Sleep-deprived mothers of two under 3 years

[Lula]

More brilliant tips, everyone - thanks.

I'm going to try the Albrighton Centre, Belle, thanks. And thank you for the reassurance that it will get easier.

My colicky baby is now peacefully sleeping in my arms and toddler is in bed, hopefully asleep, so I'm off to bed too.

[newtoedf]

A lot of that time passed in a haze but what I do remember is it was often easier to get out of the house and stay out! My toddler could entertain herself much more easily at the park or soft play and I felt more relaxed as all I had to worry about was looking after the kids. At times trying to stem the tide of destruction at home was soul-destroying. It took a long for me to get organised enough to get to groups etc - a 1hr session was likely to be over by the time we all got there so great as that can be later on, don't beat yourself up if you can't manage it at first!

[mummya]

I find it really hard to cope - am new to the area and have two children boy two years and baby who does not sleep. It makes me feel a bit better knowing there are others out there. Have only just sat down after being on the go all day and hubby due home any minute wanting his tea and exhausted after a long week! Can only get better

[amydown]

Mummya, you poor thing! May I suggest one thing and ask that your husband does the dinner cooking? That's the least he can do!!!

I also found toddler play dates a god send, especially once my nearly 3yr old dropped his nap. We do play date plus light tea so that toddler has had a good play, suitably worn out and is ready for TV time whilst I get thing sorted for bed and bath.

There are lots of friendly mums in ED so perhaps you could start a thread to get a group of second time mums together. I would have joined but back to work in two weeks' time. (And yes, I'm looking forward to my morning Starbucks and being able to go to the loo without an audience!)

[nikki73]

The first 4 months or so I bathed the baby in the daytime. And not every day. Toddler in front of tv or she would want to join in! And I second out as much as possible. In winter it's trickier because of the dark but we did use the library quite a bit and soft play to tire her out.

[mummya]

thank you amydown - my husband works really hard and is exhausted when he gets home - I have given up work and we need to keep him going but I appreciate the other ideas. Good luck going back to the real world.