Advice from those with toddlers and newborns

[MegBusset]

I have a newborn DS2 and a 2yo DS1 who loves his little brother but is rather, erm, enthusiastic in his affections (likely to trample him while attempting to hug and kiss him).

ATM DS2 is spending most of the time asleep in his carrycot (he's only five days old) but he's starting to wake a little between feeding and sleeping and I won't be able to leave him in the carrycot all day. I've got a sling but wonder what else I can do with him -- DS1 used to just lie on a mat on the floor but DS2 will get squashed by DS1 if I do that! I've got a bouncy chair but again if I put it on the floor, DS1 will be all over him.

So is there something I can put him in where he'll be able to look around but will be a bit protected from DS1? Am I going to have to give in and get a playpen or does anyone have better ideas?

I have a new born well she's 12 weeks now so techinically not new born anymore and 2 other children. I just don't leave DD in the room on her own with the youngest - he is 3 as he means well but he is a bit heavy handed. I have a bouncy chair which I move from room to room with me, or a sling, or her playmat, or put her in her pram with some hanging toys to amuse her.

Your DS2 (many congratulations btw) is only 5 days old so he is still a novelty in your DS1s eyes. Give it a bit longer and he won't be as enthusiastic with him. It's a very tiring phase which doesn't help either but enjoy them both

Ds was 19mths when DD was born (she's 6mths now). I had the same thoughts as you have as DS was always on his playmat when he was a baby.

My DS quickly got used to DD. We gave him lots of "being gentle" demonstrations (stroking her face etc..) and touch wood he's been ok with her. Once or twice he has hurt her by accident and the amount of noise and crying that followed put him off doing it again I think! And I didn't leave her prone on the floor while he was about until I felt he was used to her and we've never had a squashed or trampled baby incident (yet).

Now she can sit up though he keeps giving her cuddles and toppling her over! Personally I think your DS1 will be fine once he can get used to DS2 being on the mat and the novelty has worn off a bit. And DS2 will LOVE just watching DS1 rampaging about. Better than any baby gym!

And congratulations!

I used to have a travel cot with a play mat, etc in it in the diner bit of our kitchen/diner when DD was tiny and DS was then 2. If I was doing something that meant I couldn't keep a constant eye on DD and she was awake, she would go in there, if asleep she would be in her cot upstairs. I didn't think DS would deliberatly hurt DD just fall on her, drop heavy toys, etc....

Exactly two years between mine and tbh that over affectionate thing is still a problem 7.5 months later.

I think you just have to be vigilant. I got DD a jumperoo so that she's protected somewhat from DS.

I have a 2.6 yr old and a nine month old so I had a similar gap. Lots of books and explaining to the older one - practicing with dolly helped. But we did end up getting a playpen in the end - just because I needed somewhere to safely dump DS when I had to go to the loo that DD couldn't get in and he couldn't get out. Got a really good pine solid one - it does take up a bit of room but DS has enough room to romp - though he's getting too old for it now (want to buy it?)

By three months I'd take DS in the kitchen and sit him in a high chair while I cooked and DD played.

The other thing is newborns are despite appearances,quite hardy. DS has been sat on a few times with no lasting injuries.

Thanks for your replies. We do have a travel cot so I might set that up in the living room as an emergency holding pen for DS2.