Raising Two Under Two: The Fun, The Adventure, and The Challenges

Nosey Toesie
Oct 7, 2025
3 min read

There’s something incredibly special about having two little ones so close in age. Raising “two under two” comes with many different moments; chaos, joy, overwhelm, fun, inspiring, magical and mostly unforgettable ones. While it’s often described as one of the most challenging seasons of parenthood, it’s also one of the most heart-warming.

Don't get me wrong when I first had my newborn baby and my 18month old, I quickly began to experience moments of overwhelm back to back, I immediately started to doubt my parenting abilities. I cried many times, and told my husband I didn't think I was capable of looking after both. My heart was being pulled in two directions now and I couldn't figure out how to "do it all". Thankfully I had a wonderful village around me, and a midwife that reminded me of the massive hormonal shifts a women experiences after giving birth plus all the breastfeeding hormones. I lent on supports more than I felt comfortable to but I knew this would help me cope with the day to day needs and tasks of navigating being a mum to two. So here is just a small glimpse of life with two under two.

The Fun Moments

When you have two under two, laughter soon becomes the soundtrack of your home. Toddlers have a way of finding joy in the simplest things - like chasing bubbles, hiding behind curtains or now to chasing each other around the living room. The sweetest part is watching your babies form an early bond. Although at the start it was a huge adjustment for my oldest and don't get me wrong there is still plenty of moments of this, but it is getting easier. My older boy is now bringing my younger one toys, giving him a cuddle if he sees he is upset, chasing one another around the tramp, or trying to make him laugh by doing something he knows he shouldn't. It's these sibling moments that often remind me why the hard days are all worth it.

The Adventure

Life is never dull with the two of them. Outings take on a whole new level of organisation and time - you quickly learn how to juggle nappy bags, snacks, strollers, and front pack nap times. Spontaneous adventures do feel harder to plan, but the special moments are in the little things: a walk to see the farm goats, exploring what's growing in the garden, or watching the two moneky's discover the world side by side. These shared experiences can feel so magical, even if they’re messy and a bit chaotic.

The Challenges

Of course, raising two under two is not without its struggles. Dividing time, especially when they were younger was hard . Balancing the needs of both while managing my toddlers emotions can feel overwhelming and triggering. Some days, I feel pulled in many directions at once. Household tasks pile up, routines fall apart, toys are everywhere, and the noise level can feel non-stop. But it’s important to remember - we are not alone in this. These challenges are shared by many parents walking a similar path.

What Helps

Here are just some of the things that have helped me to feel a bit more in control of parenting two under two.

Routine (but with flexibility): Having a rhythm to our day helps everyone feel more grounded and secure.
Accepting help: Allowing family and friends to help out. It lightens the load and provides for a bit more breathing space.
Small joys: Celebrating the little wins. Both fed, changed and dressed for the day ahead, a successful trip to playgroup, hearing the words "i love you mum" after a meltdown, and more days than not just simply making it through the day.
Sharing love: Letting them know I love them several times a day, giving them plenty of cuddles and seeing both boys adore one another.
Self-kindness: Reminding myself I'm doing the best I can and that is enough.

The Heart of It All

Yes, it’s exhausting, and yes, there are tears (from both me and the kids), but having two under two also means our days are overflowing with milestones, laughter, cuddles, and double the love. It’s a season that tests you, grows you, and fills your heart in ways you never imagined.

So, if you’re in the thick of it right now - take some deep breaths, hold on tighter to those joyful moments, and know that the tough days won't last forever. The bond your little ones are building is for a lifetime, and it is so heartwarming when you get to see this.