How do I entertain my 20 month old with a 2+ week old to care for?

bjlucas1 · August 2014

I am a lurker on this board and recently joined the 2u2 club. Today is my first day home without my husband with me and the two LOs. Im worried that my 20month old is going to get really bored now that she has a baby sister slowing her down. I don't imagine I will feel comfortable taking them outside the house much, since LO1 is really spirited

Do you have any advice on how to make the home environment interesting enough? I do plan on baby wearing more, which should help. Thanks in advance!

kmvw · August 2014

No advice to share as I am new to the two under two club, just wanted to say good luck!

ashiscute · August 2014

My DD was 19.5 mos when DS was born. I agree with PP about wanting to take care of her baby while I took care of DS. She has a bitty baby with a pack n play, baby carrier, diaper bag, bathtub, etc.

Other activities that I found easy to deal with- coloring, reading, a ball pit in the house or a tunnel, Little People Princess Castle. We also sang a lot and danced. And we watched TV. Good luck

bjlucas1 · August 2014

Thank you all for the tips!

blushingbride_08 · August 2014

I went to BRU and stocked up on bribery toys for my toddler. Whenever he gets bored I bring out one. I also rotate toys to keep things fresh.

wildflower75 · September 2014

My DD will be 20 mos in Nov when I give birth and I plan on making a bunch of busy boxes in advance... here's some of what I plan on doing:

https://www.pinterest.com/thebrowniebunch/busy-box-ideas/

https://www.pinterest.com/mborghorst/kids-busy-bags-books-boxes/

https://intentionalbygrace.com/use-busy-boxes-toddler-baby/

https://sowsproutplay.com/activities/8-busy-box-ideas/

vettymama · September 2014

DS1 was almost 16 months when DS2 was born. In the beginning we watched a lot of tv while he played in the living room. We gated it off so he was confined to the room with me. He stayed occupied with books, different toys, and free range of the living room. DS1 plays really well independently so that helped. Basically whatever kept him occupied and safe worked for us. Toys, books, "real" items like old phones, keyboards, etc., bowls, spoons, anything.

spinsoffresonance · September 2014

What works for me is the opposite. I take DD1 out of the house as much as possible. Since DD2 was 3w old we've been going to the park/playground every day,usually both morning and afternoon. I'd consider DD1 a spirited kid too and the longer we stay at home the crazier she goes. So as hard as it is to go out everyday it's easier than staying home. I'm lucky DD2 has been easy so far, she naps great in the carrier and usually stays asleep the entire time we're out. With winter coming I signed up DD1 for classes every morning. We go to playgroup Monday, art class Tuesday, story time Wednesday, music class Wednesday, soccer Thursday. I'll try to keep going to the playground in the afternoon as long as it's above freezing.

tamarar5 · September 2014

I'm in the out of the house as much as possible club now that moving around is getting so much easier. We go walking (strolling) as much as I can. That works for us.