Having a toddler and newborn at home can be a fun but physically demanding time. Many parents find that the transition from one child to two can be harder than expected, especially when their older child is a toddler.
Helping your child through this transition from being an only child to an older sibling can help you facilitate a smoother day to day life as you get settled into your new family dynamic.
Set Up A Toddler Area
Creating locations where the toddler may play independently is critical when caring for a toddler and an infant. Toys that encourage autonomous play should be stored on child-sized shelves or boxes.
Think blocks, colouring materials, play food, and basic puzzles. Assemble a toddler-sized table and chair, and make sure everything is child-safe.
Depending on your home’s layout, size, and child risks, you may want to create a pen or gate to keep your toddler safe. Create a safe location for your infants, such as a swing, playpen, or cot, so you can safely leave them while your toddler needs your entire attention.
Wear Your Baby
It’s crucial to be able to manage a child who needs hands-on attention. Try babywearing instead of putting the new baby down. It allows you to parent your toddler and accomplish other things while holding your baby in a sling or a wrap.
Carriers for babies come in a variety of styles and sizes. To safely wear your infant, keep their chin off their chest and head visible and close enough to kiss. Alternatively, it may be easier to buy a Buggy Board to help you get around easier with your baby in a pram, and your toddler can travel safely next to you without the need for a double pram or two separate ones.
Let Your Toddler Help
Enlist your toddler as your special assistant to keep them occupied and involved in caring for their new sibling. They can’t do sophisticated or direct baby care activities alone, but they can do numerous simple jobs.
Ask your toddler to get your baby a diaper, rattle, or burp cloth, or get you an apple or granola bar. They could sing or dance to entertain the baby. They can assist you in choosing the baby’s next dress or gently drying them after a bath. Assisting your child in these duties makes him feel valuable and competent and keeps them close by.
Try to Coordinate Naps
The ability to sleep both your infant and toddler (and possibly you) simultaneously is difficult to achieve, but it can save your sanity during the day. Your toddler’s naps are more consistent and predictable, so try to coordinate one of your infant’s naps.
Try placing them down together. This works well if they share a room. Or put your youngster to bed first, as they sleep longer. Then lay your baby. Alternatively, lay down with your toddler after putting your baby down. This works well for a quick snooze. It may take some practice at first, but synchronizing naps will pay off.
