Activity for older child

kristinandbill

Hello!

DD is 16 months and DS is 2 months. I've been on maternity leave since DS was born. It was crazy at first getting used to a brand new baby and of course the holidays, etc. but now I feel like we never leave the house except to run errands. I'd like DD to have some experiences but can't figure out how to do that with DS in tow. DD has never played in public by herself so and I like to play with her anyway. But how do you juggle that with DS? Is there a secret? Any advice? Or do I just have to engage some assistance?

Thank you!

kagl08

I have a 13.5 month age gap, so nearly the same as your 2. We didn't go anywhere for a good 2-3 months, but once we started going to story time again I would strap my DS in the Ergo and my DD would walk around and play with kids. It was a closed room so I wasn't concerned about her running off. At the park, same thing... Ergo for DS, chase after DD. my life got 1,000 times easier when I could wear DS on my back in Ergo, around 6 months-ish. I was often that mom with a baby on her back and a toddler on her front because my DD wanted to be carried. I also made DD stay in the stroller whenever it was just me and she was really good about not asking to get out. The double stroller was my best friend for mall trips/shopping/long walks.  

We learned a rhythm that worked well and by 5 months we were old pros. Now its a breeze getting out and I look back and wonder how the h3ll I ever did it.  

JPafford86

My older two are quite a bit further than yours but I second finding a way to carry YS hands free. At that age I wore DD#2 in the Moby A LOT so I could play with DD#1 and I think it prevented much of the sibling rivalry we were expecting because it wasn't TOO much of a change unless I was nursing. Even then we all sat in the oversize recliner together. You will find a groove and get to a place if YH or someone has one of the kids you'll wonder why you ever thought one baby was so much

HTH 

jf198400

When I was on ML I took the kids out every day. When we went to storytime or music class I kept the baby in the stroller. If we went to the park I'd put him in the ergo so I could chase dd. At gym class I'd keep him in his carseat and he would sit and watch. It's actually harder when you have 2 mobile kids.