​There is no right time to have a second baby. Some experts recommend a 2-4 year age gap between siblings. Sometimes life catches you by surprise and the gap is smaller than you had planned! I have a set of daughters who are less than 2 years apart. Having two babies at once presented many challenges. I remember trying to take two babies to use porta-potties. It’s too traumatizing to remember the details but I do know that most of the urine landed on my shoes, and one child got scared and ran out without pulling her pants up. While two babies presented many challenges, there were many positive experiences. Watching the bond between the two sisters while they tandem nursed was special. They often held hands while nursing and were extremely close. Each of my children have their own bed, but the two closest siblings preferred to share a bed and snuggle with each other every night. They enjoyed dressing alike and got a kick out of strangers asking if they were twins. Yes, having two babies is challenging, but the tender moments make it worth it. It is my hope that my girls remain close and grow up to be best friends. 

I'm starting to hear the first complaints of sore throats this season. I thought I would share some tips for getting through cold/flu season with kids.
For infants with stuffy noses, I find sitting in the bathroom with the doors closed and a hot, steamy shower running works wonders. You can nurse your baby, read a story, offer a bottle, or sit quietly and listen to the water run.
For kids over 1, I use Aviva Romm's recipe for garlic lemonade. It's is an effective tool for sore throats, ear issues, and general cold/flu symptoms. You pour one quart of boiling water over 2 cloves of minced garlic and let steep for 30 minutes. Then strain out the garlic and add the juice of 1 lemon. Serve warm with local honey for sweetness. For kids between 6-12 months, maple syrup can be substituted for honey.
Speaking of garlic, I love to use a blend of garlic, labelia and mullein oils. A few drops in each ear usually keeps ear infections at bay.
For adults, my go-to treatment when I feel like I may be coming down with something is a recipe from one of my favorite books, Herbal Antibiotics. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2tsp of sage or oregano. Steep for 10 minutes. Strain out herbs and the add the juice of 1 lemon, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and 1T honey. Sage and oregano may reduce your milk supply if you're lactating. This tea is not recommended if you're breastfeeding. Instead you can add lemon, cayenne, and honey to your favorite tea and enjoy! 
Finally, I love to give my my family 1/2 tsp of elderberry syrup each morning during cold/flu season to help strengthen our immune systems during the fall/winter months.
As always... practice good hand washing!

*This is shared for informational purposes. It is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider.