Tips on coping with a Toddler and Newborn – Jacob’s Mum is also a South African and found my details on a Saffa Facebook group. For those who say that Facebook only generates clients looking for a deal, I can say that isn’t always true. In fact, Brenda is not the first client I’ve sourced via Facebook.
Jacob had the most beautiful skin colour and despite being a hungry baby, we managed to keep some super cute photos of him.
As is often the case, a new baby in the house sometimes means an unhappy/slightly put out older sibling. Jacob’s little sister, Abby, seemed to be having a tough time of this. And you know what, when you have all the attention one day and then have to share the next day, who isn’t slightly put out. Especially a toddler who probably doesn’t fully understand what’s happening. But Abby was such a little cutie that having patience was so easy. In fact, I always have patience with the babies and children in work with, so that’s pretty much a given.
What tips and tricks worked for you with a Toddler and Newborn in the house?
Here are a few tips that worked for us when Jenson came along, some of them recommendations from www.babycentre.co.uk (great source of information)
- Tell your toddler that the baby knows they are there and that baby loves them. E.g. ‘See how baby is looking at you, he knows your his big brother’.
- Involve your toddler in games with the baby, bath time and even changing time. Ask your toddler to pass you a nappy or wipes, so they feel involved.
- Try and play a game or read a book with your toddler while feeding baby. Make them feel as if they are just as important.
- Show your toddler their own baby and tell them stories about when they were a baby. Children love to hear stories about themselves when they were younger.
- If baby is sleeping and you need a nap, close the door, put the TV on for the toddler and make sure everything around you is toddler proof. You may still sleep with one eye open to look out for your toddler, but at least your body is resting.