I'd try a high chair or travel high chair and let the older one color or "paint" with water on the tray, or have a couple books or small toys available. Baby can be contained in a number of containers, depending on what you have that fits in your space. You could also bring the toddler in the shower with you - that just takes a little extra work to dry them off afterwards, but it's doable. My kids have been showering since they were standing, essentially, because we do not have a bathtub in our house.
We were fortunate, when my first 2 were little, to have a weird bathroom-laundry room-closet room combination where I could put the baby in a bassinet or Moses basket and the bigger one could play with toys I kept in there. Then I had #3 in 3 years and I've been showering at night, after they go to sleep, ever since. Now with #4 almost here, and a different house with a normal bathroom, I will just keep on showering at night probably until I can trust them .
Something like this but we didn't put up the side rail for that reason https://www.amazon.com/Pemberly-Row-Modern-Toddler-Natural/dp/B09WJ24C92/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?crid=I49RO6TA8QWM&keywords=toddler+floor+bed&qid=1670092533&sprefix=toddler+fl%2Caps%2C194&sr=8-10&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-43...
This is the play kitchen we have, and I absolutely love it. Our 16 month old really loves it, too, and it makes some noise depending on the pot or pan used so it sounds like it’s actually cooking. It also comes with some extra utensils!
My daughter was 22 months when my second was born, and she didn't really understand what was going on, but some of the "prep" (if you can call it that) we did was helpful! We got her baby dolls and used them to talk about being gentle with babies, nursing babies, etc. We also got her these two books: My New Baby and Look at Me!, which she loved. She also loves looking at videos and pictures of herself as a baby, and likes watching videos of other babies too. I told her there was a baby in my tummy but she didn't really understand. When we brought our new baby home, though, she was SO excited there was a real baby. She loves pretending to nurse her dolls, loves putting her dolls and baby brother's car seat, and loves to give baby brother kisses. So I think it was helpful that we talked a lot about babies before he arrived, even if she didn't know a real baby was actually coming!
UK based here. We used Calpol vapor plugs when ours was bunged up. Felt it made a huge difference.
Mini playpen! I bring the mattress inside between uses. I leave the main part outside, under cover (on porch) if possible... otherwise it will get grimy fast. https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-On-The-Go-Baby-Dome-White/dp/B01K7VHHBG/
We had a front-back stroller my MIL got as a hand me down. Its so bulky and took up our whole car.
I got this double wide and LOVE it. It's light and has baskets under each seat. It folds up small enough that it can fit under the carseats. The wheels can also come off for better fits.
Dream On Me Volgo Twin Umbrella Stroller in Blue and Dark Grey https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B078T49V4T/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_VMK0XNH07VQZ57H0YHSX
We got a shelf/tray that attaches to our hitch. It came with a big bag I can put the double stroller and 2 pack and plays in there with room to spare.
Mockins 60" X 20" X 6" Folding Cargo Carrier Hitch Mount | 500 lb Capacity Hitch Rack with Waterproof Cargo Carrier Bag | Steel Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier | Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Cargo Trailer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077GH5RHP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NS2TW7JY3H50T6M5G2EN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I’m in the U.K. so don’t know how easy it is to get elsewhere
I plan to get one of those zip up tent things if we have a problem with throwing things in the crib!
I use an mz Wallace quilted backpack and it’s pretty small. My biggest recommendation is pouches. Each kid has a pouch with 4 diapers, pack of wipes, hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes, Jammies or onesie as change of clothes, bib, epipen for toddler. Then I have sandwich sized stasher bags with toys for each (crayons and memo pad, a few magna tiles and matchbox car for toddler; tiny crinkly books for baby and teether ring). I also have a small pouch for me with chapstick, tide pen, concealer. I throw in a Muslin blanket at go-time which serves as a changing pad, nursing cover, blanket for the car seat.
The types of pouches are key. Mine are pretty flat so they pack easily. I’m obsessed with them and use for everything.
Mifflin Mesh Zipper Pouch Document Bag (Black, A4 Letter Size, 18 Bulk Pack), Clear Travel Zipper Bags, Waterproof Plastic Pouches, Large (L) Zip Pouch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VPVNRDR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_MH88ENF48DGY8RGWX0MK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
A safe, elevated place to put baby. When we got home from the hospital, we quickly realized the places we used to set our first down was not going to work with a rambunctious toddler. We decided on this Graco mini pack n play that can we wheeled around the house. The removable bassinet was key!
We have this. If you buy the 4 extra panels (we did) it nicely fits around a 5x7 rug (we got a thick foam pad meant for this type of thing). We got it when we only had 1 baby but it was the strat of covid and we pulled her from daycare. So it helped a lot in letting us work while we sat next to the play pen but didn't have her crawling directly on us.
It has a door you can open and close so no having to pick them up to let them in/out. And it's a parge play area.
But I will be honest. We didnt use it much when number 2 was born. (I also had c sections for both births.) My first was back in daycare by then so I wasn't on my own for full days though.
Mostly the toddler remained free range in most rooms amd the new baby spent most of her time in the bassinet attachment for the stroller. Then when new baby was a bit older, rotating through what I called the "stations" are the bouncer, the swing, the floormat, the playpen, etc.)
Now that new baby is fully crawling, she is just as free range as thr older one.
We have this fixed in one room : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0811J2NM5/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_YT30PCPZSJ2P8C4SKAEQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
And a California beach co pop up tent that is super easy to move around inside and outside.
You can start big kid in those and baby in pnp, then when baby outgrows pnp you can move toddler to be more free range and youngest in the pop up tent and playyard.
Ours have a 16 month age gap.
We have a playroom totally baby/toddler proof only accessible by gate with 3 different cameras mounted on the walls so we can watch him. He’s great at independent play so I can easily get chores done or cook if needed.
We also have a large playpen upstairs:
What about something like this?
Door lever lock. Improved Childproof Door Lever Lock (2 Pack) Prevents Toddlers From Opening Doors. Easy One Hand Operation for Adults. Durable ABS with 3M Adhesive Backing. Simple Install, No Tools Needed (White, 2) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RVGYRL6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_KXM1C6ZTC8JFKQ3Y5NJN
Hi! Congrats! We have the same age spread. I do a ton of baby wearing and did in the beginning (youngest is 4 months now). I was able to feed my daughter in the carrier which really helps especially when they are eating all the time. If you have a pack n play that’s a good alternative to baby wearing. We have the bouncer and we definitely have to keep an eye out since my son likes to aggressively bounce. One easy toy my son likes is the coloring board that uses the water pens. No mess and helps him use his creativity. this one
My oldest turning 2 this month loves the big legos (Mega Blocks) AND my little one 10m loves them too! As soon as youngest started sitting she started holding and looking at them. Also the VTech Doggie Carrier and a Shape Sorter are big hits for both. Above all they both love play food….I keep it put up and bring it out when I’m at the end of my rope. It’s horrible picking these all up - even with the “Clean Up” song - but they love them! The ones we have are (I put the pretend knife away just in case because I didn’t want youngest putting it in her mouth and potentially falling forward): 70 PCS Cutting Play Food Toy for Kids Kitchen, Pretend Fruit &Vegetables Accessories with Shopping Storage Basket, Plastic Mini Dishes and Knife, Educational Toy for Toddler Children Birthday Gift https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0895WBTN8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_MZZZ8TP9QN9R27BP6VKM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
All of our gates are like this, though not that exact one. It would give you the option of closing it when you need to, and leaving it open the rest of the time.
Ours are 20 months apart. For our first we actually used the booster with a tray seat linked below from 6 months (when she stared solids) to about 12 or 13 months. Then we bought an ikea highchair. So we plan to do the same with this one. So i have about 10 or 11 months before I have to move the first out of the highchair. By then she will be almost 3 so likely ready for a booster anyway.
The other option is just purchasing another highchair like the ikea one. It is $20 so not terrible compared to many others. Frankly i have thought about just buying another one anyway in case we want to make the move to a highchair sooner with the second one.
what about one of those gigantic playpens? or super baby proof his room and then put a baby gate on it. If he's never had screen time he's probably pretty good at entertaining himself? or is it the exact opposite? I can't babywear either because I have a back injury so I feel you. My kids will be 16mths apart. I'm hoping I can wrangle my toddler in a play pen and set her up with some sort of sensory activity she can do unsupervised.
I'm so sorry! I hope he feels better! I instantly thought of this...what kid wouldn't love to draw or learn to play tic tac toe.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07THCY3KB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_QXP80P2MREB6GRB424VW
Does he like activity or coloring books?
I don't know how you feel about screen time but maybe a tablet of some sort?
I hope this helps!
I'm in the middle of potty training my 2 year old. We're using the book oh crap potty training as a guide. My infant is almost 9 months, but the biggest thing I would recommend is getting one of the potty chairs with attached steps so they can take themselves. We got something similar to this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PBVLVWF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_a-jYFbMGPBKCC
We tried both the seat attachment and having the little potty, but our toddler has gotten pretty independent and the ladder is way more convenient if you're holding baby/can't lift.
The rest of the recommendations I'd have are just with my experience using the method in the oh crap book which I've been really loving so far. It made potty training less intimidating and felt more natural.
It's basically potty training in stages:
Let your kid run around naked at home to get used to when they need to potty.
Go commando
Introduce underwear
We're only on stage 2, but she's already to the point of just going herself mostly at home. I still have to help with hand washing and stuff but it's not bad. The first stage is probably the most stressful because you have to pay close attention to the toddler, but it only lasts 1-3 days. My partner and I pretty much just kind of took a child each, switching when necessary. The first few days, that was a lifesaver.
I have a convertible one that I love! I like to do the shoulder style when it’s just the baby and me for easy access but the backpack way is better when I need to chase the toddler around. I got mine on sale for $30 but here’s the same one on amazon.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07QYXHYWR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UtbmFb3KYSG2J
Same split I have with my two. The oldest was March 2018 and the youngest September 2019.
It has been challenging and rewarding in so many ways. As the other poster said, always have a safe place for the infant. The older child (as was my case) may be super sweet and helpful one minute, and a pissed off jerk demon I wanted to shove back up in me the next. He has been super bitey recently. That has been fun... but I digress. I love the versatility of this one very much. Just look for it on the amazon in your country. That is a link to the Canadian amazon.
When he was in a swing or a bassinet I would make it into a big cage and put the baby inside. As they got older, I use it unfurled and bolted to the wall to separate rooms.
My biggest challenge has been if I am alone with both of them and the youngest needs to breast feed. I am rather pinned and the toddler can be a little assface getting into things, or trying to slap or bite his brother cuse he wants mommy. My significant other has been home due to Canada’s generous paternity leave, followed by covid, and can give the toddler what he needs. I have pretty much zip time to pump This time around and my kid gets way more formula than I would like. Such is life!
Late pregnancy was hard. I hired a baby sitter many days to come watch the toddler so I could just nap. Grant yourself leeway and grace. This is hard, but so effing amazing.