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Babies: 0 - 3 Months
Mrslove78
member
Anyone with a toddler & newborn?
Mrslove78
member
DH starts work again on Monday, and I can handle DD or DS alone, but not sure how i'm going to handle both of them! Eeekk... how do you do it?
More specifically, how do you get toddlers meals ready and keep newborn happy, or nurse newborn and keep toddler happy? DD will not let me put her down, I've tried to Moby wrap, but can't get it to work really great. Other suggesting or reassurance is appreciated. lol, I told DH I just need a cheerleader.
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Re: Anyone with a toddler & newborn?
I only have one, and I do this...
You guys have my complete respect, because I am going crazy just taking care of DD by myself!
The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new.
Brady Phoenix, 8.29.09
Claire Zoe, 10.26.10
This exactly. When they both need something at the same time, get the toddler situated first (since that is usually fast and easier then appeasing the baby). And one last thing - sometimes you're just going to have to let the baby cry a little. Accept it for what it is and don't feel guilty about it.
-edit for typo-
Thank you for this, I'm afraid this may happen on occasion.
My DH has only been back to work a week, but I'm starting to get the hang of things on my own. I try to prepare portions of DS#1 meals the night before, and have plenty of snacks on hand to give him. DS#2 is calmest in the morning, so breakfast usually goes off without a hitch. I put him in the swing and he is good for a little bit. Lunch we try to do the same, but if DS#2 is fussing, I put him in the Moby and am able to feed DS#1 with two hands. As far as BF goes, DS#1 has been great at being patient while I nurse. I usually only need to nurse twice while DS is awake (one of the daytime ones, DS#1 is usually napping), so I just have snacks set out for him and talk to him while I nurse. DS#2 definitely has to cry a little bit more than I ever let DS#1 cry, but sometimes I just can't meet both of their needs at once.
BTW, have you watched the videos online for the Moby? If not, they may help. I find myself wearing DS#2 a ton, just so I can get simple things accomplished (including eating for myself!).
I too was terrified the night before my first day alone with both boys, but everything just fell into place. You'll pick up a working routine easily once you jump into it.
Good luck!
I would assume just as us working moms have adjustments to make SAHM do as well. If going to work and leaving your infant home can get easier over time, I'm sure you will come up with the perfect routine for staying home with your children. So envious you get to stay home, however I work nights so I'm home with my baby all day. Only downfall...NO SLEEP AT ALL! LOL But its worth it not to miss these special moments
you just prep as much as you can during naps and down time.
before I go to bed for the night- i have all of my toddlers snacks ready for the next day, juice/milk/water already poured into cups in the fridge, etc. you do whatever you can to make it easier in the beginning. i take three plates out from the cabinet and set it on the table (three meals) just so i have less to reach for when it comes time to prep meals. i make pancakes the night before and just pop it in the microwave.
I havent done it in practice yet, but tips I've heard from other moms with 2u2 is to nurse the baby while you sit on the floor so you can play with your toddler at the same time. Also, if you need to throw on the tv to keep the older one distracted, do it. We recently got DS into yo gabba gabba and I think it will probably be on more often than I will care to admit in those first few months that we're still in survival mode because it will keep his attention for a good 20 minutes.
Maybe you can try a different kind of carrier? I didnt like the moby myself, but something like a babyhawk (a meitai carrier), baby ktan or the beco might be better since they're a little easier to operate. I had the same issues with the moby with DS, so I've decided to try one of those since they seem a little easier.
I wear DS2 just about all day long. It's the only way I can survive! Watch some you-tube videos on the moby. There's a learning curve but once you figure it out it's great. I personall like the newborn hug hold. I forget the name of the other newborn hold but I didn't like that one as much.
I try to have DS2 take at least one nap in his pnp or swing. That way I can shower and have some 1 on 1 time with DS1.