5 Tips for Parenting a Toddler and a Newborn

Parenting a toddler and a newborn is one of life's greatest (and most fun) juggling acts. 

As moms of multiples, we know the challenge of wrangling a toddler while taking care of a newborn. We know the struggle of putting your baby down for a nap with a bit of chaos in the background. The moments we spend gazing into our baby’s eyes as we nurse or feed have taken the backseat because, in reality, your toddler is hanging off the other side of your body, pulling you to play. We’ve curated a list of our top 5 tips for parenting both a toddler and a newborn while navigating your new normal as a multi-child family.

First things first. We parent out of truth. The truth? Life does not revolve around our toddler; it revolves around the family.

Take a look at our 5 tips for parenting a newborn and toddler below! 

We work together as a family to serve the youngest and weakest members.

• That means listening to Mom/Dad
• Use encouraging words with our toddler between waking up and going to sleep.
  • “Being a big brother/sister takes some getting used to, but you are doing a wonderful job. This is what it is like to be a part of a family of (#), and we love it. The hard parts and the easy parts.” 

Put a routine in place that suits your family’s needs.

• The Moms on Call Toddler book includes typical day schedules for families with a Toddler and Newborn. 
• Use the Moms on Call Scheduler App to keep your schedules at your fingertips.
• Bath time pro tip: If baby is not yet sitting without support, bring a bouncy seat for baby to sit in next to you (outside the tub) while your toddler bathes. Once baby is sitting, bath time can be combined. Just remember to have that seat handy to place baby in so no one is left alone with a tub full of water.

Involve your toddler with small tasks.

• Allow your toddler to help in little ways, such as bringing you the diaper bag or a blanket.
• Reiterate your excitement about the responsibilities your toddler has taken on to another peer your toddler respects and loves while your toddler is around.
  • “I knew (insert toddler’s name) would be a great big brother/sister. This takes some getting used to, but he/she is doing a wonderful job. It is fun to be a family.” 

When the baby is nursing/eating, find activities for you and your toddler to do!

• Have your toddler grab a doll or stuffed animal they can take care of next to you. They may nurse, feed or play doctor.
• Play “I Spy.”
• Read a book and snuggle.
  • Have your toddler point to pictures in the book and turn the pages for you while you hold baby.

Stay Confident!

• Avoid “stress face” with your toddler. They read into our expressions more than we count for.
• The Moms on Call Toddler Online Video Course will teach you all about the “stress face” and unique tactics for understanding and communicating with your toddler effectively!
• It is OKAY to get frustrated. This is often a result of unmet expectations.
  • Our days are long, loud, and unpredictable at times, and that is OKAY. Even when everything feels out of control, remember that you are okay and you are in charge!

The days go on, even when no one gets a bath, and we collapse on the couch to stare at the wall after the kids are asleep. We all have those days.

Following Moms on Call’s sleep guidelines and tips will get your little ones in bed by 7 to 7:30 at the very latest, with their doors safely closed. That gives you much-needed (and deserved!) time for peace and quiet, which is key! Give yourself grace, a pat on the back, and give it time to adjust.

For resources and parenting tips that will help you sleep, feed, laugh, and love birth to toddlerhood, check out our Complete Collection, which is designed to meet your entire family's needs and will ensure that you have all of our Moms on Call resources to care for your newest family member and your seasoned toddler.