How I Prepared for 2 Under 2

Prepping for two under two may seem like a difficult and hair pulling task. Well, I am proud to say that has been far from the case for us! When I found out I was pregnant with #2, #1 was just over 6 months old, needless to say I kind of freaked out! I did some research and read some blogs just to get an idea of what life would be like having two kids in diapers, packing a diaper bag for two, and so on. Let me tell you, there are some parents out there that go way beyond a human's basic needs when it comes to packing a diaper bag! Many articles said buy a big tote, or have two different bags - I am here to say that none of that is necessary so long as you stick to the basics!

With #1 we had a smaller hunting backpack (courtesy of my hubby) that worked perfect for us! We cloth diaper, so I always had it packed with 2-3 covers and 6 inserts. Very, very seldom did we use all 6 inserts, or even all 3 covers! Of course we had the other basic needs for a baby: Aquaphor, Tylenol, bottle/sippy cup, snacks/food/formula, wipes, small toy or two, and change of clothes, along with some miscellaneous items that every first time parent thinks they will need but ends up never using. All of these things fit nicely into his backpack, but we found ourselves rarely using a majority of these items. Throughout the year the diaper bag has been condensed (and gotten lighter!). We now only carry the diapers and covers, wipes, change of clothes, sippy cup, and snacks. In the front pocket there is Aquaphor and Tylenol (just in case). As we are preparing for baby number two I was shocked to read what everyone all puts in a diaper bag for two children under two! Sounds to me like you need a whole duffel bag to carry around.

Well, I read and took in what everyone was saying, and feared we may need to go out and buy a bigger, bulkier bag! With a little "mom thinking", I got an idea: buying 2 organizers and loading them up with the essentials and keeping them in the vehicle (one for mom's car and one for dad's truck). I bought a organizer from Amazon called Damero Insert Organizer. It may look small, but it holds a lot! In each organizer we have: hand wipes, butt wipes, sippy cup, bottle, burp rag, two all-in-one diapers, four inserts, wet bag, tylenol, gas drops, dish soap, sunscreen, bug spray, and hand sanitizer (see image below). These stay in the vehicles at all time! The only thing we need to remember now when leaving the house is our formula dispenser and any snack the older boy may need. So far, this system has worked great for us! I can not complain one bit about how it works! I highly recommend trying something like this out if you are in a "not sure what to do now" situation.

Sure, things may change as the boys grow and transition from one phase to another. But for now I am grateful that I do not need a big, bulky, over-the-top tote to carry around on top of two children!

In conclusion, my advice to a mother who is going through what I am and having two under two: do not overdo yourself! Keep everything simple and minimal. Only pack the basics.