Getting toddler to nap now I have a newborn.

[TitchyWitch]

Today I had my first half day on my own with my 22 mo DD and my 2 week old. I managed to take them both to playgroup and then to the park. I even managed not to get too stressed when we got caught in the rain with no coats or raincoveer for the buggy. But I ended up in tears as I just couldn't get my toddler down for a nap.

We have always taken her to her room, dimmed the lights, put her in a grobag and read a couple of stories with her on my lap and she is usually very good.

I hadn't planned what to do with the newborn and started off with her in the room on the changing mat but my toddler got really upset having her in there so I took the baby next door and put her in her cot. After a few mins she started crying so I went and got her and tried to read stories holding her with us all sitting on the floor but my toddler just didn't see it as nap time and wouldn't settle.

Am I going to have to leave the baby to cry or is there another way. What has worked for you? I feel like a failure as I really don't think I can do it and I'm scared of another day on my own. My DH has come home and is still trying to get the toddler to nap 2 hours later.

Well done, the first day on your own with 2 is an absolute nightmare. Your DD1 needs to adjust too and will nap again when she learns the new routine. Will DD2 go in a bouncy chair - do you have one? I found this was a godsend for times like this. Or can you get the baby settled first? The naptime may need to change a little. Stick with it and you will come through.

v good advice from mnistooaddictive - You're doing ever so well going out with them on your first half day with them alone! My two are 25 months apart so not too different. When DS2 was little I used to put the bouncer 'on' to vibrations and music so it would just about keep him going. However sometimes I just had to bite the bullet and put him in another room where he might cry just so I could get DS1 to nap/ or to bed (as I do bedtime before DH gets home). It's tough, it still is sometimes, but it's important for your toddler to know that you do put them first sometimes. If your toddler is upset by the baby crying that could be another thing though, sorry DS1 is pretty oblivious to DS2's tears!

Thank you both, I feel so down today but really it was a good day so should try to remember the good bits! I think I'll see if I can beg, borrow or steal a bouncy/vibrating chair and give it a go. It is so hard to just take it all in your stride when you are tired.