Nurisng, 2 Year Old. NEW BABY

Updated on January 25, 2011
J.V. asks from Wheaton, IL
4 answers

A friend of mine just had her second. They are exactly 2 years apart. When I had my second, I put together a special bag of toys/activities that my oldest could do while I was nursing. Well, my friend's 2 year old won't play by himself --at all! I suggested a box of special toys, but the toys are only special coming out of the box for the first time, and then he starts screaming/throwing fits.

Ladies, I am all out of suggestions. I saw her yesterday and she is down, even ready to give up nursing (she didn't nurse very long with her son because he was super colicky).

Another thing, it sounds as if she has panic attacks when the baby cries because of her son's colic. Her body just can't handle the crying --sounds like a post-traumatic stress type thing. I am hoping she gets use to it, but again, save for suggesting she condition her new baby to baby-wearing, I had no other ideas.

I remember how hard the first few months are with two, but I was lucky to have a very independent 2 year old that didn't need her mommy much. It breaks my heart to think of this friend having to deal with a newborn and a 2 year old that won't do anything alone.

So ladies, I need suggestions! She needs help.

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A.J.

answers from Killeen on

I honestly just nursed my younger one while I spent time with my 2 yr old. I would just sit on the floor and be playing with my 2 yr old and have my newborn on my lap propped up on a pillow or held with one arm. I thought I had reached the peak of motherhood ability when I could nurse the baby and change the toddler at the same time LOL
As for colic, I'm all for baby-wearing! I preferred a snugli vs. a sling. I wore both my babies for several months. It was especially helpful with my 2nd b/c I could be outside playing with my 2 yr old, or walk to the park, or just do housework while baby was sleeping.

2 moms found this helpful

G.T.

answers from Modesto on

Hmm. Mine were 11 months apart and I managed to nurse without a problem. If the older one would sit next to her she could read to him while nursing. Whenever it's time to feed baby she could tell her two year old "time for a story, go pick out the book you want me to read while baby is eating.." That would make him feel involved and not left out. Soon he can sit and read the book to mom while she's nursing the baby. That's what I would try.

1 mom found this helpful
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R.M.

answers from Topeka on

Could she have some books on hand to read to her toddler while she is nursing the baby? Maybe some finger snacks for the toddler to eat...carrot sticks...fresh fruit etc.Maybe she could get some fun videos to turn on to keep the toddler occupied. ( I know...I hate using tv as a babysitter but if it gives her a chance to feed the baby..it might be worth it) And then how about a cup of hot tea for herself...to help her relax.

1 mom found this helpful

P.M.

answers from Tampa on

I'd stick him in some sort of chair - like a car seat and plop him in front of the TV with toys in reach and leave the room... honestly. A 2 y/o should be able to play somewhat independently or at least understand the concept of quiet time.

Nursing takes maybe 30 minutes for a young infant, so the toddler won't be in any true distress, especially if Mom tells him what is happening, where she is going and how soon she will come back for him.

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