I have a newborn and a 2 year old and they’re not in day care (by choice- I love being at home with them), but my husband has been on paternity leave for the past 3 months and is going back to work next week. I’m a little nervous to be at home alone with both of them trying to juggle the breastfeeding, meals for my toddler, nap times for both, etc etc. Any tips from moms in similar situations?
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Just take a deep breath. Going from 1 to 2 is a big change. I have a 8mo and a 23 month. It’s a struggle daily and I’m always learning as I go. Nobody will be perfect and if you make a mistake there’s always tomorrow. I have lost my temper with my oldest and I have felt guilt for not giving my youngest enough attention but it gets better. Theyre learning with me being in this world. They’re best friends and for nap time, just being able to get them to take a nap at least once a day makes the day feel great at the end. YOU GOT THIS MAMA!!!

Do you have time on the weekends to meal prep meals for your toddler so you can just reheat? This will help with saving time on trying to make food decisions and cooking.

Get a bucket or puzzles and colouring books anything quiet and only take it out when you need to put the newborn to sleep. Even if you put on a show who cares just do what you got to do to survive!

I was in your shoes three years ago and while it can be tough to adjust, I promise you’ll figure it out as you go. Is the weather nice where you are? I did a car nap for my toddler when it got too difficult to get him down while having a newborn. So I’d drive around, he’d fall asleep in a few minutes, get myself a McDonald’s Diet Coke and then park back at home and hang out with my baby in the front yard.
I’d be happy to talk more if you want!