3 year old and a newborn

[Blondeone1207]

Help! I’ve found out that I’m pregnant with my 2nd and will be due in may 2022 my daughter will be 3 in January 2022, I’m scared I will find it to much as my daughter is like a little whirlwind she doesn’t sit still, so trying to care for a newborn with a toddler I’m petrified, any help would be appreciated 🤣

You'll be fine, I had a two year old and a newborn. It was great. You just get used to it.

Good luck! You'll be fine. My daughter is 2 years and 2 months and currently 9 months pregnant with twins

Try and have your 3yo as independent as possible in things like dressing, putting on shoes, playing alone etc…
Batch cook and stock your freezer, and switch to online shopping if you haven’t already.
Use white noise for naps
If you didn’t get a bath seat for your first, then make sure you definitely get one for your second. It means you have your hands free so that you can wash both at the same time.
Save yourself from traipsing up and down the stairs and get a changing station for every floor of your home. Buy a really cheap changing mat and stash it underneath the sofa.
Get a good Thermos mug - the chances of you finishing a hot drink before it cools down to room temperature are slim to none.
Put together a ‘busy box’ with some toys which will occupy your daughter when you’re feeding your baby, or when you need your daughter to be quiet during naps. Also, swap her toys around. Gather up some toys, put them in a box and put them away for a few weeks. The items will seem new when they’re reintroduced and will make for a good distraction from the lack of your presence (for a little while, at least!).

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Fivemoreminutes1 Mon 08-Feb-21 15:10:54

Teach her how to play quietly by herself. Put her wherever you’ve decided quiet time should be (we use a pop up play tent) give her an egg timer, and assure her you’ll return when the timer is up. When the timer is up, thank her for playing quietly and reward her by either joining in with her play or reading a story. Expect some resistance at first because no one likes change. It might be a good idea to get a few new toys so that there is something special to begin this process. You could also give a small but special ‘quiet time’ snack.
Use a Snoozee sleep trainer clock for your daughter!
Take a walk every day. Even if it is -3 degrees out. 3yo needs it and baby can be well wrapped.
Get your daughter her own baby doll complete with nappy that can be changed, change mat, toy bottle etc. She can parent their baby just like you.
Involve your daughter in as much as possible in your everyday tasks. E.g. give her her own chopping board and bowl and get her to help prepare dinner.
Use a sling. It’s a life saver.
TV is fine, don't worry about it. And the house doesn’t have to be clean and tidy all the time. Don’t feel guilty!

@Blondeone1207

Help! I’ve found out that I’m pregnant with my 2nd and will be due in may 2022 my daughter will be 3 in January 2022, I’m scared I will find it to much as my daughter is like a little whirlwind she doesn’t sit still, so trying to care for a newborn with a toddler I’m petrified, any help would be appreciated 🤣

Ahhhh no 3 year old and a newborn is beautiful! I was scared as well but when I had my baby my son was 3 years 9 months and he adores his baby sister ans is super helpful xxx

I had a 2yr2 month old with a newborn and it was absolutely fine. My toddler wasn't very independent but soon learnt more independence. She learnt to be gentle with her baby brother and that sometimes we need to be quiet. They love each other now she's almost 4 and he's 21 months. Come December I'll have a 4yr2 month old, 2yr old and newborn.

I would say that I found I had to do things differently with my second to fit into the toddlers routine more. E.g. with my first I always went upstairs to her changing table for every single nappy change. This wasn't possible when dealing with a toddler and a baby so I ended up using a changing mat on the sofa for the newborn.