10 Essential 2 Under 2 Must Haves for Baby and Toddler
Check out these 2 under 2 must haves that I found super helpful after having my second baby. These are both items need for second baby and your toddler.
Feeling overwhelmed as you navigate life with two under two?
Having experienced the very same struggles and triumphs that come with parenting two young children, I’ve honed in on what works through trial and error.
My two under two must haves recommendations are things I used firsthand are backed by hours of research and community feedback, ensuring that you’re getting advice from a source as invested in the dual-baby journey as you are.
Having a toddler and a newborn is no joke. If you have 2 under 2 and are exhausted, you are not alone!
So here are my 2 under 2 must haves for both your toddler and baby to help make this two under two routine a little bit easier on you.
Benefits of 2 Under 2
Before getting into the must have items for second baby and toddler, I wanted to quickly go over the benefits of having two children under two years old.
You are not out of practice, so you don’t have to relearn everything when it comes to your second baby.
Plus, what you need for second baby will not be as big of a list as the first one, since you’ll more than likely already have all the baby items still in your house or storage.
My first two kids were close together and then our 3rd is now 4 years apart from our youngest. We moved multiple times in that time frame and now have to re-buy and learn everything we need for a baby once again!
It was much easier when the first two were right next to each other for that instance.
As they get older and more independent, your two close in age children will play together and give you more alone time.
I loved growing up with a sibling close in age because I felt like I always had a best friend to go through life with.
There are so many great benefits, but it is also challenging. You will get through this difficult stage and it will have benefits along the way; don’t lose hope!
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2 Under 2 Must Haves
Here are some of the best second baby must haves when you have two under two. Each of these items were things I used when I had two children close in age and were such a benefit to me.
Split Screen Baby Monitor
A split screen baby monitor is one the top of my list for must haves for second baby.
Keeping an eye on two little ones at night can bring a lot of anxiety and worry, but a split screen baby monitor changes all of that.
The Momcozy split screen baby monitor offers a divide-and-conquer approach, allowing you to watch both children simultaneously on one screen.
This lends peace of mind to parents, knowing they can visually check on their babies with just a glance.
With night vision capability and sound alerts, you’re informed of your babies’ needs day or night.
I’ve tried so many baby monitors and this is by far my absolute favorite one. You can read my Momcozy split screen baby monitor review.
Double Stroller
You will definitely want a 2 under 2 stroller.
When you have two little ones to juggle, a reliable double stroller is a lifesaver. The Baby Trend Sit N’ Stand Double Stroller excels in both functionality and design, making it a top pick for parents on the go.
It’s designed to conquer multiple terrains with ease, offering a smooth ride that both children and parents can appreciate.
With the ability to carry two toddlers and add a clip-on for an additional child, this stroller grows with your family.
The stroller comes in various configurations, potentially replacing the need for multiple strollers.
You can adapt it from carrying an infant car seat to accommodating two busy toddlers—all in one sturdy frame.
Quiet Time Box
Lifesaving for moments when you need to focus on the baby or simply catch a moment of peace, having a Quiet Time Box is an ingenious solution to keeping your toddler engaged and entertained.
The concept involves creating a personalized box full of silent, toddler-friendly items that encourage independent, creative play.
Critical for the dynamic of ‘2 under 2’, this box is a customizable resource that you can tailor specifically to your older child’s interests, making it a versatile tool in your parenting arsenal.
Here are a few items we have in our quiet time box:
- magnetic tiles
- sensory bottles
- quiet books
- coloring books and crayons
- water books
- lacing cards
- breathing and tracing cards
- snacks
- puzzles
You can put just about anything you want. I like to have two boxes but only give one to my toddler. Then I change out things every once in a while to keep it fresh and exciting for my little one.
This is great when you want to do a fun activity with your 2 month old.
Hands-Free Wearable Breast Pump
Another one of the things needed for second baby is a hands-free breast pump.
I remember trying to pump with a regular pump with my second child, and it was a nightmare. My toddler constantly pulled off the pump and needed me to get up during a session.
When I got a wearable pump, it made all the difference.
For the multitasking mom, a hands-free wearable breast pump is a game-changing investment.
