Getting Nervous About Juggling 2 Under 2

amoss1

I recently started staying home full time with my 15 month-old. So far, things have been great with the obvious challenges that come with being a SAHM. Now that I'm getting farther along in my pregnancy with baby #2, it is getting harder to chase the toddler around. I'm just wondering from those of you with experience, how in the world you keep a toddler entertained and engaged while juggling the end of pregnancy exhaustion and then a newborn? I know millions have done it, just need some practical advice! Thanks!

BeebopandBuddy

I have to be honest, my 18-month old has been watching much more tv than I would like.  I am trying to teach her some independent play, which I think will be helpful when DS arrives and I also just lack the energy to chase her and the physical ability to sit on the floor and play with her the way I used to.  I do the best that I can and try to do better on days when I feel able to make up for days when I don't.  I know that once the baby is here it will only be harder, but I am hopeful that he will be a better sleeper than she was and that I will be able to devote some one-on-one time to her when he is napping and I am more physically able in the coming weeks.  I think you just do the best you can and give yourself a break.

Danaz1

unfortunatley the tv has been used more often then normal.  Its the only way I can keep her still when I am feeding.  The first few months the baby sleeps alot too so take advantage of those times to do things with your older child. 

MammaBear81

hocus:

Honestly -- being pregnant with a toddler was far harder than having 2 kids and having a mom who can't do everything for you just helps a toddler prepare for life after a new baby when mom has to weight the needs of more than one person.

Overall I'd shoot of doing your most challenging thing when you feel you have the most energy. I'd also look at where you spend a lot of time. How can you make it toddler proof and engaging. There is nothing wrong with resting on the couch while you toddler plays independently for a little while as long as the area is safe.

All of this!

LollyBug18

I have no idea what throwing in a newborn will be like yet but there is definitely a reason my living room is baby-proofed - so I am able to take some time to prop my feet up and not have to jump up every 10 seconds to get DD out of trouble. I don't worry about messes until the end of the day so I'm not spending valuable energy cleaning something up every half hour. Plus the different piles of toys make for more distraction and entertainment for DD. And don't feel like you have to be actively teaching your LO something all day long. They learn a lot just by discovering things on their own right now. A few times a day I'll get down on the floor, sometimes all the way down on the floor if I'm extra tired, lol, and really focus on the shape sorter or the animals in her Noah's Ark with her, being extra intentional about naming and describing them, but then other times I'll casually say the name of the felt veggie she's carrying around the room as I rest on the couch, just so she's hearing the word. Don't put too much pressure on yourself just because you're a SAHM now, you'll learn little tricks as time passes and you figure out you and your LO's rhythms.

jinnymb

You could also try signing up for a class or doing library story times?  If money is an issue Barnes and Nobles and the Library are free for story time.  You can also sign up for a free trial for different classes in  the area just to get out once a week.

I always found if I left the house I was more energized and felt like I was doing more for DS1.  That way, when I needed to lay down and rest, I didn't feel as bad cause they already got their activity for the day.

But seriously don't put too much pressure on yourself right now.  At 15 months they are really exploring and introducing new toys here and there and letting them check out new things in the house is enriching them too.