Which I am surprised about as a lot of people pre warned me that having such a close age gap (of two years) would inevitably cause a lot of jealousy.
Now I'm not kidding myself I know that as they get older there will be lots of arguments about who's toy is who's. But I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
My top tips so far:
-Your newborn baby is going to OK if he's left hungry or tierd for a few minutes while you tend to your toddler.
If Moo was getting frustrated with a toy or asked for a cuddle, I would put Teddy down and give Moo what he needed. And yes there were times they both cried and I'd be picking up one and then the other continually for what felt like hours! But they both knew I was there, and those few minutes were often enough time for me to get what they needed.
-Always try and make your toddler feel important, without realising it your toddler will feel very insecure about your relationship with your baby. Have time when it is just you and your toddler.
For example I potty trained Moo around the same time Teddy was born (he was ready-so I went with it) Moo knew that whenever he needed a wee or poo I would put Teddy down and take him to the toilet.
-Although cosleeping has its own issues, most of the time I have been able to give Moo a cuddle as he goes to sleep.
He might go later to bed or earlier depending on Teddy, but no matter what kind of day we've had I'll always make sure that we have a chat about the day we've had and about the following day. He has all the love and cuddles he needs before he goes to sleep.
-Just because Teddy's a baby doesn't mean he gets privileges.
Even now if he try's to play with one of moo's toys, I'll explain 'No Teddy, Moo was playing with that toy'. Equally if
Moo had left a toy that Teddy wants then Moo has to share.
-I try where I can to treat them the same and make everything the same, so I don't have to make a choice.
For example I had a Phil and Ted's pram, therefore having to let Moo choose wether he sits underneath or on top. I imagined this could cause so many disagreements later on. So I bought a side by side pram. They both love it! They have the same dummy's and the same comforter.
I hope these help you, it's such a struggle being a parent and sharing yourself. Especially on days where you feel you have nothing left. But watching them playing, cuddling, giggling together makes all my crappy days worth it!
