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Taking Care of a Newborn… While Raising A Toddler

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5205104107_cb4d130165_zAbout a month ago, my sister gave birth to her daughter. Her other child is two years old. So, things can be pretty chaotic at her place. I go over there every few days, and it always seems like she’s walking on a tightrope, trying to balance the newborn’s needs and the toddler’s. It can get a little crazy, but it’s not impossible. If you are pregnant with your second child, while still raising a toddler, it can be intimidating. However, there are lots of benefits of having children close together in age! They’ll go to school together, probably be closer friends, and have similar interests at the same time. For tips on juggling your newborn and your toddler, read this article by Jen at Breastfeeding Needs:

-Help your toddler become more independent before the baby’s birth. Try to help her go to bed on her own, use the stairs, begin potty training, etc.

-Consider having your toddler stay with a relative during the first week or two after the birth

-Try to sync up their nap/sleep schedules. Sometimes, someone will be screaming, and that’s okay! The easiest way to do this is by putting the baby in a rocker/swing, while taking care of your toddler yourself.

-Try baby-wearing. It makes keeping up with your toddler easier!

Photo Credit: The Wu’s Photoland

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Toddler Swim Lessons

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14213456794_6e44ac97be_zMy family has a horror story that we tell the kids to get them to be careful around pools. When she was four years old, my cousin ran outside when her mom wasn’t looking, and fell into their pool. By some miracle, her mom went outside shortly after and saw her floating there. She was able to get her out and save my cousin’s life, but it was obviously a huge scare for everyone. Soon after that, my dad signed my sister and I up for swimming lessons at our local pool.

It’s Summer now, and swimming during the Summer is one of the best parts of being a kid. You can’t live your life in fear, so it’s important to instead teach your kids about water safety and get them floating and swimming as early as possible. Read this article by Jillian Downer at eHow for how to teach your toddler to swim (or at least float and wait for help):

-Introduce your baby to water (outside the bath) as early as 3 months old.

-Stay in the shallow area around the steps; a child will feel more comfortable if his feet can touch the floor.

-Learn to blow bubbles in the bathtub

-Slowly escalate by getting ears wet, submerging face, then submerging head under water (at their own pace)

-Learn to kick

-Teach your child to float on their back

Photo Credit: Vince Smith

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Getting Your Toddler To Sleep In A Bed

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When my nephew was born, my sister got him one of those cribs that can be converted into a bed as the child ages. Well, he’s spent the last few weeks sleeping in the bed! He’s really excited- and loves doing “big boy” things like getting himself dressed, using the toilet, and yes, sleeping in a bed. However, it’s a lot harder on my sister. Now, instead of being safely caged in at night (haha), he’s free to get up. It’s a scary thought, especially since he knows how to open the front door. That’s why I was excited to find this article by Nina at Sleeping Should Be Easy. It has several awesome tips on how to keep your toddler safe and happy in his new bed:

-Install a toddler rail so they don’t fall onto the floor

-Explain the rules- tell them they have to stay in bed until mom and dad comes and gets them up

-Use a nightlight, make their bedroom safe and comfortable

-Consider putting a safety lock on the doorknob inside the room, or install a baby gate.

-Check in every few minutes.

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Do NOT Do This If You’re Pregnant

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Most people are aware of the basics- don’t drink alcohol, smoke, or lift anything heavy during your pregnancy. Certain types of shellfish and changing kitty litter (being exposed to ammonia) are also big no-nos. It can seem restrictive, but when it comes to the health of your child, I don’t see why anyone would risk it. For a complete list of activities, food, and medications to avoid when pregnant, read this post by Marissa at Kindred Bond:

-Do not eat anything raw, uncooked, or fish that contain mercury

-Do not eat/drink anything unpasteurized.

-Avoid aspirin, Tylenol, “natural”/herbal supplements, and regular vitamins.

-Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time

-Don’t travel for long periods of time during your third trimester

-Do not participate in any high risk or contact sports, like water skiing, snowboarding, or scuba diving.

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Kid Gifts That Will Make Their Parents Hate You

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When I was growing up, my parents’ motto when it came to gift giving was “no toys that make noise!”. And for good reason. While kids love basically any kind of loud, annoying, messy toy, they are complete nightmares for parents. So, if there is a loved little one in your life with a birthday coming up, or you are getting a jump on holiday shopping, please read this article by Michelle Myers at Sunshine and Hurricanes for toys to avoid like the plague:

-Anything that breathes- NEVER give animals as gifts. Ever. It’s a commitment, not a toy.

-Glitter, paint, moonsand, playdough, etc.- crayons and coloring books are fine.

-Musical instruments, or toys with annoying sounds

-Stuffed animals- kids already have enough, and they seem to constantly be multiplying.

-A toy that requires batteries without the batteries.

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Stressed Out Kids? Read This.

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For those of you who aren’t parents (or don’t remember your own childhoods very well), you might be thinking- “What on Earth could a KID be stressed about? All they have to do is go to school, and play around. They don’t have to work or pay bills.” Well, kid stress is very real. Especially when it COMES to school- they have to deal with standardized tests that define their entire academic career, loads of homework, subjects they’re not strong in, tests, pop quizzes, dress codes, schedules,- not to mention OTHER kids. Peer pressure, bullying, online drama, and the constant push to conform to social standards is so extreme when you’re a kid that it can seem impossible to survive middle or high school. If you’re even slightly different- gay, overweight, disabled, a minority, an immigrant, a “different” religion, etc.- the teasing skyrockets. Add into that hormones, depression, anxiety, and bodily changes, plus anything going on outside of school- extracurricular activities, moving to a new town, parents who fight (or who are getting a divorce), fights with friends or siblings- kids have plenty to stress about. But, instead of reminding them of all the crap they have going on in their lives, it’s our job as parents to help them get through it. For tips on how to help your kids deal with stress, read this very important post by Kori at Kori At Home:

-Recognize the symptoms- depression, withdrawal, and erratic sleep / eating patterns can all be signs of a bigger problem.

-LISTEN to them. Really listen. Look at body language, listen to passing complaints and comments.

-Express empathy- verbally express that you know what they’re going through and you understand that it hurts. Share an example from your life if you can.

-Help your child be proactive- work with them to find solutions on how to improve whatever they’re going through. Make a list together of things that can help.

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