From One to Two: Aliza's Top Tips for Adjusting to Life with Two Kids

Aliza here, owner of Franjos Kitchen. We recently welcomed our second little love (Huxley) into the world. Anyone going from 1 to 2 kids knows there are challenges, but goodness has it also been beautiful. I wanted to share some tips that have really helped us thus far for any other mamas welcoming another baby into the family with a toddler. 

Here are my top tips for making the leap to two kids:

Feed in the chaos 
Life with a newborn means a lot of time feeding. I’ve found that having a nursing chair right in the middle of our living space (not aesthetic but very practical), allows me to stay involved with Zadie, even while feeding. 

1:1 Time Matters
Amid the chaos, I try to carve out small moments of dedicated time. Whether it’s a quick story, a walk, or a special snack together, she knows she’s still my priority too.

Set Boundaries Early
At 38 weeks, we transitioned bedtime duties to Stuart. Zadie got used to her dad putting her to bed and soothing her in the night if she woke. Setting these boundaries ahead of time made the post-baby adjustment much easier.

Say “Yes” to Helpfulness
Toddlers love to be involved, and Zadie has embraced her role as a big sister incredibly. She knows certain jobs are "hers" and she takes them very seriously. She fetches Huxley’s dummy, helps with nappies, tells him stories if he's crying and even tries to burp him. Giving her these “jobs” has made her feel important and connected to her brother. 

Choose Your Words Carefully
We’ve tried to avoid “no” or “don’t do that” when possible. It's so easy to do when everything feels dangerous with a somewhat clumsy toddler and a small baby, but I know she's desperate to be involved. Where possible we try and redirect her efforts instead. 

Create Routines of Love
We repeat simple, bonding phrases daily, like, “Wow, Hux is so lucky to have such a brave and kind big sister.” When Zadie wakes up, we say, “Hux missed you last night; he’s so happy to see you again.” These small rituals have helped build a beautiful bond between them and she now repeats them all day back to him constantly adding "my little darling" to every sentence (bless her.)

Make Bath Time Fun Together
When possible, we bathe Zadie and Huxley together. Zadie knows her job is to "wash his smelly feet." It’s become a fun and bonding nightly ritual.

A Nourishing Ritual
When I breastfeed, Zadie and I share a Franjos Kitchen lactation cookie and “cheers” to something yummy and nourishing. Her favorite is Raspberry & White Choc, while mine is Triple Choc. I know I am supporting my milk supply, whilst she is getting a delicious cookie filled with beautiful ingredients! 

Transitioning from one to two kids is no small feat—it’s messy, chaotic, and some days I feel so overstimulated I want to run away (can I admit that?!) Other days, my heart feels like it could burst from all the love in our little family. Parenthoods wild and thats they beauty of it. 

If you’re navigating this journey too, know that you’re not alone—and that even on the tough days, you’re doing an incredible job. 
Aliza x