The 17 Very Real Struggles of Having a Second Child

Published on 5/24/2016 at 5:01 PM

Many moms and dads realize that just because they've successfully survived one baby doesn't necessarily make them parenting pros. But when these couples find out that they're expecting again, they also don't always realize that things are going to go down very differently this time around. Sure, it's easy to claim that you understand that you'll be sleeping less and doing more, but until you've endured potty training a threenanger while trying to get a colicky newborn to nurse, you have no idea what you're really in for. Plus, having a baby changes you and you're a completely different person the second time around, if not just because you can't focus every second on your newborn. From dealing with double (even if it feels like quadruple) the bodily functions to officially losing control of the laundry situation, these are the 17 struggles you experience when you go from one baby to two.

One has the power to set the other one off . . . at all times.

Double the input can feel like quadruple the output.

Your limbs officially no longer belong to you.

Your type-A personality and love of plans or organization is challenged at an entirely new level.

Your home feels completely inundated with stuff — and you have no idea where it all came from.

It becomes impossible for nap times to happen where and when they are supposed to.

You realize that the old phrase "you need eyes on the back of your head" legitimately isn't a joke.

There are now two little mouths to express displeasure over what you've prepared for dinner.

The laundry situation seems to triple with each little addition.

Your joy will be met with guilt and anxiety — at all times.

You learn that the only thing worse than the terrible twos is a jealous toddler.

You might have to buy doubles of the really expensive items.

There's now yet another person with opinions on what you should be doing with the baby.

Your schedule becomes just trying to manage everyone else's routines.

You learn how much more damage 20 sticky fingers can do than just a measly 10.

Just because you finally got one to sleep doesn't mean you're going to catch a break with the other.

Just when your nipple is starting to feel normal again, it has to get used to things all over again.

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