While I was pregnant with Little Ox #2, I wondered how I was supposed to do things now that I would have TWO children instead of just one. (I still don’t know how I manage it some days!)
The thought of how I would nurse our newborn with a strong-willed two-year old running around (usually getting into things he shouldn’t be) stressed me out! Luckily, we were able to find something that worked for us – and something that might work for you too!
- Corner off a section of your house only for nursing/play time
- For us, we use my two-year old’s room (which is the best choice, if possible), but if they do not have their own room, a sectioned off area of the living room or play room will work well too.
- You can use a playard (something like this will work very well) or any room where your toddler can play unassisted without getting hurt
- Using the toddler’s room is best because it will allow them to feel and be more involved in the activity because you (and the new sibling) are in their turf.
- Put a nursing chair or rocker in the designated area
- Make sure it is comfortable enough to nurse baby in
- It can also be helpful if the chair is big enough to fit you, nursing baby, and toddler all at once. Our toddler likes to sit on my lap while I am nursing our newborn so a bigger chair can be useful at times.
- Here are some examples of great nursing chairs:
- This is like the one we have from Target
- This one also looks great
- Have a table or bin next to the rocker with nursing essentials
- A list of essentials for us include:
- Water
- Boppy or other nursing pillow
- Spit up rags – This Shop has adorable handmade ones
- Pacifier
- Have a Toy Bin designated for your toddler
- This bin of toys is only allowed to be played with while in the “Nursing Room/Corner”
- Put toys in here that your toddler can play with unassisted so that he/she does not get hurt and does not need your help
- Make a Magnetic Play Board to keep Toddler busy
- This board has been a wonderful activity for Little Ox #1 while I am nursing our new little one.
- You can use any oil drip pan or a magnetic board like This One from IKEA
- We also bought adorable magnets like THESE for him to use with it
- This has been one of my favorite purchases for our son – it keeps him busy the whole time I am nursing Little Ox #2
These things have allowed me to easily handle both boys at the same time, without needing to jump up in the middle of nursing to stop my toddler from drinking the dog water or trying to climb on the kitchen table.
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Oh my…great post! Pinned and tweeted. Thank you for being part of our party. I hope to see you on tonight at 7. Lou Lou Girls
Thanks! I’m glad I could be a part of it!
Great ideas, setting up a nursing station in the toddler’s room is a good idea. We did a whole lot of reading while I nursed. A LOT.
Thanks! This system has really worked for us! 🙂