How do I babysit my friend's baby when I am still nursing my own?

Question

I have a 13 month old that still nurses quite frequently, 6-8 times a day depending on her mood. My friend's baby is 11 months old (was born 4 weeks early) and is bottle fed, but he is used to being held almost constantly, in fact they tell me that's the only way he'll sleep. They need me to watch him maybe once or twice a week for 5-6 hours at a time. Anyone have any tips/tricks/advice on how I can keep both babies content? I don't know how I can hold him and nurse her at the same time!

Answer 1

I will probably have the most thumbs down ever here but I have to answer.

At 11 & 13 months they will NOT be off playing together.  Children that age do not play together they parallel play.  They play near each other but with little interaction.  THey will be pulling toys from each other, going in different directions and holding onto each other to stand or walk depending on their development.  

I watched my friends son when my son was born but the other boy was 2 and it was still hard.  My son is now 18 months and nursing but if your baby is like mine the nursing sessions are very short.  You could entertain with pots and pans maybe...

Personally I would pass especially if it is only going to be twice a week as babies need to adjust and your son will loose a lot of your attention while you are helping the other child adjust.

Good luck

Answer 2

It will probably be easier than you think. The kids will play together. Babies act differently when they arent in their houses and when their parents arent around. I nurse my 8 month old and babysit my 10 month old niece all the time. My baby will only nurse 1-2 times when her cousin is around, she'd rather play! when her cousin isnt around she nurses 4-6 times!

Answer 3

at their age you will find they will be off playing together vs wanting to be on mom's hip all day which is probably true when each of them are alone with each parent.  Just schedule feedings one at a time and they both should be on table food by now so milk feeding shouldn't be as often.  

Answer 4

if your nursing baby isn't too distractable, you can read to the other child while nursing.   Just snuggle him up next to you.  I watched another child when my oldest was that age, and they were easier together than one at a time.  And they can both eat together so you won't need to nurse as much unless you want to.  My oldest nursed until 2.5, but not much when her friends were over.

Answer 5

*lol* You'll do fine, I'm serious.

I've nursed a toddler and an infant at the same time.  I have carried a baby and a toddler across the park because the baby wouldn't be put down and the toddler was misbehaving.

Also an 11 month old can be in a back carrier.

My best advice is to keep them busy.  Go out, parks, malls, bookstores, etc.