TIPS FOR MOMMIES WITH MULTIPLE CHILDREN
...As for equipment; I didn't use a double stroller, since my 3 kids are all 2 1/3 years apart from each other. I did borrow a double for trips to the beach for long walks on the board walk, otherwise my older child was willing and able to walk. (Remember Aleksey was walking at 7 months, still amazes me). So, with Peyton, she would walk. And he was such a large baby, 10 pounds to start, that a sling didn't work so well...so strollers everywhere. I did purchase a baby wrap for Willem. I used is OFTEN, shopping, outings, and even around the house to do errands. He slept well, and I could nurse him to sleep and get up and do things without disturbing him.
Now also remember, I had some odd sleeping arrangements and schedules for my kids. (Some of my desire to sleep with the kids was from guilty feelings of me having to return to work.) From Leks, the co-sleeper to toddler bed, and Peyton somewhere inbetween, to Willem who was in the crib always at day one, and never would sleep anywhere else. I fully support studies about the developing good sleeping habits, but there is not only one way. And, all three of my kids were in their own bed at age 2, with NO issues sleeping through the night ever. And, they go down to sleep easily, just a book or two and lights out.
None of my kids were really jealous either, they were a bit older and could understand what was happening, and were very excited. With Willem I did create a paper chain for the count down of days 'til baby. They took turns tearing off pieces, weeks, months, is a very long time for a toddler to have concept of. I took pictures of the chain at start, and the last two chains. Ours was pink and blue, since the baby's sex was left a surprise. I started the chain at 100 days, and boy did that give me a visual of the obstacle I was up against, but the kids loved it.
Also, I was really blessed with family being close. When we went to the hospital, grandparents stayed with kids. They thought this was wonderful, and made small visits to us and the baby. (Again, I was in the hospital for 4 days for each kid). And, when I was recovering from surgery, I had daddy or a parent with me at all times for about three weeks. I could not move around much or lift much, including tending to a toddler and potty needs. Speaking of, with mine being older, I only had one in diapers. You will have your challenges, as the thought of managing double the diapers could be overwhelming. However, looking back, it was tough to tend to an infant in the store and such, and a kid hollering he has to pee or I just pee'd. I have left too many store to count, with a cart full of items. Oh, well. yeah, don't take tired kids to a store, then what do you expect.
Napping is never quite the same again either. My toddler always took one afternoon nap lasting two hours, so I always enjoyed sitting in bed, nursing a baby (timed that feeding well), and reading a toddler to sleep. Sometimes, baby and I napped there too.
Just thought of this too, by the time Peyton was born, Leks could buckle her own 5 point harness car seat....lol.....girls are SOOO mature and helpful, then when will was born, Leks would buckle Peyton and herself.....now she buckles Willem. With Willem, she was my diaper fetcher, remote finder, telephone receiver, and baby entertainer for short bathroom trips. I love her soooo much.
Oh, yeah....it will never be quiet again...well maybe that is exaggerating, but being quiet while baby naps is not really practical. It is fun too, but hard at times. I do have to admit, I love the third with all my heart, but the third kid was really difficult. He was a good baby, some medical (reflux) issues, but good. AND he still stretched me to my limit. I turned 30 during his pregnancy, so that was different, and two kids at home too was a lot. Then returning to work, during hard times at work really stressed me. I also waited too long (ego), to ask for help and realize I was struggling with post-partum depression. Oh, and he ruptured my uterus during delivery....little devil. I do think once you have three, then four is not much more, but I didn't have to make that choice. I love having three kids and miss having more, but know it is very difficult sometimes.
So, every situation is different depending on the support system, kids ages, boys or girls, etc. But, your kids will take cues from you, always...I've learned that in embaressing ways. Like funny wine drinking pictures drawn at school and a kids repeating to a sibling, "be quiet...you are driving me CRAZY. I can't take it anymore....OMG."