At this time of year, illness abounds. If it’s not a snotty toddler, it’s a barfing baby. And if you’re feeling pretty grotty too, it’s a recipe for disaster.

Having two under two is probably hardest when illness strikes.

Way back when…

When we welcomed our first baby, it didn’t really matter if we got sick. It sucked, of course. But we could all just climb into bed and suffer together within a few square feet. But if you have a baby AND a toddler to look after, it’s not so easy.

Either your toddler is fit and well and so wants to lark about (which you just don’t have the energy for) or they’re ill too but much more vocal about it. “Snotty nose” “I wod sum medishin” “Mummy cuggle”.

Tips

Here are some tips for getting through this bug-rich season and coming out the other side with your sanity (relatively) intact:

• WASH YOUR HANDS! Seriously, get OCD about it and scrub away. Dirty hands spread bugs like nobody’s business so keep them clean and you should all get well sooner. It’s good practice in general, too.
• Use the telly/your computer. It doesn’t make you a bad parent, so forget all that nonsense. Some cartoons, silly videos of cats falling into the bath etc. Laughter is the best medicine!
• You’re probably confined to the house, so research indoor play activities online. This is a great website for innovative learning games and entertainment – if you have the energy!
• Sterilise – it may be some months since you’ve sterilised your toddler’s stuff but revert back to it for the time being. Bottles, cups, dummies, spoons. Whatever goes near their mouths, chuck it in a big bowl of sterile water (get some dissolvable tablets, two or three can make a heck of a lot)
• Wrap up and get out – providing you’re not all projectile vomiting, a bit of fresh air might work wonders. You probably shouldn’t go to groups/shops/cafes etc. unless you want to infect the locals, but you can wrap up warm and push the double buggy around, even just for ten minutes or so.
• Keep those fluids up – ice pops, juice, milk – whatever they’ll drink, get it down them.
• Turn your sofa into one big bed. Grab duvets, pillows and soft toys to make a plushy den on the sofa where you can all hang out. You can prop your baby up with some toys and pop something on for your toddler to watch – or play some music/put the radio on.
• Got a play doctor’s kit? Order one on super-fast delivery if not! Toddlers love playing doctor and using the play equipment to tend to siblings.
• Do you have an iPhone or tablet? Surf for free kids’ applications. There are literally hundreds of touch-screen games and activities that your toddler will love. And some that will interest your baby too.

Any tips to add?

I’ve uploaded the final manuscript and Two under Two is now availabe to buy on Amazon.

Click on the image or here to get your copy. And I’d be extremely grateful if you could leave a review for potential readers.