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Two Under 2
How long did it take #1 to adjust to #2?
Hi ladies, I've been lurking but will definitely be posting more as my second is due at the end of September and I'm trying to figure all this 2u2 stuff out.
My first is extremely active and doesn't ever stop moving and from that amount of movement #2 is doing I'm thinking he's going to be the same.
The biggest thing I'm worried about is the adjustment that #1 is going to have to make and how long it's going to take. I'm also worried about breastfeeding #2 while #1 is running around everywhere. How do you do it?!
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Re: How long did it take #1 to adjust to #2?
What has helped for us is keeping non-active activities that DD enjoys around, everywhere. If she gets antsy or attention starved while I'm nursing I suggest getting those things so we can play with them together. Puzzles, books, coloring, stickers, whatever your LO enjoys that you can play while sitting and using only one hand. If she's feeling more energetic I'll sing a song like Ring Around the Rosie that she can 'dance' to or we roll a ball or something.
Honestly, she seemed to adjust immediately. A natural big sister I suppose. We've seriously had no issues and I hope for the same for you!
Mine had no issues at the beginning, but it was also the holidays so he had lots of family around to play with. But he really seemed to accept the baby from day 1. I agree with PP though that it seems like we're about to have a rough patch. Our baby just learned to crawl and also expresses her displeasure if you take her toy (she used to not even care) so now that she's interacting back I think our older one might have some struggles. On the other hand, he's been playing more with other kids his age and is actually really good at sharing (comparitively) so I'm hopeful.
In terms of being active. Mine is too. Luckily #2 is a very efficient nurser and rarely spends more than 5 min at the boob. I usually use the TV if needed or books or his train table, depending on the time of day and his energy level. You might also think about gating off the playroom or something (even if you've been past that stage for a while) and nursing in there so the older one can't wander off. We have that problem frequently.
Took her between five and six weeks.
Now she gets frustrated if I'm nursing and she needs me. She will say, "Seat!" to put him in his Rock n Play. But for the most part, it's good. I tell her I will help her as soon as I'm done nursing.
In crisis management situations, I turn on Toy Story or Sesame Street.
No adjustment period at all. DS was fine with it from day 1.
In terms of BF, I put my rocker to feed baby in a well baby-proofed, contained area so I didnt have to worry about my toddler getting hurt. Next to the rocker I put water/snacks/toys for my older child so I could keep him entertained. I'd also feed baby while sitting on the floor so I could play with DS at the same time. It worked fine.
My son took a good three weeks to adjust and was an absolute terror during that time.
For nursing, I try to have him bring me books to read. If I'm also going to be trying to get her to sleep, I use VeggieTales. I figure it's just temporary.
We've been very lucky that DS1 has had no problems adjusting to DS2. I was afraid that the baby crying would confuse him or he'd feel jealous. Thankfully, it has been great.
When my DH is home, we divide and conquer. I sit and nurse while he keeps our toddler entertained. If it's just me, I just roll with it. I get involved w/DS1's activities with DS2 latched. I make it work. It's tough sometimes but doable.