2 year old and 2 day old?

Question

Hey everyone! My son was born 2 days ago, and we all just came back from the hospital. I have a 2.5 year old daughter as well, and I was wondering if any one has any advice besides the sleep when they sleep myth, lol. What helped you the most, and what did you do to insure the younger one's safety while you ran into the other room? I'm scared to death she's going to try to pick him up or something, lol. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

It definitely is a challenge and life becomes more of a balancing act. It worked well for me to keep my older daughter involved, giving her time to hold her sister etc. She was a great "helper' bringing diapers etc as well. I also would make sure she was involved in an activity, plenty of toys etc that I knew would keep her occupied when I needed to sit and breastfeed. Having a playroom w/baby gate helped too that way I knew she was safe when I had to tend to the baby. Good Luck!  

Answer 2

You have to put baby in crib or play pen or bouncy chair. I even took my babies in their car seat and one in the high chair with me in the bathroom only so i could enjoy a longer shower!! You have to get creative and it gets really hard some times i know.... i had a newborn, a 2 yr.old and a 3 yr. old and it was nuts alot of the time. But you do get through it day at a time.. Remember high chair can be used for coloring in or play doe or painting just so you can have a minute or two and know she not going anywhere.

Answer 3

Hey Mommy! My son is 21 months and the baby is 5 months! I know all too well what fears you are having!  My biggest life saver was my husband.  I wouldn't have been able to do it without him (that works more than one way huh?) Also I would ask for the mommy helpers are an older child to come and play with the two year old or even the baby if you feel comfortable doing that. My son is only 5 months and I have so many stories of things that have happened.  The "sleep myth" you mentioned...I took pictures of all the boys(I have a 4 year old at home too) taking a nap in my bed one afternoon...when they woke up the oldest was sick!  Another story I was in the kitchen cooking and talking to hubby...it suddenly became quiet...hubby goes into the living room and find my one year old jumping on the baby (I never heard my husband scream like that and it scared even me.) Everyone is fine though.

I would suggest getting a baby carrier.  My favorite is the moby wrap.  I can carry the baby in it and hardly feel the weight. Also since the jumping incident I always put the older boys in the kitchen with me while I cook. Hubby takes care of baby or puts him in the swing. I sit the 21 month old right on the counter and my stepson gets his chair and either talks to me about his day or helps cook. This helps because I can cook and give them the attention they need.

I know your daughter is going to love having a new baby. Try to include her in as much as you can to help her adjust. My boys are super helpers when it comes to getting baby brother a diaper or throwing it away. You can give her a diaper and she can pretend play just like you do with your son.  ( I am sure you have seen the toys they have for little girls, I mean they even have pretend pack and plays, pretend baby carriers everything.)

Have fun and if you need any more advice email me!

Answer 4

Hey! I only have one so I don't have much

advice. I know my friends that have two always

make sure to have the younger one with them

while they tend to the baby as they can get into

trouble alone. I feel for you and know it must be

so hard. I am glad you had a healthy baby and

are doing well. Congrats and God Bless :-)