New baby and toddler

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I have a 3 week old DD and an almost 3 year old DS. Today was my first day alone with them both, and although I know a routine will come eventually, I am struggling to keep DS entertained, fed and watered while DD is breastfeeding/crying/screeching!
Any tips and ideas would be most useful - even CBeebies loses its lustre after a couple of hours

I have a just-turned 1 DS and an about-to-turn 3 DD, so I'm just emerging from the blur of the first year...I remember being terrified when I was alone with the both of them for the first time! I am ashamed to say my DD really got into watching DVDs once DS arrived

I bought a few small books, toys, colouring books etc and hid them away for times when I really needed them. Also, before sitting down for a feedathon I would make sure I had drink for me and DD, snack for DD, and a pile of books next to me, then she could sit next to me and I would read her a story.

A sling was good too, I would pop baby in the sling when he was tired and walk to the park, then DD would feel like it was just me and her on an outing. Or just walking to the shops, being out of the house makes the time pass so much quicker.

Good luck, it's hard in the early days but mine were sat together on the sofa tonight feeding each other raisins and giggling at each other...rewind 11 months and my DD was crying on the sofa while I was trying to get DS to sleep by walking up and down the hall with the hoover on!

I'm not sure I have any ideas but I wanted to say hello! and that I'm in the same position as my husband went back yesterday. I have a 2 wk old DD and a 3 1/2 yr DS. It feels like a bit of a nightmare doesn't it!

I made a 'den' for my 3 yr old yesterday and it kept him amused while I got me and the baby washed, dressed & fed. It kept him off Beebies for a bit! I am trying to take things as they come and have fairly low expectations.

Thanks cwtchy and nice to hear someone else in the same boat peanutpie! I attempted a den today too but my befuddled brain could't figure out how to make the cushions stay up so DS lost interest pretty quickly - do pass on den-making tips!

poor you - I have DD1 2.4 and DD2 9 weeks - it's still a struggle but it's getting a little easier each day so hang in there!

DD1 still watches more cbeebies than i would like to admit, i've even started buying her dvds like nemo, happy feet etc as cbeebies was driving me round the bend.

She also does lots of colouring/sticking while i'm feeding - the usbourne sticker books are really good. I quite often get her magazines too, lots of stuff to keep her amused for an hour or two. And at least once a day i try to get out with DD2 in the pushchair as she'll generally sleep and so me and DD1 can have time together in the playground or park.

In the early days DH would make sandwiches for me and DD1 before he went to work so at least i didn't have to stress about lunch.

A sling is good too - DD2 is asleep in hers now while DD1 is napping and I am farting around on mumsnet catching up on housework

good luck, just take it easy and don't expect too much of yourself.

Agree with the others- lots of cheap DVDs, a treat box (lollies, sweets, or fruit if that works!) for when times get really desperate, lots of craft items- glue, glitter, paint (it's worth the mess). Set Your DS up with something before you start feeding.

A sling for baby so you have your hands free.

Try and get DS helping at nappy change, bath time etc. She can pass you the wipes, the sponge etc.

Do simple meals for your toddler- sandwiches, pasta, keep lots of healthy snacks like bananas and raisins to hand.

Don't put pressure on yourself to keep an immaculate house. Go easy on yourself.

Ask for help and accept it when offered.

Congratulations :)

Just had a nice afternoon of play dough and cars while baby napped. Thankfully, as it is once again pouring down outside - summer eh?!
We are now fast approaching the twilight zone though so I am steeling myself (have emergency chocolate buttons at the ready)

My dds are now 3.11y and 16months. I would really recomend a good sling, I loved my Moby wrap, so you dont need to put the baby down to deal with DS.

I also found I having freinds to visit with their dc helped ,company for me and dd1 and they didn't need much encouragement to cuddle dd2.

If I was very tired I took them to the soft play, dd1 charged around, dd2 could sleep/feed and the staff would bring me cup of tea!

Like Cwtchy said its great now they can play together