5 Ways to Balance a Toddler While Feeding Your Newborn

Toddlerhood can be such a fun age.

Your child is starting to become independent, mobile, and is exploring the world they live in. These are all great traits but sometimes it seems like it takes all our attention and energy to make sure they don’t explore themselves right into danger or mischief. When you have a newborn you often times need to split your attention.

No matter how you are feeding your newborn this is going to take up time in your day and your attention will shift more to your newborn.

Here are some tips to make this easier:

Set up a feeding station in a room that is childproofed and escape proof - Find the room you think will work best for you and set up a feeding station in there. This will have everything you need to comfortably feed your newborn. Next make sure the room is childproofed; this is not the time to decide that they haven’t gotten into that yet so it can wait. They will find the worst possible moment to discover whatever danger they can. Also, get down on your hands and knees and look at the world from their level. You will find all sorts of new things this way.
Have a secret stash – This is a special box or basket that you take out only when the baby is being fed. It can include books, toys, or coloring books (we suggest using something like the Crayola Color Wonder Markers if you are worried about them making their next masterpiece on the walls). Since these things come out only when the baby is eating it makes the items super special and tends to help hold a toddlers attention a little longs.
Play a game – Teach your toddler to play games like “I Spy,” “Red light, Green Light,” or “Simon Says.” You can easily facilitate these while sitting and feeding your baby.
Sing Songs – This is even better if they require participation from the toddler. The more hand motions or silly sounds they can be involved with the better. A few classic favorites are Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, The Wheels on the Bus, Old McDonald, Etsy Bitsy Spider, and Where is Thumbkin?
Hire a Postpartum Doula – Not only can they help with the 4 suggestions above, they can also play with your toddler while you concentrate on feeding your newborn. Then they can trade places with you and help out with the newborn while you get some one on one time with your older child. These chances to reconnect are golden and you can feel secure knowing everyone is being cared for in that moment.