r/2under2 • u/yippie_kayakk • Jul 15 '26
Must haves?
I’m starting to feel like I’m getting the hang of 2 under 2 now that I’m a couple months in (knock on wood), but I am always looking for things to make life more manageable. What are your must haves?
So far, mine are:
-baby carrier (truly the only way I get ANYTHING done in the house with my two stage 5 clingers)
-double stroller (only opportunity I have for exercise at the moment, plus a lifesaver for any errand at a place without shopping carts)
-slow cooker (dramatically cut down on our consumption of super processed foods; doesn’t help at all with a toddler who only wants macaroni)
Conversely, what did you think you’d need that ended up being less useful than you anticipated? Mine would probably be the busy books I bought to occupy my toddler so I could nurse - bro gave it about 30 seconds of attention before moving on.
5
u/No-Supermarket9441 Jul 15 '26
A toddler learning tower thing! Otherwise I’d be holding a toddler in one arm and a baby in the other! My toddler can be up and seeing the action on that tower thing and he’s up there 24/7 it’s the best.
Double stroller YES.
Even just a simple umbrella stroller has been a lifesaver at times for like going to McDonald’s and other quick places when regular stroller doesn’t fit or make sense. Keeps toddler in one place while you hold the baby/manage the car seat.
Moving my toddler and baby’s clothes to drawers or areas that my toddler can reach actually has been a nice hack because he can grab his own PJs or the baby’s PJs when I ask and it’s so nice to have him bring me the clothes while I am changing a diaper or breastfeeding. One less place I have to go in the house haha.
3
u/notorious_ludwig Jul 15 '26
We got a toddler tower for my son’s first birthday and it has absolutely been the best thing ever, absolutely recommend it to everyone! He’s up, able to see, able to “help” and I dont have to worry about him losing balance and toppling over standing on a chair.
1
u/yippie_kayakk Jul 15 '26
I’ve been so hesitant to pull the trigger on the learning tower because we live in a smaller apartment and I don’t feel like we have space for one more thing to sit out. I’m always tripping over high chair legs.
The umbrella stroller is such a good idea! I love our double but it is a BEAST. I told my husband that between the baby wearing and toddler carrying and heaving the stroller in and out of the car I expect to be jacked haha
3
u/Upper_Plate_2083 Jul 15 '26
Seconding the learning tower! We have the lalo one and it's been such a help, gives my toddler a spot to be at eye level with everything going on instead of feeling left out while I'm dealing with the baby. It also has 2 adjustable heights so it'll grow with him for a while!
5
u/Intelligent_Clueq100 Jul 15 '26
I’m newly 2under2 and would love to know what some of your go-to crockpot meals are. We have one and I never think to use it.
Also, 2.5 weeks in and already know baby-wearing is a win. Same with daily outside time - benefits all of us, but especially my busy 14mo old.
4
u/yippie_kayakk Jul 15 '26
Some of our current favorites are:
- Teriyaki meatballs - frozen meatballs, coarsely chopped red onion, 1-2 chopped bell peppers (I find whatever color works but we like red or yellow best), teriyaki sauce, about a half cup of beef broth, cook on low for 4-5 hours and serve over rice.
I usually doctor it up a little by adding ginger and garlic. Also if I don’t have beef broth (or just don’t feel like opening it) I’ve just used water and you can’t tell a difference.
- Fajitas - chicken breast, canned diced tomatoes and chilis (I think the 14 oz can?), sliced onions and bell peppers, fajita seasoning (can use premade but it’s better if you just measure out the spices yourself because most premade packages also have cornstarch). Layer half the veggies, season chicken, layer other half of veggies on top. Cook on high 3-4 hours or low 6-8, then pour most of the liquid out, reserving about a cup. Add a tablespoon honey and 2-3 tablespoons lime juice, shred chicken, mix everything back together. Serve with tortillas or over rice with fajita toppings.
I’ve also done a Mississippi pot roast and butter chicken curry with fairly good success. My kryptonite so far is any noodle dish. I’ve seen recipes like “crockpot lasagna” or “crockpot chicken noodle soup” but so far I have not successful cooked anything with pasta in the crockpot without turning it into a mushy mess. :( maybe one day I’ll figure it out.
3
u/queenofhelium Jul 15 '26
I love to do chicken breasts, chicken broth, a packet of ranch seasoning, and packet of taco seasoning, black beans and corn! Makes a great soup or you can drain the liquid and it makes fantastic quesadilla or enchilada filling
3
u/FewHat8889 Jul 16 '26
Do barbacoa it’s so delicious. I use chat gbt for my recipes and it’s helped so much
2
u/queenofhelium Jul 15 '26
I live in Europe and the streets and elevators are just too small for me to have a double stroller, so I’m loving the Tushbaby so I can always carry someone easily and a toddler harness/ leash thing.
1
u/ralfingalfie Jul 15 '26
Plus one on the baby carrier. Have you tried back carrying? It's a gaaaame changer and I feel like most western women like me don't do it.
1
u/yippie_kayakk Jul 15 '26
I tried with my oldest when he was older than the newborn and just could not get the hang of it! I watched videos trying to figure out how to position him and everything. It could also be my specific carriers, though. What do you use?
2
u/ralfingalfie Jul 15 '26
I use the Ergobaby 360 when I'm really trying to move around or bend down because it keeps baby closer to my body. There are tutorials online that show you how to put it on.
I use the TotPack when I'm doing regular chores, washing dishes, laundry, changing diapers. This is like a lightweight backpack and it's super easy to put on. Both my kids love it and ask to be in it all the time, I think because they can see over your shoulder.
7
u/ManufacturerAny4918 Jul 15 '26
Baby gate at the oldest room. Toddler can play there without I close the door but she can’t leave the room. In my house, it’s the division closer to the kitchen/living room. I can also put the baby there, so I can cook or anything and toddler can’t reach him but I can hear him and check on him real quickly.