Caring for a Second Child
Taking Care of a Newborn and a Toddler
Many parents are nervous about having a second child because they worry how their family will make the adjustment. Unlike having your first baby, when everything is new, having a second baby is sometimes easier because you are doing it as an experienced mom. Coming home from the hospital with a second child often does little to upset your existing routine. You probably don't need to make any large purchases since you have whatever baby products you used with your oldest child and you still have a hand for each child, which can come in handy when you are multi-tasking.
Use Nursing Time to Spend Quality Time with Your Toddler
Nursing moms with older children often worry that their other children will feel neglected because of the amount of time that is needed to feed a newborn. Nursing is a wonderful way to bond with your newborn baby, but it is also a great opportunity to spend some quality quiet time with a toddler. Encourage your toddler to bring you books to read while you nurse. Watch educational television programs with your toddler and talk about what you are watching. Play simple games such as I-Spy and Peek-A-Book with your toddler.
Nursing can also help your toddler to bond with the new baby. Show your toddler how to hold the baby's hand or food as he eats, and take the opportunity to teach your toddler how to treat and care for a baby. Talk to your toddler about what the new baby can and can't do and what he will be able to do as he grows.
Keep Your Hands Free with a Sling
As your toddler adjusts to having a new baby in the house, there will be times when he wants your attention or needs you to do something that is difficult to do while holding a newborn baby. Keep your hands free when you need to do tasks around the house or care for your toddler by using a sling. Slings are not only great for keeping your baby close by, but they are also a wonderful way to be sure that your newborn does not get hurt by a curious toddler by being left unsupervised in a bassinet or bouncy seat. The right sling should not hurt your back as you wear it and should be comfortable for both you and your baby.
Take Naps with Your Toddler
Newborn babies sleep a lot during the day but unfortunately may not sleep much at night. New moms need to take advantage of whatever sleep they can. A newborn is likely to take several naps throughout the day, but it can be difficult to sleep with a toddler in the house. Try taking a nap with your toddler during the day. Your toddler will love the extra one-on-one attention and you will get some much needed sleep. If your toddler does not consistently take naps, try encouraging naptime by lying down together and reading stories or lying down on the couch and watching cartoons.
Occupy Your Toddler with New Activities
Change can be stressful for toddlers and most toddlers respond to stress by acting out. Keeping your toddler's daily routine as normal as possible will help prevent most major meltdowns, but adding a few special activities can help your toddler feel a part of the changes that are happening in the family and provide an exciting diversion. Simple crafts that your toddler can do on his own while you cook dinner or nurse the baby are excellent.
Try making a new play dough recipes or making an old one special by adding glitter or colored salt. Let your toddler play in the kitchen sink by standing on a stool and using a few basic kitchen tools such as spoons and cups while you cook dinner. During the winter, bring a bucket of snow inside for your toddler to play with if he is frustrated that you can't go outside and play with him.
Caring for a second child will likely be a much easier adjustment than you worried it would be. A little bit of creativity and some simple organization will help you to care for your newborn and toddler, without ignoring your own needs.
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