March 2016 Moms
Katherine8908
member
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Tips for moms that are new to two
Katherine8908
member
So moms of two or more children please share your tips and tricks or any advice for all of us moms that are going from one to two that would make the transition easier?
I have a few specific questions:
Do your children share a room?
Were you really able to coordinate naps?
How did you prepare big brother or big sister for baby?
I have a few specific questions:
Do your children share a room?
Were you really able to coordinate naps?
How did you prepare big brother or big sister for baby?
Re: Tips for moms that are new to two
My best advice for two -
Don't feel bad if you need to use TV to get one to sleep or to save your sanity when you are making dinner. I think the key with TV is not to restrict it like crazy, but just save it for the times when it really benefits you throughout the day. Use it while you are cooking dinner or putting one down for a nap. If you save tablet time or TV for those occasions when YOU need it then your kids will still think of it as a novelty and it will actually keep them occupied for awhile while you get your things in order.
Go outside everyday. Even if it is raining, put on a coat and go outside. I like to do this before I make dinner because then they are ready to come in and cozy up with a TV show and snack for a little bit. Just the fresh air and change of scenery does everyone good and tires them out for some reason.
Babywearing is awesome, do it whenever you can so you can have your hands free for you older child.
I was able to coordinate afternoon naps. We would all lay in my bed and watch Mickey Mouse until my older son was asleep and then I would nurse the baby to sleep. Coordinated naps were way more important to me than where the naps were happening or how we got to sleep. TV and my bed worked so that is what we did!
My best advice is to do what works for you and your kids. Don't beat yourself up about having them nap in your bed or snack on something you wouldn't normally allow. They grow really fast and pretty soon all those things will seem so incredibly insignificant. Just enjoy your kids and give yourself a break!
Ditto to not feeling bad about TV for a bit. I don't think I used it enough when my second was born and we had some rough moments for sure. It won't be forever, but while everyone adjusts it can be a lifesaver.
Ditto to baby wearing! Another lifesaver.
I was able to coordinate naps pretty quickly because it was a priority. I would put my older one down, nurse the baby and then put her down right after. For her naps, I tried to make sure she got one good nap at home a day, at the same time as her big brother. We were flexible with all other naps and if they happened on the go, so be it. I plan to try to do the same this time, even though my oldest no longer naps
The other advice I would have would be to prep or have ready some activities your toddler can do either on his own or while sitting next to you while you either feed the baby or just hold the baby. Sticker books, coloring books, little felt activities, puff ball activities, puzzles, books to read, magnet toys, etc will all work. Hit up Pinterest and/or the dollar store or dollar section at target and have a basket (or several) that you can just pull out when you need to. I actually need to follow this advice and prep this as well!
Honestly, the transition to two is hard, but a newborn (unless colicky) seems pretty easy the second time around and compared to a toddler. I was able to enjoy the newborn and baby stage of my second so much more than I did with my first because the first is such a giant transition and is so terrifying! So just enjoy the baby snuggles and try not to sweat the small stuff!
I agree with pper about the newborn seeming easier the second time. For me the transition to having a baby the first time was much harder. Once #2 comes around you kind of are used to dealing with things not being perfect and craziness is a little easier to handle somehow! Even though it can be absolutely insane, somehow you cope and see the joy in it all.