

A major benefit to having two babies close in age is that you've recently been through this before and, therefore, you already have plenty of baby gear. By the time baby number two arrives, your older child will have outgrown their newborn clothes, bouncy seat and baby sling, which will save you money.

That being said, not everything can be passed down or shared with the second baby. For example, you'll still need to buy two high chairs, two car seats, two cribs and a lot of bottles. Another must-have: a double stroller! Although your older baby may be starting to walk on her own, she'll still want to go in the stroller when her little legs get tired.

Enlist the Help of Your Toddler

Toddlers love helping out and being involved with daily duties. So why not let your oldest help with the new baby? Maybe you could have him hand you a diaper when the baby needs changing or let him pick out the baby's clothes for the day.

Don't forget to make a big fuss over your oldest when he's being a good helper! Reward your child when he hands you a diaper by telling him what an amazing older brother he is.

Figure Out Sleeping Arrangements

Consider having your younger baby sleep on the opposite end of your home as your older baby. Although this arrangement may not be doable for everyone, it can help reduce the likelihood of one baby waking up the other.

Let's face it: As a parent to two little ones, you need all the sleep you can get! Unless you've been blessed with not one, but two good sleepers, you're probably going to be downright exhausted for the first few months.

Separating your babies for sleeping—as well as keeping them on a similar sleep schedule—can help you maximize your own sleep. This strategy is also useful if you're using the extinction method of sleep training (aka, the cry it out method).

Pre-Plan Snacks and Activities

Once your baby is in the picture, your toddler will want your time and attention more than ever. To keep your oldest happy and entertained, it helps to have a few pre-planned activities and snacks for those first few months.

This is especially useful when you're breastfeeding. Your toddler will quickly figure out that this is the time when you're most distracted, and they may try to get into mischief. To keep your oldest occupied, give them a snack and play hands-free games like Simon Says or I Spy.

Know When to Ask for Help

Raising one baby is exhausting. Raising two little ones who are close in age can be downright brutal. One minute, you'll be swooning over them, and the next minute, you'll be frustrated to the point of tears.

When all of this happens, take a deep breath and realize that there is nothing wrong with asking for help. Reach out to your friends, relatives or your mom tribe. Have them babysit one or both little ones so you and your partner can get some much-needed sleep. It's amazing what an uninterrupted nap can do to your outlook.

You Can Do This!

While raising two babies close in age may be difficult, it's far from impossible. The key is to just accept that things will rarely ever go according to plan. Keep calm and persevere through the hardships. And remember: Your hands may be full, but so is your heart.