21 months apart - best parenting tips?

[loulabelle]

My two are 15.5 months apart.

My best advice is to just relax. Realise that things aren't going to go as smoothly as before, so just go with the flow. Lots of love for your older child, try to have a special activity with just the two of you that you do every week. Don't push the baby on him, let him discover it in his own time , but at the same time don't hover over him telling him to be gentle etc (unless its something dangerous) and try to keep your Ds routine as normal as possible, the baby can slot in to his routine.

Take time for you! Most important!!!

Goodluck gorgeous.

[SammyRo]

try to keep your Ds routine as normal as possible, the baby can slot in to his routine.

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I found that DS's sleeps just fitted in with DD's routine - they kind of had to lol. So if we were going for a morning playdate, I'd often leave a bit earlier, take a bit of a longer drive so that DS could have a sleep in the car, and then leave the playdate when the next sleep was due. Doing this meant we weren't housebound as I never managed to get them to sleep at the same time.

Stickers are a good thing to have in your box of tricks for when breastfeeding.

Don't feel guilty if there's a lot of tv watching for the first few months - you can break the habit again later (thank goodness for ABC kids!)

Do stuff for dinner that you can prepare in the morning so when cranky hour comes, you don't have to deal with a cranky toddler and baby, and cook dinner. Slow cookers are great!

When cranky hour does hit, pop bub in the sling and head into the garden and walk around with them both. We also used to walk up and down our long hallway. I'd get DD to do things like big steps, side steps, walk backwards, jump like a frog, and that kept her happy, whilst DS was happy because we were on the move.

Try not to worry about how you are going to cope, when the time comes, you just will, because you have to! I remember the first time DH went back to work properly, I was so stressed, but it was fine.

[LuluHB]

Don't push the baby on him, let him discover it in his own time , but at the same time don't hover over him telling him to be gentle etc (unless its something dangerous)

Agree with this 100%. There is only 12 months between my two but I found DD1 was much happier having DD2 around when she wasn't being told to be careful around the baby etc. She's a naturally gentle little person anyway and was great.

I found finding time for DD1 just the two of us very difficult but when I could find it, it was great. When DH finished work I would make sure he took DD2 asap so that I could play with DD1 for a bit.

Throw the rule book out for a bit. In those early days, wonder weeks etc when you have a babe on your boob seemingly 24 hours a day you really need to just go with the flow and do whatever you need to so that everyone stays as happy as possible - including you.

[BlackRose]

Subbing to this thread too, thanks peanutter for starting it!

My kids will be 23.5 months apart. I was thinking of getting a baby doll for us to play with, with him, to get him used to having a newborn around. Has anyone tried this? Does it work.

Thanks for all the other tips too!

[Charlotte91]

Subbing, there's going to be 19 months between DD and Beez.

[RainbowBrite]

My first two are 17 mths apart
My second two are 22 mths apart
And my last three there is 24 mths between all three (11mths apart and 13 mths apart)

I agree with a sling I loved mine and a double pram.
In those first few weeks if someone offers to help let them, a load of washing hung out or dishes done can give you more time to spend with your little ones.
Set your older one up with a drink, lunchbox, toys, coloring books, a movie and if training make sure they have gone to the toilet before you sit down to feed, it makes it easier for everyone. (mind you I learnt to walk around feeding with one hand while doing something else very quickly )
Make one on one time with DD1 each day. Get her to help with nappy changes (handing wipes and nappies), bathing etc...even if she has a baby doll she can do it with you.
Freeze meals before going into hospital it will cut down on cooking time when home and busy with bub and a toddler.
Most of all don't worry about the house, it doesn't need to be spotless. Those first few weeks can be crazy the housework can wait.
I loved having mine close, it can be hard but it is very rewarding too.

[HotI]

I have about a month to go and am going to set the hammock up in our room, and bring the baby swing out into the loungeroom. Going to let DD check them out, and her teddy can have a sleep in there but she will be too heavy for them. Want to get her used to having them around for a little bit before bub arrives. She has checked out the new pram (with toddler seat).

I am feeling quite protective of DD about the moment, i guess i want to spend as much time together when its just us