Inside: 4 Things Moms Need to Have When They Have a Fussy Baby and an Active Toddler. Collaborative post.
Life with a newborn and a toddler isn’t easy. Toddlers still need attention from their parents, not only because they are still babies themselves, but because having a new sibling can make them feel anxious.
As the Mental Health Foundation asserts, this can affect them mentally, which is why it is crucial to still provide attention and spend time with your toddler while caring for your baby.
Taking care of both children will be difficult, to say the least, but there are things that can make the process easier. Below are some essentials that can help:
Baby Carrier
Carrying your baby while you attend to your toddler is not only a safety risk but also a hassle. By using a carrier, you can have your newborn close to you without having to use your arms. These have a definite shape, are easily wearable, and provide support for your baby. For instance, you can also explore and buy ring sling at Wildbird, or other reputable shops, which offers comfort and convenience for both you and your little one.
The Pao Carrier from We Made Me is suitable for babies from 4 months old up until 36 months. The straps offer support making it perfect for walks or simply doing chores around the house. It also comes with a pull-out hood to protect your baby, especially in outdoor environments.
Double Prams
It would be impossible to take strolls with both your children if your newborn is in your arms. According to NI Direct, toddlers may experience growing pains, more so after being active for long periods. Though this does not cause long-term harm, they may feel uncomfortable continuing walking when you’re out for a stroll.
The double prams on iCandy can carry a total weight of up to 25 kg, making them capable of carrying both a baby and a toddler. It can also be converted to a single pushchair, which will allow you to push your baby around while your toddler walks with you.
Door Barriers
Your toddler may be eager to help you with your newborn, but make sure to only encourage this when supervised by you or an adult. Toddlers may want to share their food with the baby, for instance, which can lead them to choke.
They may also want to try to rock their cot, which could overturn it. Door barriers are the most fitting way to keep an eye on your toddler in another room while you attend to your baby, and vice versa. They only cover the lower half of a doorway, so it prevents your toddler from getting into your newborn’s area without supervision.
It will prove to be useful when your newborn starts crawling, too, to prevent them from getting out of the room and hurting themselves.
High Chairs
Feeding time will be a handful for a mom of a toddler who may still be learning to eat on their own, since the baby still needs complete guidance. High chairs ensure your toddler’s safety and comfort while eating. The Stokke high chair from Tripp Trapp grows with your child.
The adjustable seat and footplate allow it to be modified for a newborn, toddler, or even a child. This high chair is built to last, and it is easy to clean since there are no gaps for food to get stuck.
Living with a newborn and a toddler is a handful, and things will be difficult early on. Soon, you will have a routine that will work for you, your baby, and your toddler, but in the meantime, having the right essentials will be a great help to find your rhythm.