It allows for discreet pumping without being tethered to a traditional pump. This freedom means you can tend to your toddler’s needs, comfort your baby, or simply enjoy some personal time while pumping.
You can read my review of two Momcozy wearable breast pumps that I use and love.
P.S. Check out Aeroflow to see if you qualify to get a FREE wearable breast pump!
Sound Machine
A consistent sleep routine is crucial for young children, and a sound machine can be a vital tool for creating a soothing sleep environment.
A Sound Machine can effortlessly calm and settle your little ones into a restful state. I have one for my toddler and one for my newborn.
Compact and easy to use, this sound machine is also portable, making it an excellent option for on-the-go families who want to maintain naptime consistency during travel. It’s a baby travel essential for sure.
It is hard to keep a house quiet with a toddler, so having a sound machine by your baby when they take naps is so crucial!
Baby Carrier
Mobility and comfort are key when managing two young children, which is why a sturdy, ergonomic baby carrier is a must-have.
This Lillebaby Baby Carrier allows for hands-free movement while providing secure and snug support for your baby.
This carrier offers adjustable settings to accommodate newborns and toddlers alike, ensuring a custom fit that grows with your child.
Designed with a focus on parent comfort as well, this baby carrier features padded shoulder straps and a wide waist belt to distribute your child’s weight evenly, reducing strain on your back and shoulders.
I also have a baby wrap, since some babies prefer one or the other. But, I personally love this baby carrier because it has an added lumbar support to help my back pain.
It’s one of the top baby carriers to help with back pain!
Portable Bassinet
For families with ‘2 under 2’, having a safe and cozy spot for the little baby to rest is crucial, especially when on the move.
A portable bassinet provides a flexible sleeping solution that can be easily transported from room to room, or taken along on trips.
This can help maintain a consistent sleep setting for your infant, which is essential for those early months.
I loved using my portable bassinet for my newborn. I was able to still be with my toddler and provide that one-on-one time, all the while having my newborn right there to comfort and ease back into sleep.
Baby Bouncer
A Baby Bouncer is a safe place for your little one to relax, play, and observe the world around them.
It provides gentle bouncing motion that soothes and entertains your baby, making it an excellent way to keep them happy while you tend to your toddler or other tasks.
I like to get one that can bounce, swing, and do all sorts of motions all in one so I don’t take up extra space in my home.
Having a bouncer or swing was so nice when my back hurt and I needed a break from babywearing all the time.
Plus it helps you get things done around the house too! It even helped me to have the baby in the bouncer in the bathroom while I did my self-care shower routine.
Multiple Diaper Bags
One of my top two under two hacks is to have two separate diaper bags.
Organization is paramount for parents managing ‘2 under 2’, and having multiple diaper bags, one for each child, helped keep my organized and ready to go at all times.
I had easier access to each child’s necessities, and reduced the hassle of digging through a single, cluttered bag.
Each diaper bag can be packed with age-appropriate items, ensuring that you’re never caught unprepared whether you have only one child with you or both.
Freezer Meals
More than likely, you’ve already known to have freezer meals as part of your postpartum plan.
However, I found it way more helpful after having two under two. You are more exhausted and have more on your plate at all times.
Stocking up on freezer meals ensures that nutritious, home-cooked dinners are on hand for those times when cooking is simply out of the question.
This strategy is particularly invaluable during the postpartum period and the adjustment to a larger family.
If you have friends and family around, ask for freezer meals instead of baby clothes!
2 Under 2 Must Haves FAQs
How do I prepare for 2 under 2?
Try to get as many of these essentials as possible to help make the transition more bearable. The best way to prepare is to not have any expectations and just go with the flow. It will be hard, but you can do this!
Is it hard having 2 under 2?
There are hard times and good times with having 2 under 2. The hardest is after giving birth when you are trying to recover and figure out how to handle this new change. But, it does get easier at times and is so much fun!
What are the must haves for baby number 2?
The biggest must haves for second baby were the hands-free breast pump, double stroller, and baby carrier. Those helped make the transition so much easier!
Two Under Two Essentials Wrap-Up
Now you know what to buy for second baby and toddler as you have two close in age.
These 2 under 2 must haves were crucial for my mental health and wellbeing, and truly made all the difference for that pretty brutal transition. I hope they help you too!
