Hey, Mama! If you’ve found yourself here, I assume you either have or will soon have both a newborn and a toddler under your roof. First of all, congrats!! Another sweet baby to love on is always something worth celebrating.
After the initial excitement about adding to your family wears off though, you may start seeing a few other feelings creep in… like panic. Or overwhelm when you realize you will have to bathe, feed, and wholly care for another entire human being…while still caring for the first. And yourself (you know, in your spare time).
You may have only felt pure joy when you found out about this newest addition to the family – and to that I can relate! But, just know that I also felt a bit of the panic and overwhelm once it really started to sink in.
Fret not, my dear. We’ll get through this together!
First off, I want to send you a big, virtual hug. Having a newborn and a toddler is no small feat, and I know just how exhausting it can be. Balancing the needs of a tiny baby while keeping a curious, energetic toddler entertained is like juggling with one hand tied behind your back! But don’t worry, this season won’t last forever.
Soon enough, things will start to calm down, and you’ll find your groove. In the meantime, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips to help you keep your toddler happy and engaged while you care for your newborn and, just as importantly, give yourself some much-needed rest.
Tip 1: Create a Busy Box
A busy box is a treasure trove of activities that your toddler can delve into independently. Fill a box with items like:
- Coloring Books and Crayons: Choose coloring books with their favorite characters to keep them interested.
- Stickers and Paper: Toddlers love stickers, and they can create their own art without much mess.
- Puzzles: Simple puzzles can keep little hands busy and minds engaged.
- Small Toys: Include a few small, safe toys that they can explore and play with.
- Sensory Items: Think along the lines of playdough, kinetic sand, or soft fabric scraps.
Rotate the items in the busy box regularly to keep things fresh and exciting. I don’t have a ton of original ideas for this particular toy rotation but Susie over at The Busy Toddler is a wonderful resource if you’re needing new ideas!
Tip 2: Engage in Parallel Play
Parallel play is a fantastic way to bond with your toddler while also caring for your newborn. Set up a play area next to where you’re feeding or rocking your baby. Bring out blocks, dolls, cars, or other favorite toys, and let your toddler play independently but within your sight. You can talk to them about what they’re doing, ask questions, and show interest, which makes them feel included and valued, even if your hands are occupied with the baby.
Notice in the photo below – the chair is for me and “Itty Bitty”. We hung out and talked about colors and shapes as she was drawing on the retaining wall and I had a cup of much needed coffee!
Tip 3: Utilize a Toddler-Friendly Playlist
Music and stories can be a wonderful tool to entertain and calm your toddler. Create a playlist of their favorite songs and nursery rhymes. Encourage them to dance, sing along, or even use toy instruments. Dancing and singing are great ways for toddlers to burn off some energy, and it doesn’t require much from you other than pressing play and joining in when you can. Plus, music can be a soothing background while you nurse or rock your newborn.
We purchased a Yoto player for our toddler for Christmas this past year and it has been SO useful for this! You can get both music and story cards for the Yoto and let the child choose which one to listen to. Them having control over this and being able to change the cards as often as they want really helps to keep their interest. I’ll link the player and a few of our favorite card packs here!
Tip 4: Set Up Activity Stations
Activity stations are specific areas in your home dedicated to different activities. For example:
- Art Station: A small table with paper, washable markers, and crayons.
- Reading Nook: A cozy corner with a pile of their favorite books and soft pillows.
- Building Area: A mat with a variety of blocks and construction toys.
- Pretend Play Zone: A box of dress-up clothes and props for imaginative play.
Guide your toddler to move from one station to another, giving them new environments and activities to explore. This helps keep their attention and reduces the chances of boredom.
Tip 5: Outdoor Exploration
Fresh air and a change of scenery can do wonders for both you and your toddler. If the weather permits, spend some time outside. Simple activities like:
- Nature Walks: A short walk around the neighborhood, pointing out different flowers, trees, and animals.
- Backyard Play: Let them play with a ball, run around, or explore different textures like grass, leaves, and sand.
- Sidewalk Chalk: Encourage them to draw on the sidewalk or driveway.
- Water Play: A small container of water with cups and spoons can provide endless entertainment.
Being outdoors can be incredibly refreshing and can help your toddler burn off energy, making naptime smoother.
A Final Note of Encouragement
Mama, I know this season feels intense, and there are days when it seems like the chaos will never end. But I promise, it will. Your baby will grow, your toddler will become more independent, and the schedules will eventually calm down. For now, it’s okay to take things one day at a time. Celebrate the small victories, like when your toddler giggles at a silly dance or when your baby finally settles into a nap.
Remember to be kind to yourself. Rest when you can, ask for help if you need it, and know that you’re doing an amazing job. You are a superhero in the eyes of your little ones, even on the days when you feel like you’re just getting by. This season will pass, and you’ll come out the other side even stronger.
Don’t forget to check out my Motherhood Essentials for whatever phase of motherhood you’re currently in. There I’ve listed some of my “Mama Must Haves” for a smooth and productive day.
Hang in there, girl. You’ve got this! If you have any tips up your sleeve as well, leave them in the comments!
Olivia
Don’t forget to pin for later 🙂
