Keeping 14 month old amused while breastfeeding

[Italianbride]

I have a 11 day old baby and a toddler of 14 months. Toddler is not walking yet but is a very active crawler and into everything. Dad is home on paternity leave/holiday at the moment so is helping out loads but I'm scared stiff about him going back to work.

How do I keep the toddler amused/safe while I sit on the sofa feeding the baby?

Snacks and books. Especially snacks that you can share whilst feeding like breadsticks and carrot sticks with hummus or other dip or a plate of sandwiches (and other one handed food). Can be prepared in advance.

Also, Google treasure baskets. Basically, a box full of random things from round the house that toddler will find interesting. Different textures are good.

It's been a while since I made one but in our box were things like a wooden spoon, a comb, the egg holder thingy that came with the fridge, interesting bits of fabric/scarves. Things that aren't 'toys' as such so they seem more interesting and if they only come out if you need a bit of time whilst feeding they will seem more special.

(And cbeebies, of course! Everything in moderation ;))

Agree with box full of interesting things (we put an old remote control in ours, plus stacking cups, tinfoil etc) . also our DS used to love "unpacking" a bag. Also consider either a travel cot/play pen - make it into a den and you might find you get happy peace and quiet while s/he fiddles with the boxes and bag.

Other thing we used to do was have ds1 cuddle up on the other side for quiet story time during a feed so he didn't feel left out.

Ps totally agree with cbeebies/DVDs - now is NOT the time to be precious!!!!!

Thanks for the tips - I like the idea of a treasure box. I am not adverse to the tv but the toddler does not seem that bothered by it! Will have to see if I can find something he likes to watch.

We didn't need this idea in the end as DS was four and happy to play with Lego or watch cbeebies a bit but I've seen suggestions to get a few clear zip up wallets with different activities for them to flick thru and choose.

So you put them all in a box or basket and only bring them out at feed times. So maybe a few could include....

• paper and chunky crayons
• a set of farm animals
• a collection of blocks or balls
• some cotton reels and thread
• some scraps of fabric
• a DVD with lots of episodes so it's easy to start/stop

I love treasure baskets and have used them with both DC but they can take a bit of time to collect together so hopefully this idea could be started from toys you already have. The key is in them being a novelty and trying to do one activity rather than find they ransacked the house like a toddler king kong.

Also good to have a mental list before you start that they have things like drinks they might need. And always keep a secret pot of a favourite snack to lob at them if they threaten to explode with boredom just as your baby gets sleepy!