(I'm cross posting this on the M14 and 2u2 boards)
So those of you with a newborn and a toddler at home - how are you managing? Because I don't know that I'm doing it very well! DD #1 is 22 months, DD #2 is almost 3 weeks. I am home with both all day, and it seems like the needs of the newborn are so time consuming I have a hard time making enough time and attention for my toddler. She is doing pretty well, some jealousy comes up maybe once or twice a day, but I feel like she is just cooped up in the house with us all day, and the TV is on a lot more than I would like. I am nursing, supplementing and pumping every 2 1/2 hours or so, and that whole process takes about an hour, so then I have 90 minutes before starting it all over again. I tried an outing with both earlier this week and it did not go very well (DD #1 cried almost the whole time, threw one tantrum and ran out to the street while I was locking the car - rookie mistake but I nearly had a heart attack.)
We live far away from most friends and all family. I am thinking about trying to find someone to come in and help a few hours a week, or putting DD #1 in daycare for a few days a week, but DH is worried about the cost. Am I just worrying too much? What are you all doing that works? I'd love to be able to nap during the day, since I am fried from too little sleep, but I know that's the case for everyone so how do you do it? What activities does your older child do while you're feeding the younger one?
TIA for your ideas and input
Re: Nwbrn and Toddler - Your Wisdom?
I find the best thing for my toddler is to be outside as much as possible. We just try to make that happen.
You do not need to be 100% interacting with your newborn. If you have one of those little jungle gyms or a play mat, lay them on there and let them kick or look around or look at the toys for 10-15 minutes or so. During that time while you are in the room with the newborn, you can be with your toddler. Read them a book, play a game, etc. When you are crunched for time it is amazing how much fun your toddler can have in 15 minutes. If they do not nap at the same time, use one of the newborns nap times as times to play with your toddler. This will give you a solid 1-3 hours or however long the newborn naps.
Independent play and having a schedule for your toddler are very important especially when a new baby is involved. Also, taking your LO to a playgroup with toddlers their age can be helpful. You can bring the baby along and can just be in the carrier or stroller with you while your toddler plays.
GL