When baby #2 comes along...
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: Have A Baby?
Forum Name: Toddler Times
Forum Description: Is bubs growing up and getting into everything? How do you train them to use the potty? When do you start feeding solids? Share your tips and advice here!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4959
Printed Date: 12 July 2025 at 6:29am
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Topic: When baby #2 comes along...
Posted By: busymum
Subject: When baby #2 comes along...
Date Posted: 21 December 2006 at 8:50pm
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Okay this is carrying on from a similar thread in pregnancy. How do/did you handle the juggling of an older child when the second (or third...) baby came along? A couple of tips to start the ball rolling:
* Blow balloons for the older child to play with, they can entertain a 1-2yo for ages! * Have a few toys available only for when you are breastfeeding. Hannah at 19mos was just starting to get into shapo sorting games and was happy to do those on the coffee table by me while I fed Briona. * Fingernail painting. Paint the child's fingernails, then yours. While you're painting your own, hers will dry  Then when yours are painted she's "free" to go - well she will probably hang around with curiosity until then anyway (that's my experience). In the meantime, you've just had 10 minutes of sitting down and relaxing
* Take a break. If you need time out, it won't hurt the kids to put them in their rooms for a bit: a baby can go to sleep or just in her bed if she won't settle; a toddler or preschooler can have quiet time in her room with a pile of books etc. I used to put Briona down crying (she was a silent reflux/colicy babe) while I drank a cuppa. It only takes 10 minutes if it's hot but just gives a bit of settling time for mum  Shower times are a similar thing for me, it's my "space". When the baby is sleeping, busy the toddler with books or sleep and take off for 15 minutes.
* Going for a walk. I have a double stroller which has been a life-saver! Sometimes when things got really tough I'd pack the kids in and walk around the block. It helps settle most babies too which is great. (Briona used to settle/sleep in the stroller only to start crying again as soon as we got home!  )
Okay I better leave room for your comments lol! -------------  |
Replies:
Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 22 December 2006 at 11:25am
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I remembered three more things:
* Videos (for the older child) are great when you need a bit of space. * Get your older child used to the care of one or two adults besides you who can have her for part of a day (and the birthday) and also can help out when you attend joint activities - church, preschool, mainly music, whatever you go to. * Get a bouncinette for the baby, it creates a strong visual sense of personal space for the toddler. Much better than a rug on the floor!! 
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 22 December 2006 at 8:28pm
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I can't think of anything you haven't said already! ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
 (02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 22 December 2006 at 8:39pm
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There's gotta be more! I need to know within 3 weeks!! ------------- |
Posted By: Rachael21
Date Posted: 23 December 2006 at 2:28pm
| This is a great idea a question about the shower when do you have yours? It's my time too but I have mine when Jack has his morning sleep but I don't think that will work when new baby is here |
Posted By: jack_&_charli
Date Posted: 23 December 2006 at 2:43pm
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i put charli in her bouncy chair thingee in the bathroom while i have a shower, usually while jack is asleep too ------------- http://www.alternatickers.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 23 December 2006 at 5:11pm
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At the moment I have it when Briona goes down for her morning nap. The kids are old enough to play together nicely for the short duration of a shower and I do that from time to time when she doesn't seem to need a sleep before I'm expecting visitors lol ------------- |
Posted By: kezplanet
Date Posted: 28 December 2006 at 5:49pm
When Anastasia wasn't walking I used to put her in the bouncer in the bathroom with me but now that she is older I put a DVD on for Ashlyn and tell her where I'm going and make sure she has something to eat and a drink and ask her if she is ok, (make sure the doors to outside are locked!!!having to use a 2nd lock as we have just worked out how to work the 1st one). I leave the bathroom door open and if Anastasia is awake and wants me she will come up to the shower and play with the toys, she gets a little wet from the spray but at least I get "my time"(we dont have a bath so all the toys are in the shower anyway!!)  ------------- Kerryn, Mum to Ashlyn(29/3/04), Anastasia(1/11/05) & Abigail (24/02/09) |
RachandJack wrote: