Parenting a toddler when you have another baby

Having toddlers certainly has its own challenges. Even though he is only 2 or 3 years old, his active behavior here and there can really make you tired to face it. Especially if you also recently gave birth to a second child. Hmmm…. Can you imagine what the hassle is? So, how do you take care of a toddler if you also have babies? Check out the 5 tips in this article.

How to raise a toddler when you have another baby

Taking care of two young children at home can be tiring, especially for the mother. But still, here are some tips for dividing your time to take care of your toddler if you've just had another baby.

1. Register the eldest to the playgroup or PAUD

Tips for parenting toddlers if you are also the first baby is to put the eldest into playgroup or Early Childhood Education (PAUD) three days a week for a few hours. In addition to giving the eldest child the opportunity to interact while studying with his friends, this method will also give you time to sleep or relax for a while with your baby.

2. Prepare a special play area at home

If you are raising toddlers and babies, setting up an area where the children can play on their own is very important. Especially for the eldest. Create a special play area at home with a wide selection of creative and educational games such as puzzles, flash card, blocks, legos and coloring supplies that are generally liked by children. This place will be your little one's favorite place to spend time playing at home.

Now, when your little one is busy playing, you can do other activities, from breastfeeding or even cleaning the house.

3. Set the nap hours for both children to be the same

It seems that this method will be easier said than done. Indeed, it will take quite a lot of time and effort to get your little one getting used to napping. However, in fact, adjusting the nap hours for the little one and the baby at the same time will help the mother a little to be able to just rest doing other activities at home. Napping in addition to providing benefits so that your little one can rest, will also teach your little one to learn time discipline.

4. Tell a story together

To persuade the older brother to go to sleep, you can ask him to tell a story. Whether it's stories about fairy tales or about his childhood. You can also tell how you used to care for your eldest baby as a baby and then compare it to how you cared for him now. Create an interesting story so that your little one will listen to your story.

5. Give understanding

If your oldest child is cranky and spoiled - not really crying, just looking for attention, but on the other hand you are breastfeeding, make sure you tell him gently, for example, "Just a minute, honey or just a minute, honey, I want to breastfeed your sister first …" "That way, children will understand and understand your condition.

What to watch out for when parenting a toddler if you have a baby

Take advantage of your experience in caring for the first child, even though the first child is different from the second child, at least the experience with caring for the first child will be useful. If your child is two years old or less, face the fact that in the next few months you will have tough days, be it logistical, social, or bedtime.

This will continue until your children are able to go to the toilet by themselves and are able to do little things on their own. Gradually, you will get used to being busy caring for two children. Even though it is tiring, believe that your days are also full of humor, jokes and laughter.

Most importantly, don't forget to rest while you can and take care of your health condition so that it remains excellent to take care of your baby and family. In addition, also share the same affection with both of them. Never be one-sided by loving one of them more.