Parenting a toddler and a newborn can feel overwhelming. If that’s where you find yourself right now, this post is for you.
Dear mom of a toddler and a newborn . . .
I can’t believe my little Sofia is one now. Where did her first year go?? I miss that tiny newborn, but at the same time I wouldn’t trade the stage she’s in now for anything. What a fun little girl God gave us!
Since Sofia’s birthday a month ago, I’ve found myself thinking back to when she was born and the days that followed.
I remember wondering how I was going to take care of this tiny newborn with an energetic toddler running around.
I remember watching my husband drive off on his first day back to work. I sat down on the floor and cried. I was still recovering – how was I going to do this?
Well, spoiler alert: I survived. 😉
That first day one of my younger sisters came over and entertained Caleb for awhile. I was SO grateful. And in the days that followed life slowly fell into a rhythm. A new rhythm.
During one of those first days when I was feeling overwhelmed I posted about how I was feeling in a Facebook mom group that I’m a part of. I so appreciated all the words of solidarity and encouragement that those moms gave me. That’s what I want to do in this post today. If you’re a new mom of a toddler and a newborn, this post is especially for you.
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It’s going to be ok.
First of all, take a big breath. Know that you are going to be ok. It WILL get easier. Take things one day (and sometimes one hour) at a time.
Know that things will be different this time with both a toddler and a newborn, and that’s ok. You may not rock this baby to sleep quite as often as your first, but baby will be just fine. Sometimes baby may need to cry a minute while you help your toddler, but again, baby will be just fine.
Here are a few things that I found helpful at the beginning of this new phase:
Practical suggestions for the mom of a toddler and a newborn:
The whole “sleep when baby sleeps” thing doesn’t work as well when you have a toddler too, but whenever possible try to put the kids down to nap at the same time.
Have a few special new toys/books to pull out for your toddler while you feed the baby.
Strap your toddler in a highchair or booster seat for activities like:
- play-dough
- coloring (this is hit or miss with Caleb but is always worth a try!)
- sticker book
- water paint book (we love these Water Wow! books from Melissa and Doug!)
- snacks
- watching a show (we’re big fans of Daniel Tiger)
Give your toddler a mid-morning quiet time in their crib or a room with a baby gate. We already did this before Sofia was born so Caleb was used to it, and we still do it at least a few mornings a week. I usually cut up an apple for Caleb and he sits in his crib, eats, and looks at his books. Having a little mid-morning breather can be so helpful for me and it’s good for Caleb too.
Try to get outside for at least a little while every day. Fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for your mood! Plus it’s so good for your toddler.
When you’re feeling down, play music; light a candle; open the shades and let the sun in; get dressed if you’re not; have a snack; Facetime/Skype a friend.
Load up the kids and go for a little drive if you’re going stir-crazy.
Don’t feel bad asking for help – even just an older kid to come and play with the toddler can be a lifesaver.
And finally, pray. I love Psalm 61:2 –
From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
God made you a mother and He is going to walk with you through each and every stage. Cry out to Him and let Him be your strong rock.
I ended my recent post about moms missing church with Isaiah 40:11. The verse ends with these words: “He gently leads those that have young.” What a beautiful promise to hold onto!
While this stage of parenting a toddler and a newborn may feel overwhelming, I promise that it holds a LOT of joys as well. Watching your kids slowing bond; noticing the similarities and differences between both of them; seeing your youngest start copying everything your oldest does; eventually watching (and helping) them learn to share.
Cherish those sweet moments with your toddler and your baby and lean on God through the tough ones. You’ve got this friend! 🙂
Having a long day at home with your kiddos? Here’s what helps (and what doesn’t!)
Are you a fellow mom? I’d love to connect with you! Leave a comment below or visit me over on my Instagram page.
Ah, I remember those days. Survival is key. I used to think nothing ever got done, but somehow we were just fine.
Sometimes just keeping the kids safe, fed, and happy is all that needs to get done. Thanks for your comment! 🙂
Well, I’m not a mom yet, I’m almost 22 years old so there’s still time haha. But I always find these mom blogs really sweet. ^_^
Haha thanks 🙂 Well I hope you get to be one some day!
I still only have one baby but I too remember wondering how I was going to survive when my husband went back to work and I didn’t have a second set of hands! Lord only knows how I’ll be once we have #2!
I’m currenting going through this phase with a 2 year old and a 2 month old. I question daily if I can do this and do this right. I’m looking to soak up the days that feel like I’m rocking the mom of two and really rely on God when I feel utterly overwhelmed. Thank you for the article. It made me feel less alone. 🙂
Thanks for commenting Johna! That’s a tough stage to be in with a 2 yr old and 2 month old but it’s going to get easier I promise!! ❤️
love this! I have a 16 month old and a 3 month old and it sure does keep you on your toes!!
I’ve got a 2yr old and a 4mo old now and we are slowly getting there! And you’re right sometime it is an hour at a time. Being a mom is so rewarding and I thank God everyday for my boys
You’re right, it is so rewarding! Tough at times, but totally worth it!
I am currently at this phase right now with a 2 year old and a 1 month old, both boys. Tears fell off as I was reading this. It gets overwhelming most of the time but i get too busy or tired to even feel it. Now that i read your article and realized other moms are experiencing this too, i got so overwhelmed that I couldn’t help but cry. Glad that i have time to cry now coz both of my babies are sleeping since it is 4 in the morning here. Anyways, thanks much for this article. It helps boost my morale as a tired but happy mom.😘😉
This was awesome and just what I need I have a 15 mth old and a baby due in March. My mind has been running ,trying to figure out just how I’m going to manage and this helped 🥺 thank you
Thank you Ma for sharing your experience. I have a 2 year one month old and a 6 weeks baby. I downloaded new apps on my Tablet that helps to keep him busy. Apps by RV studios and others, they have been wonderful. I’m so grateful for the scriptures that you shared and I continue to ask God for strength everyday. Getting someone to help is great especially when you need to go back to work.
It’s 3:45 am and my 1 month old is restless and crying so loudly that she almost wakes up her 21 month old sister, I have been feeling so overwhelmed and tired all the time, this post has certainly helped me… the Bible verses are reassuring and exactly what I needed to hear.. thank you
Ahh Celestine I’m glad it was encouraging. Keep your chin up! It gets easier after those first couple months ❤️❤️