Top tips for entertaining a toddler whilst bf'ing a newborn?

[needabetternickname]

Help! DD1 is 20mo and DD2 10 days. DH has just gone back to work this week and I'm 2 days in to life at home with both of them on my own....DD1 is starting to show real signs of anger that the baby is still here- my gorgeous affectionate little girl is so angry with me and has a tantrum about everything. I know none of this is unusual bit it's still quite upsetting and hard to know how to deal with. In particular, she's getting really cross when she sees me feeding the baby and tries to pull her away and hit me and the baby. I'm trying to just ignore her when she does that, rather than get really cross and make it into a bit deal. No idea if that's the right approach or not but it feels right for now. But I am desperate for ideas and tips you all have on how best to keep her distracted and entertained whilst I feeding. Feeding still a bit tender so I'd rather be sitting comfortably and not moving too much, although appreciate that may not be totally realistic. But there is only so much Peppa Pig I can watch! What other suggestions do you have? Thanks!

How about reading a book (or many!). I used to get set up with a whole pile of books for DS1, use lots of cushions to prop everyone up, get into bed, and read through the pile.

After that much attention I found that DS1 was then happy to wander off for a bit and do his own thing.

Cbeebies ?

If she likes books, maybe you could take a pile of them with you when you feed and read to her? This may grate as much as Peppa Pig eventually, but it's an option if you can get yourself settled in the right position and you don't need 2 hands to feed.

FWIW, I would also not make a big deal out of the hitting at the moment, although I probably would give it a firm "No". 20 months is a bit small to get anything more than that IMO. Obviously if it carries on then maybe a different tack is required.

X-post with jamais

Book and Cbeebies both v good suggestions, although annoyingly she seems to have a 5 min concentration span for anything other than Peppa and George, where her love is unlimited! I just don't love the idea of plonking her in front of DVD everytime I feed as it feels like really bad parenting. But I guess for the next few weeks I shd probably just do anything I can for an easy life with the baby.

Something I found helped with the jealousy aspect was to play up (early on) how much the baby loved the older sibling.

So at any opportunity we would be saying "oh look, the baby is looking at you, he loves his big brother etc etc." ad nauseaum

It seemed to work well for us anyway!

I still think the books thing is a better idea than a dvd because you are giving her your total attention, whereas with the DVD she is being put to one side iyswim.

Actually at that age my eldest really liked "poissonrouge.com" which is an amazing site and I spent quite a lot of time feeding DS2 sitting next to DS1 who was on the computer.

If you can get the hang of feeding in a sling, even better (hands-free).

Big pile of books. The library is a good place to go when you are ready to get out and about as you can get new books plus I always felt comfortable feeding there.

Colouring books and pens.

Lego on the floor.

Sticker books (you can get Peppa ones!).

I sent off for a few new Peppa DVDs so on a really bad day when I was tired and DD2 was constantly feeding I could get out the new DVD and DD1 was v v happy!

I made sure that I had something planned most days. Mum and baby groups mainly. It helps to have something to focus the day around.

Thanks all - really helpful suggestions. Will try to put Peppa on hold for the next few days and have a big pile of books instead. Just having a lovely uninterrupted feed with the baby now, which is a nice contrast to the other ones today!

Have a special basket of toys, books and things which are perhaps chosen by her, call it her special box. The box only comes out when you are feeding and afterwards it gets packed away.
Put the occasional surprise in, like a small bag of sweets or an outfit for a doll, colouring book, but only occasionally as this keeps it special and gives it a bit of a magical touch.
The important bit is it only gets played with when you are feeding, even the youngest child will understand when you say you've nearly finished its time to pack away till next time.

I used to find magazines quite good too. Whilst feeding I could manage to help with stickers etc and then put it away till next feed.