Oops - sorry all - didn't mean to post this - was using my iPhone for BB for first time - bit unfamiliar. Mods please delete this if you can/want to :-)
Last edited by Nix76; January 11th, 2013 at 01:10 PM.
: Mistake post
I haven't found it easy at all. DD2 skipped the whole sleepy cruisey newborn thing, and has been a feisty screamer. But we're still going ok. The best things have been:
Freezer meals
Slow cooker/pressure cooker meals, starting dinner early.
Getting my DD1 used to games we can play while I'm feeding. We play shops, and animal races (she runs up and down like. Frog/zebra/kangaroo) and do puzzles on the couch.
I loved going from one to two kids. kinda cemented the whole 'family' feel for me ITMS...
things that i found useful were:
my sling. My DD2 was by most descriptions a non-sleeper. 2 x 40 minute naps a day from day 3 and up every few hours overnight for a long time. i remember trying to do a routine at one point, but realised that i was spending so much time in the bedroom putting her to sleep and missing out on so much with DD1. so, in the end, i just decided to feed on demand, wear her in a sling and simply enjoy my kids and try to relax all through it all and take away all expectations of what it meant to have a 'good' baby. I had a fun baby and a happy toddler! it was liberating!
I also dedicated the bottom of the pantry to toddler friendly and accessible snacks. and got a big ol' fruit bowl full of her fave fruits and popped it on a table that DD1 could access at will.
Before DD2 was born I also got DH really on board to take over the bed time rituals of bath, pj's and story. that way the pressure was off me to do it (as I would be busy with DD2 going to bed ITMS).
it can be a bit chaotic...but it's so worth it!
Last edited by Cassius2; January 11th, 2013 at 07:47 PM.
I prepare a lunch box for DD first thing in the morning most days. It has her sandwich, fruit, cheese, cucumber, tomato slices, dip, crackers etc and a water bottle in it ready to go in case I get stuck with the bub and she needs to eat. I also make extra of meals and freeze small portions for her for lunches or dinners on days that we might be running late, at least I have dinner for her that can be ready in a few mins if all goes pear shaped.
Last edited by Babyluv; January 11th, 2013 at 08:26 PM.
I struggled for the first 4-6 months. 2 high needs, low sleep requirement babies. A toddler who so wanted interaction from the baby, and got a reaction (cry) if she hit him.
Around 4 months, i thought 'nah, this is going to be ok', and then by 6 months i was starting to enjoy having 2. We are almost at 1 year now, and it is still hard work, i don't get much of a break, but it is awesome to see them playing together.
Freezer meals from visitors were awesome.
I needed a safe spot for baby so that i could pee without taking one of them with me.
Toddler-proof anything you have been putting off. Make it safe so you can feed baby, and toddler will be ok and not escaping or destroying important stuff.
Check out local parks etc that are fenced. I found it hard to feed baby if i was out, and the toddler wasn't contained.
Getting fresh air and sunlight is great for everybody!
I put baby on my back early (when i was at home) so i could do cooking etc.
Have some easy meals in the cupboard. Soup and toast is ok for dinner.
Do toddler activities at an adult sized table, if baby is on the move.
If it is a bad day, all jump in the bath. It makes everything better. bubbles, or ballons filled with food colouring + water (which you pop after awhile) can entertain toddler and baby. we learn colours, numbers, letters, songs etc in the bath.
Last edited by HotI; January 12th, 2013 at 07:23 AM.
Lots of great advice here! I definitely struggled the first four months or so, but it's getting easier now DS2 is starting to sleep a bit better.
Frozen meals are a must! I find too that if we stick to a meal plan on days when DS1 is in care I can cook a couple of dinners so on days when he's home and I know we'll be busy I don't have to worry about cooking dinner.
I bought a few new toys/activities I'd pull out when I was on the couch feeding the baby so DS1 had something exciting to entertain him. Although he doesn't necessarily watch more tv now he does watch it (or a DVD) during busy times so I know he's happy while I'm trying to get the baby to sleep.
Definitely toddler proof the house, even if you think you have look again! After changing the baby I've discovered DS1 standing in the sink washing the kitchen windows!
Some special time every day with your toddler. It's easy to suddenly think of them as the big one and get frustrated when they act like a normal two year old, but they're still little really so a little understanding goes a long way Having said that, definitely a safe space for the baby so you can pee etc in peace.
I hired a cleaner so the house was clean and tidy at least once a fortnight!
Most importantly, be kind to yourself. A Toddler and a newborn is hard work. Take advantage of any help offered, sleep and sanity is very important during this time!! But it will get easier! Good luck xx
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Can't wait!!!
Having said that, definitely a safe space for the baby so you can pee etc in peace.
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