What is your toddler doing while BFing a new LO?

Re: What is your toddler doing while BFing a new LO?

• sosoph member

  June 2013

  I had the same age difference and had the same concern. Basically, each time I nursed I moved around the house (the nursery, her room, living room, outside) and had a different set of toys including at least one thing I could do one-handed. I always nursed if the toddler was eating lunch, and just before the end of her nap. We also left the house every morning for an outing and every afternoon for a walk.
  

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• July18Bride member

  June 2013

  I found different activties to keep him engaged was the best- things like coloring, painting, playing play-doh, puzzles, etc. We also would go outside and he would do sidewalk chalk or play in his kiddie pool. I would make sure the times I wasn't feeding baby I would give the toddler lots of attention so he felt like he was given his time.

  

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• AmyRI member

  June 2013

  Feed the baby whenever the toddler is eating a snack/lunch. Lots of coloring. Sitting next to me reading a book. Pretend cooking (I'd keep requesting different things and he'd make them for me). It worked best if we switched rooms of the house before I started so the toys around him were "new."

  
  

  #3 Due April 2016

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• Pattern member

  June 2013

  Yeah, I am a little freaked by this too...

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• A37licia member

  June 2013

  Having books nearby that you can show her, or a little activity bin that only comes out during nursing helps. I did that before with books and a basket of toys, and this time plan to have a special basket that is only around during nursing for my 2.5 yo DD. She plays pretty well on her own though.
  

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• eb1113 member

  June 2013

  I was so nervous about that too.  What ended up working for me, was I would read to my toddler.  She was 26 months when DD2 was born.  In the beginning, it was a nice bonding time and helped me make sure she wasn't feeling left out. 

  I also would try having her color, or she'd play in her kitchen and cook me lunch.   

  For awhile I hated breastfeeding while my oldest was eating, because she would try to get away with stuff. For example, she would sit and eat for a few minutes (long enough for me to get a nursing sessions started) and then scoot away from the table and walk around and play.  I quickly learned to try to avoid that, it didn't work for us at all.  

  

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