Childcare - feel sad for my toddler....

hi lisalisa, it is only been since January. I agree with others to find a nursery or cm for him in the meantime, if possible. Otherwise it is only one more month.

Perhaps your new nanny/aupair can start asap, even before your MIL leaves.

What a sweet ds you have. Treasure him. I have to say that neither dd nor ds would have tolerated any of this lying down in bed business for even a second and would become very 'vocal'.

why don't you put him into a nursery for a few hours every morning - perhaps from 9-12?

The nursery would REALLY wear him out (my toddler is always exhausted when he gets back). Then your MIL can put him to bed with a clear conscience knowing that he actually needs the rest.

It sounds as if he is a sociable little soul longing for more fun, so would probably thrive at nursery. I was very ambivalent about sending my DS to one (wanted a childminder but couldn't find a candidate I was happy with) but he absolutely adores it - I promise you I am not saying this to comfort you! In fact he had a tantrum last week because he wanted to go to nursery on the day I don't work.

What about a nursery? I woud look for something ASAP

Aww the wee pet.

I know a woman who looks after her grandson & she never lets him out of his playpen

I think you're doing the right thing getting a nanny.

If you just have one small child & the rest are school age, have you thought about a c/minder?

Thank Goodness you have recognised how dull his life currently is and that he is docile but it should not mean he is ignored.
He does need more activity and stimulation although he has probably developed independent play by now.
Perhaps a toddler group or at least a play friend? He will be missing the development of the interaction with his peer group. This can be caught up though as you have identified how tedious his days currently are.