Have any Feb 2012 mom's have other children at home?

Ellaina - posted on 08/20/2012

My baby girls are 13 months apart. My oldest will be 20 months on the 27th and my youngest lo turned 6 months on the 14th. When I need to feed my youngest I try to involve my oldest..I will say can you find the wipes for mommy? Can you go find your sippy or book? This keeps her distracted. Really sometimes you can only choose who needs you the most at one time. I am sure you are doing the best you can.

Jenjen - posted on 06/22/2012

Hiya
I have a 8 yr old girl, and three boys 6, 4 and 4mths and like you sometime i find it overwhelming, esp when i have to going shopping with them all. But i find it easier esp with the older ones to give them a list of thing to help me. Such as what items of food we need. I don't know if this will help, but i find when the 4 yr old wants attention when i'm feeding the baby is to read him a book or ask him to help me by doing something for me like fetching nappies, ect...... maybe you could sing some nursery ryhmes together??? I hope this could help :) and enjoyed them as they grow so quick.

Sherri - posted on 05/14/2012

Plan out activities, snacks, drinks or even TV time right before you need to feed your baby that way the older one is entertained during that time.

Michelle - posted on 05/14/2012

i have a 23 months old girl .and a 3months old little girl .when ever im feeding my 3months old my 23months old wont me or when im doing something with the little one the big one wonts me has any one got any tips pls thanks x

Nikki - posted on 04/25/2012

Hey there i know how u feel, i have 2 boys 5 and 3 and just had a baby girl on the 9th of feb. and i know how u feel when i brought her home the kids kinda got needy but i tried to give them an activity to do keep calm and explain that right now baby needs me and then when im done i say ok boys your turn thank you for the patience. Hope it helps but i will get better. ;)

Sherri - posted on 04/02/2012

I have a 15yr old, 13yr old and 5yr old all boys.

Kristin - posted on 03/28/2012

I have a soon to be 18 month son and my baby girl was born Feb 28th. We've definitely got our hands full! I will be reading these comments and appreciate advice as well. Although, things are going smoother than anticipated, I'm not exactly sure how to get out of the house with both of them in a functional way...by myself anyway.

Krystal - posted on 03/14/2012

I have an almost 6yr old, a 3yr old and a 5wk old. Balancing time between the kids is hard, I am very fortunate that my husband gets home from work at 5pm, so dinner is done early then homework/playtime can be done after that. 4 hands are better than two! Our new babe can sleep in the transportable bassinet we have, or chill out having tummy time while we divide and conquer the other two.

During the day its just my son and youngest daughter at home, so after school drop off, its baby/mummy time, then when she sleeps (which is alot at the moment), DS and I get to play and have mummy/son time. I find that getting down to his level, paying FULL attention to him and doing what he wants when its his "turn" with mummy (or daddy) helps with other times when he has to wait. Also having a lunch box in the fridge with snacks and lunch in it (just like his school aged sister) helps, as I can tell him when he gets hungry to go and get something from his lunch box. I also make sure his drink bottle is filled and also in the fridge.

Sometimes just having things organised, like fun activities to do with your 22mth old, and having her food/drink prepared before she's asking for it really helps. We also use routine charts, they help alot!

Kat - posted on 03/10/2012

i have a 22 month old and now a 2.5 week old newborn, both boys. my toddler has always been very clingy to me and also quite sensitive. i was really concerned about bringing home baby however he is adapting really well with some of our techniques. we let him know it is "his baby" too and let him hold the baby on his lap whenever it is suitable. we get him to help with diaper changes by passing the diapers/wipes/etc. he had a hard time with baby nursing since i weaned him early to prepare for baby, but now he understands that he is a big boy and "boob is for the baby" and wants to share and help the baby eat by holding the baby's head to my breast or rubbiing his back whille he nurses. He brings the soother whenever baby cries and we allow him to turn on the swing for us and cover the baby with a blanket. All of these "tasks" have really quickly allowed him to go from the jealous big brother to the loving helpful big brother (most of the time). Best of luck :)

Amy - posted on 03/07/2012

Thanks Ladies

All of your ideas have helped me so much. My daughter is starting to understand that mommy has 2 baby girls now and that she is just as special as the new baby. I have been getting her to help me when ever she can and she has her own baby doll she calls "her baby Alyssa". For the most part things are getting a little better. :)

Colleen - posted on 03/07/2012

I also have a 22 month old and a 3 week old. When I am nursing, we have a special box, with crayons and a coloring book, for my daughter to play with. So far, it works, and she loves her special coloring time. Also, she loves to be helpful, so she started wanting to throw my sons dirty diaper away while I am changing him. She feels needed and loves knowing she is helping mommy.

Jennifer - posted on 03/05/2012

I have a 3 year old a 15 month old and a newborn

I try to distract my 15 month old during feedings my making sure that she has a snack or favorite toy to play with. My 3 year old "helps" with the baby so she feels included. These things work for me most of the time but there are still times when I have all 3 piled in my lap and other times when they are all crying at the same time. Just try to be calm and quick on your feet. Accept help whenever it is available

Wisal - posted on 03/02/2012

I have a 5 year old boy and a 2 and a half year old girl plus my one month old girl of course..I also feel overwhelmed sometimes but I found out that letting them play, sing and talk to baby helps. I also put her on their labs and tell them she's their baby too.I tell them I love them and talk about something special or a plan to go out or whatever while I'm busy with the baby.hope I helped :)

Danielle - posted on 03/01/2012

when you find out, let me know. i have a 3 yr old as well and it is definately challenging.

Cheryl - posted on 02/24/2012

I have 3 boys now. 7 1/2, 3 1/2 and the newborn. Yours are much closer in age than mine but I will tell you that my 3 1/2 year old is a very high energy boy and needs a lot of attention. He sleeps with me and just weaned about 2 months ago. My advice, get help as much as you can. My husband and mom help a tonne! Try to include your older daughter in your "duties" with the newborn and spend at least a little time one on one with her. The transition is always a little difficult. Hang in there!