How do I keep my son quiet when the baby's sleeping?

Question

I have a 6 month old girl and a 7 year old boy. When the baby's sleeping - it's difficult to keep my son quiet. I've had to not allow his friends inside while the baby's sleeping. If he wakes up the baby, I snap at him and later regret it. It's just so frustrating. He has never had to watch his volume in our house before, so I know it's hard for him. We live in a small one story home. Suggestions?

Answer 1

I had this same problem. Its not possible, nor is it really fair, to expect the older kids to be quiet. What I ended up doing was putting a white noise machine in the baby's room. She never woke up from my older boys again. Whenever possible though, I did try to keep them outside, or I would do a "special project" with them while the baby was sleeping - which usually involved baking cookies or an art project, whatever was quiet! But really, the white noise machine or even a fan is key. Good luck!

Answer 2

I wouldn't worry about the noise....the baby should come home and fit into the lifestyle you already have, BUT if silence is what she is used to when she sleeps and she wakes easily when noise occurs, then I am afraid it may be too late. So, I guess you will have to spend the naptime with your little boy, doing drawings, cutting out, watching his fave tv program (that perhaps you taped for him while he was at school), doing quiet activities or playing outside while your daughter naps. I like the idea of the fan in the bedroom, it gives a soothing noise for your daughter to sleep with and will help block out any noises outside her room.

Answer 3

So your older son cant make any noise cause this new baby might wake up? Come on Mom ! Give him a break, i understand if they are yelling or arguing but normal conversation, the television etc that baby needs to learn to sleep through them. It really isnt fair to constantly shush him -its his home too and he has rights ( at least I think )

Answer 4

A sound machine for the babies room might help. Or even a fan. You wouldnt have to point it at the baby.

As for the boy, if your daughter is on a schedule, plan a quiet activity for the nap time, such as art or building projects.

Answer 5

First of all, STOP making your 7 year old be quiet and not allowing his friends over!!!!!!!!
This is a big big mistake many parents make. You just live life normal and the newest member becomes accustomed to the noise and sleeps right through it. If you want to, turn a radio on (in the room the baby is sleeping in). It's better to get babies used to noise than to make it quiet all the time.

Answer 6

The best thing to do is let your baby get use to noise. Trust me she will sleep alot better if you allow noise and she adapts to it during her naps. I went through the same thing when i had my second child. I also run a daycare and never have a problem with children sleeping because they are use to the noise. good luck.I hope this helps.

Answer 7

I would suggest that you sit down and play a quiet game with him. Like coloring, then after a few times you tell him OK this is quiet time now so we need to do something quiet. Then let him tell you what he wants to do, or you tell him this is quiet coloring time. Or watching TV, something that will not get him riled up. Or send him to one of his friends houses during that time.

Answer 8

How about doing a quiet activity with him during baby's nap time. Like reading together or doing a craft?

Answer 9

Seven years old is old enough to understand. He might forget from time to time, but just keep reminding him and he'll get used to it. Good luck :o)