5.5 month old dd and toddler ds help!

[dustyteddy]

I would really appreciate some tips on how to cope with two, I believe, very demanding (but loveable) dc's.

my dd, who is 5.5 months, never wants to be put down in her chair for more than a few mins (if that) and wants to be bf almost all day. She is also a very poor sleeper. I also have a 2.5 year old ds, who is very jealous of dd getting all the attention. He smacks her in the face, to show his jealousy.

I'm so exhausted with dealing with them both, and really feel I need a break.

My dh suggested I leave dd to cry and that I play with ds, but psychologically I just can't, I need to pick her up if she cries. I feel guilty for ds, that he is getting enough good quality time with me. WWYD?

Could your DH (or your mum, or a friend) take DD for a little while at the weekend so that you can spend some time with DS?

Or could you take to a comfy sofa with both of them and some of DS's toys and maybe talk to him about what it was like when he was a baby - happy memories abour feeding him, etc?

(about, not abour)

Would probably be inclined to leave the house

DD might be more settled in the pram, DS can toddle alongside (park? countryside/beach/place nice to toddle in?) while you chat away together looking at ducks or whatever

Good luck!

I haven't been able to give my parents my dd because she is bf and I can't express my milk very well. She also gets very upset if I leave her with anyone else. Tis a nightmare.

My parents do take ds out for me, but I know it's me that needs to be with him.

I do sit and read books with ds while I bf dd, but it just doesn't seem to be enough. He always cries for my dh every morning to come back from work, which is heartbreaking.

herbietea - dd won't sleep without being next to me. She screams if I put in her chair alone.