Kim, I have 19 months between my boys. I find this a good age gap for us - it keeps me very busy but Jack was a little bit independent so just old enough, but not too old to be jealous IYKWIM.

We also have the Phil & Teds E3 although Tom doesn't go in it often, mostly he is in the sling and Jack in the pram. Jack can walk quite a distance but I prefer him in the pram when at shopping centres etc, as it is hard keeping him safe and looking after Tom too. You have to remember that sometimes you will have to feed the baby or go to the toilet so you have to make sure you can keep both kids safe at these times.

We put Jack in a bed with a guard rail and that worked well for us, but then Jack has always been a great sleeper anyway. I know of others who have tried a bed with an older child than Jack and had problems. I would think that below 15 months would most likely be too young for a bed, but it does depend on the child.

We also bought the maxi rider for Jack and put Tom in the convertible seat that Jack had been in. You shouldn't need two convertible seats as your oldest should be ok in a forward facing seat by then, depends on weight really.

I agree that coping with a toddler while being pg is VERY difficult. Especially with tiredness and ms. I think Jack was old enough that he could entertain himself for periods while I was unwell, but it is still difficult. THe first weeks with a baby and toddler were also very difficult. We still have our moments but I wouldn't change a thing! Do bear in mind though that at 11months your oldest might not be walking yet, or only just. Jack was walking really well by the time Tom arrived and this is a huge help. Carrying two at once is very hard work!

Good luck. I love having the boys close in age. But I'm not sure I would have coped with a gap of less than one year!!