Ways To Entertain Your Toddler While Nursing Your Infant
Written by Lily Cecere, postpartum doula supporting families in Bucks County & Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
Breastfeeding a newborn while you have a toddler who experiences major FOMO is not easy. For one, you’re likely already feeling touched-out and overstimulated. Toys are everywhere, yet your toddler finds nothing more interesting than his mama who needs some personal space. Here are some ways to get your toddler in on the fun🤪
The nursing basket:
Find a colorful basket or bin of any size that can be the designated “(your child’s name)’s basket”. This basket is only to be used when it is time for mama to feed baby. Hide it away for the rest of the day (this keeps things exciting).
Things to include:
A coloring book & box of crayons
A puzzle
A busy book/board
Amazon: Montessori Busy Board Book for Toddlers
Amazon: Montessori Busy Board for Toddlers
Doodle Board
Charades cards
Amazon: Charades Cards for Kids
Stacking peg board
Amazon: Montessori Stacking Peg Board 33 Piece Set
A baby doll/ stuffed animal and fake baby bottle
Toddlers LOVE to feel included. So the more ways we can include them, the better. It can be as simple as asking them to get you your water cup, a burp cloth for the baby, or even inviting them to “feed”🍼 their own baby doll or stuffed animal.
Reminder❤️: You can ADORE your children and still crave a moment alone. You can want to breastfeed, and feel touched out. You may snap at your children when you’re feeling overstimulated, but it does not make you a bad mother. You are human. You are not a failure if you ask for help. It is BRAVE to recognize when you need support, and even braver to accept that help. You’ve got this mama!
