How can I keep my just-turned 2 year old busy during the day (besides TV) while I tend to my newborn baby???

Answer 1

I have three kids. The oldest 2 are 25 months apart and then there are only 23 months after #2 before #3.

You can ask the new big sibling to help with the baby. Bring you diapers, wipes, burp cloths, bibs, socks, etc. Make a big deal of it.

Read books to the older child while tending the baby with the other hand. (OR the older child can hold the book and you tell him when to turn the page.) Tell stories that you make up together or sing songs.

Puppets are GREAT. I would nurse and hold baby with one hand and play puppets with my kids with the other. Also, little "guys" like Sesame Street figures, etc. They would play "hide and seek" under my Boppy pillow while I nursed the baby.

Sit on the floor to tend to the baby and it will make you more accessable to the older child.

Pre-fill sippys of water and put out snacks that the toddler can get for himself while you tend the baby.

I kept a table near where I sat to nurse that my older kids could color at or do playdough or puzzles. I could have one hand free to help them if they needed it.

Be sure to find some one-on-one time with the new big sibling each day if at all possible.

Answer 2

That's a tough situation. I was in that as well. I have a 5 yr old, (6 in November) a 2 yr old, and a 7 month old. It was difficult to adjust to such a busy and demanding schedule. The no-sleep, no shower, crying babies routine gets old real quick. Here's what I did:
I try to make time for each child, of course. But also, I try to keep them involved with what I'm doing. He can throw away a dirty diaper for you, or fetch a new one. He can help with laundry (folding towels, even though it will be less help for you, but fun for him) In the evenings before bed time, we have everyone on "the parent's" bed in pajamas for giggles, tickles and 'bond time'. The kids have actually gotten very close that way, too.
If each child gets quality time with you on a one-to-one basis, and also feels important and needed around the house, he will feel better to have his own play or rest time without getting jealous. Even if it's only 15 minutes, in that 15 minutes you can play patty cake, you can read a short book, you can sing songs. And that will make them feel so special.
Also, bath time can be a good bonding time. I wash mine first from head to toe, and kind of play a game, like, "Give me your little foot!" "Give me your little hand!" "Stand up, lets wash your pee-pee!" Then when he's clean, I let him play for a few minutes, and we laugh together and he loooooves the attention. All eyes on him at that time!
So, it takes a little effort, but once you start to see the results, it's so worth it.

Answer 3

My 2 year old and that i have about an hour of television time time-honored. We watch Little Einsteins noted by using JoJo's Circus on the Disney Channel. That shall we me get some issues done even as he's entertained. also, make a play section, get some toys that you'll be able to swap out, your 2 year old will imagine they have new toys to stumble on. My son has the Little people on the bypass prepare that keeps him entertained for probably about 30 min at a time.

Answer 4

As a father of three let me say that the best way to get them out of your way is to get them to help...if you encourage your 2 y/o to help you by maybe getting the diapers (clean ones only) for you or maybe the powder when it is chainging time, or perhaps carrying the bottle for you from the kitchen to wherever you will feed the baby this will encourage the big brother/sister to feel more involved and less pushed to the side. It will also keep them close to you so you can observe whatever mischief they may be getting into...hehehe
Good luck with the kids!!!!

Answer 5

I have a two year old about to be three. I usually surround her with her favorite toys and a healthy snack that is not messy like carrots or raisins. I put her in a spot where I can watch her. That usually keeps her busy for about 45 minutes at most.

Answer 6

Electronic games are good for stimulation and learning, plus they keep a busy mind engaged. They make a Leap Pad for younger kids. Put some Dr. Seuss or Winnie the Pooh books in it, and there you go!

Answer 7

Newborns require alot of time and attention and need to be fed ALOT - so maybe during feeding times bring your older one in with you, say on the bed with puzzles or coloring books and just talk to him/her while you are feeding. Make up songs and sing them with him/her. This will be stimulating for your newborn as well.

Answer 8

I have 3 children, my little one loved the playpen, I would put tons of toys into it and she would play. I did constantly rotate the toys so she didn't get too bored. If you have a climber; Good Luck. They also loved to fold my clothes, you could always give a chore like folding clothes while sitting on the bed, while you do the bedroom or be creative with what she/he likes to do. Sitting strapped in high chair painting was always good, playing with ice cubes in high chair. High Chair was good for more than eating. Crafts works well cause their washable and portable. Good Luck to you.

Answer 9

Let him/her help...get diapers for you....tell him/her a story while you feed the baby...make up to the big/brother or sister thing and let them know how much you love them and like that they are helping. Kids love to be helpers it makes them feel important and builds their self confidence. Keeping them busy on their own will only make them feel rejected.

Answer 10

do some art with your two year old give him or her some marker cut up paper paper with glue on it and let him or her just go at you'll have about 5 min of clean up but you'll gain 15 to 30 min with the baby