Tips on managing toddler while nursing newborn

[NaturallyPeachey]

My DD is 3 weeks old. Things are going well and DS who is 21 months seems to be fine with everything. I do notice that when I'm busy with her needs, like nursing, changing diapers, trying to calm her down during her fussy times he gets rascally. I know he's wanting my undivided attention and I'm just not sure how to manage this. I've tried reading to him at the same time that we're nursing but it will last for about one book before he's off and running. Any tips are greatly appreciated!

[laughymama]

[JudiAU]

37 new cans of playdough and a high chair helped us. I just needed him to be safe sometimes when the baby needed attention.

Poor babe. Gets to nurse on the boppy like once a week.

[crittersmum]

Could you get DS to "help" change diapers and the like? Have him make funny faces to see if he can get the baby to smile? Or have him feed or change one of his dolls/stuffed animals?

PS I loved "rascally!"

[OTMomma]

My babe is now 5 months, so I'll share what has helped us to all get through it to this point.
Baby proof to the max! We had to baby gate ds out of the kitchen and office, so he couldn't get in those rooms without me, and to put doorknob things on the bathrooms- otherwise he was a hazard. I just couldn't watch him every minute, so I had to know he was as safe as possible when he got out of sight.

Get some bins of toys together that you can play with ds in the floor with while you nurse- blocks, cars and trains were all good for this.

I liked color wonder markers too, ds could color in my bed with me while I nursed.

I also suggest getting a sling you like and wearing baby even just in the backyard- it leaves your hands more free to help the toddler.

Peace,