How to Survive 2 Under 2

If you’ve found yourself navigating life with two under two, you already know - it’s a beautiful, chaotic, sleep-deprived whirlwind. From double nappies and back-to-back feeds to juggling nap schedules (that never quite align), this season of motherhood can feel like you’re deep in the trenches. And while it’s filled with moments you’ll cherish forever, it’s also completely normal to feel overwhelmed.

At Chekoh, we’re right there with you. Our community is made up of thousands of mums who have been exactly where you are - whether they’re just starting their 2 under 2 journey, right in the thick of it, or looking back with a “you’ll get through this” kind of wisdom. So, we asked them to share their real-life tips for surviving two under two. The honest, unfiltered advice that helped them make it through those early days.

Think of this as your go-to guide for practical tips, emotional reassurance, and tried-and-true survival strategies for 2 under 2 - straight from the mums who truly get it.

Community Advice for Surviving 2 Under 2

#1 piece of advice: Lower your standards & expectations for the season. Then lower them some more!!

• Get out for walks as much as possible. Wear baby in the carrier and push the older one in the pram, get a double pram when baby gets a bit heavier, or go for very slow wandering walks and follow your toddler around with baby in the carrier. Getting out and being in nature cures the chaos for a moment!
• Try to align at least one of your childrens' naps in the day so they are both napping at the same time and you can have a moment to yourself! This was a true life saver!
• Instead of trying to entertain your toddler all the time, shift to simply including them in everything you do. Let them "help" with dishes, laundry, vacuuming, tidying, nappy changes, etc.... It's slower but worth it!
• Create special bins or activities that only come out when you need to feed the baby or put them down for a nap and need the older one to play on their own for a bit. Simple things on Pinterest that use items around the house work or collect some little secondhand toys cheaply.

Paige

Baby wearing was obviously the biggest lifesaver but apart from that, the best thing for us was teaching my son to play independently before his sister was born. We also had a play pen that baby could hang out in when I needed to get things done, so I knew she would be safe from her crazy brother.

Lianna

I had 3 under 3 and I think you have to make a plan and get out of the house every day! Pack a bag and snacks the night before and go for a walk and to a park, let the bigger ones run around whilst the baby sleeps. 

Tori

Don’t stress about the state of the house. The mess will always be there to clean. Enjoy the kids, go out, hang out with them, they are only little once and they grow up so quickly. No matter the attitude, stress or tantrums they cause they are only this age once. The bond the two will share as they grow older melts your heart. Use that swing, take the carrier, buy the pram you want.

Naomi

Parenting is easier outside of the house - 100%. Give your oldest jobs to do to distract them, like holding the fresh nappy or taking the nappy to the bin.

Tia

The only thing that’s getting me through is literally my carriers 24/7, all day, every day.

Maddison

If they’re unsettled, take them outside or put them in water (bath, shower, pool).

Bulk cook 2-3 meals for the week to have on rotation for dinners.

Wash EVERY DAY no matter how small, washing piles up quick so chuck a small load on first thing or last thing every day.

Use your carrier where you can, when you can. We used ours from day 2 to daily now… we put baby or toddler in it depending who needs it most!

Rachel

Get them napping at the same time.

Monique

14 month age gap! Carrier saved my life. Get a coffee machine and robo vac! Need the caffeine and something else to do the floors. We all eat the same food all week!! No fuss or mucking around. Shower all together so I don’t have to do the dreaded bath time. Load of washing every morning. 

Jayme

A baby carrier and witching hour walks!

Krystal - Chekoh Founder & Mum of 3

19 month age gap and honestly my survival tip was my Chekoh carrier!

I would make sure one of the first things I did in the morning was get dressed so I could put baby in my carrier over my clothes for the day and then could get myself ready and toddler ready to head out for the day. Just make sure you get dressed first, don’t want to have a sleeping baby in a carrier over your pyjamas when you have to do the daycare run 

Also I learnt not to stress over the nap schedule, just need to roll with it. Definitely became a more relaxed mum with baby no. 2 and it brought so much beauty to motherhood learning to let go.

Anna 

Honestly my wrap carrier was the cheat code to 2 under 2!

But around the house trying to keep everyone happy is the goal and sometimes that means the TV has to stay on a little longer or some extra snacks in the highchair to keep the toddler entertained. I also found trying to feed my baby at the same time as my toddler especially at dinner time worked really well for a few reasons. It taught my daughter what she was doing was eating and she was hungry too and that when my toddler was finished and ready for a bath my newborn was fed and would be happy to be resting independently while I could do bath and bed time with my older daughter. 

Ashleigh

I am in the pits of it right now hahaha although a carrier is by far the most used item.

Renee

And while no two journeys look the same, there’s something incredibly comforting about knowing you’re part of a community that truly understands. Whether it’s finding little ways to make your day-to-day feel easier, leaning into tools that give you a free set of hands (like a baby carrier!), or simply hearing “me too” from another mum - those small moments can make all the difference. We’re here to support you through it all.

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