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Congratulations, you just created and birthed a beautiful little human to add to your posse. It’s also pretty cool that you’re not 9 months pregnant anymore.
The first time you did this whole newborn thing, it consisted of laying around, staring at your new baby and dare I say “resting” while you were recovering from birth.
The second go around isn’t as much of a quite fairytale.
You’re up running after your toddler and dealing with melt downs all while breastfeeding.
If you’re in a house alone with multiple kids, just trying to keep it together. There’s really nothing that can save you but there are a few things I’ve realized that make life a little easier. These are the few tips that have helped me since becoming a mom of 2.
Here’s your survival guide to being alone with a toddler and a newborn.
1. Coffee, Coffee, And More...Sleep
To many this sounds like a no-brainer. Anyone with a newborn knows that sleep is a distant memory. The difference between going from 1 to 2 kids is that you still need to be fully functional for your older kid.
Waffles still need to be ready at 7am when your kid wakes up. It’s extremely hard to act like you regular self when you haven’t had much sleep at night. So have your coffee and pep it up for your first born. After all, chances are he’s in need of some extra lovin’s from his Mama during this changing time.
I’ve never been a religious coffee drinker but on those tough nights I find that it helps me get through the day and not be a complete zombie.
This last step is important, get more sleep. I’m sure people tell you all the time “sleep when the baby sleeps”. The saying has now become “sleep when your toddler sleeps”. When your toddler lets out a yawn, start heavy blinking, and is getting ready to take their afternoon nap, waste no time and lay down. It’s so worth it and you’ll be a better mama for it.
2. Get A Baby Wrap
Seriously, your life will be 1,000% better when you can just strap your baby to your chest and get sh*t done.
You can even breastfeed in it (although make sure your baby’s nose is never covered while in the wrap).
And the best part is that you’ll have two, yes two, hands to do things with.
I personally use the Ring Sling. Not only can it be worn as a wrap or a sling, it’s so comfy and my favorite thing about it is the price!
It’s $33 bucks! Most other wraps around are in the $5o dollar range and I ain’t got time for that. I’m a Mom on a budget. I highly recommend it, in fact I couldn’t imagine life without it. I take it with me everywhere, to family gatherings, grocery shopping, pretty much any where that requires walking around.
Make the change, get a baby wrap, thank me later. I mean just look at that sleeping angel.
3. Give Yourself A Pep Talk
As if you’re not already talking to yourself all day long just to keep your sanity, just add some positivity to it. Talking to yourself is a vital part of getting through this phase of your life. I give myself pep talks everyday.
When both kids are screaming and are asking different demands of you and you’re completely overwhelmed
saying, “I got this” or “I can do it” out loud, may just be the encouragement you need.
Or my personal favorite, “This is only temporary.” Because it’s true, our babies are only babies temporarily. More temporary than we may realize while in the chaos of everyday .
Sometimes you just need a reminder that you got it under control.
Enjoy every second of it because it’s true what they say, it flies by.
4. The Tablet Will Be Your Best Friend
Contrary to popular belief, letting your kid spend a couple of hours on a tablet won’t fry their brains. Somedays giving your older kid a screen to put in front of their face will be exactly what you needed to your stay sane.
I mean we all know how hard it is to entertain a highly energized mini human 24/7.
We use the Kids Fire Tablet. Mainly because it’s cheaper than an iPad, comes with a case and has a 2 year warranty, because you know, kids are really good at breaking things. It’s also ready to go with kids content already loaded on it.
Easy-peasy we’ve been using ours for a little over a year. Whether it’s a road trip, lazy day or keeping him entertained while so that I can quickly cook dinner it has been a life-saver.
5. Don't Be Intimidated By Your Messy House
Don’t let that pile of laundry bully you. I mean does it really matter? At least for now. Naturally as Mom’s we think we need to have it together all the time. The guilt can creep up on you while you’re laying on the couch, exausted, watching your toddler play even though the sink is piled high with dishes.
But there’s more important things on the to-do list right now like, staring at your brand new baby and soaking in the moments of your first baby becoming an older sibling. A lot of changes are happening. The best thing we can do as a mom is be present in the moment.
Time with our little ones is very limited. Even on the tough days, remember to be gracious for the time you get to spend with your babies.
