How do I do this with 2?

MagickalNarwhal · July 2013

My version of AP is being responsive to my kid's needs. My toddler had A LOT of them as an infant and is still fairly clingy at 17 mi. But now I have a 3 week old too. Today was only my second day alone w both but I feel like 20 percent of the waking hours, one kid is not getting a need met.

Like my toddler pooped his pants and was on the verge of leaking and the NB had a gas bubble. I changed the diaper bc I know from experience that the gas bubble might take 30 min to get our or it might bubble up on its own in under a minute but basically she just screamed until I was done diapering and washing my hands.

Some version of this has happened on the regular throughout every day. I know my kid will be ok crying for a second if I can't get to them but it feels crappy. It also escalates problems, like my toddler will all of a sudden want meti pick him up for a second. If I do, he hugs me or whatever and goes on playing. But if I've got my hands full feeding the NB and can't, it turns into a meltdown. Basically I would love to hear AP words of wisdom on parenting 2 kids, esp 2 under 2.

Thanks

kcisthebombdotcom · July 2013

It's one of those things that gets easier with time.

things that help-wear your baby a lot. Stay organized- prep what you can while you still have dh home in the morning like meals and snacks for toddler. Keep items like sippies, snacks, toys, books, etc next to the chair you feed your newborn so you can meet both their needs at once. Keep changing supplies in every room you spend time in for quicker diaper changes.

SarahandSam2007 · July 2013

Find someone to be another set of hands for you for a couple days a week. I bet you need a little break

MagickalNarwhal · July 2013

Thank you everyone! KC we actually doing those things now, except I have been meaning to have a "baby feeding time only" toy basket set up and just haven't gotten around to it. And we do have a mother's helper coming it to help with chores for the next 4 weeks (she comes 3x a week and OH will I miss her when she's gone!!)

I do think it will get easier with time - probably mostly just me learning to accept it all!

pixieprincss · July 2013

Babywearing (one or the other or both) and cosleeping were the keys to sanity at that age (and still are). If you can nurse in a carrier, all the better. I also found that still sleeping with DS1 helped refill his attachment cup while requiring minimal effort from me (because I could sleep through it). Help from someone else is a sanity-saver. DS1 had grandparent days two times a week which allowed me some down time with DS2, sleep, etc. Take one hour at a time!

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