Dr. Shoshanna Bennett, a psychologist specializing in pregnancy and postpartum issues and author of Beyond the Blues: A Guide to Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression (Mood Swings Press, 2003) offers these tips for daily survival with two or more youngsters in the house:

• Always have a backpack or sling to carry a child.
• Pack easy, nutritious snacks. Snacks high in sugar and low in protein will produce whiny children.
• Color-code children's clothes, as their sizes may be similar.
• Tape a list of what is needed in the baby bag on the bag and check it before leaving the house.
• As soon as possible, let the older child be the helper for the younger one.
• Don't be afraid to solicit help. It can be great for everyone.
• For long car trips, have new toys the children have never seen.
• Start good habits early, such as putting toys and shoes away, cleaning the table after eating, etc.
• No matter how tired you are or where you are, be consistent with discipline. Only say what you mean, then follow through.
• Organize the night before and always pack more than you think you will need.