When I was pregnant with our second son I was concerned that I wouldn't have a chance to make that same connection with the new baby because I would have my attention divided. I had visions of my older son getting jealous that I was spending so much time with the new baby. And how was I possibly going to keep my boob on one and my eye on the other? Enter The Nursing Box.
Sorry for the crappy picture. |
I would suggest setting up a blanket on the floor by where you'll be nursing and establishing the following Nursing Box rules:
1. Have your child stay on the blanket (or designated area of your choosing) while the Nursing Box is out.
2. Only let your child play in the Nursing Box while Mommy is nursing (or bottling baby if you chose not to nurse). As soon as you're done, the box, and all the items inside, goes away until next time. There may be a few tears the first few times items are put away, but they will figure it out eventually. My older son actually looked forward to "nursing time. "
My friends put one together for me for my baby shower...what a neat gift to give a mommy having a subsequent pregnancy!
Budget Savvy Mommies--A great place to go to fill your box is the dollar store. Or, hit up some garage sales pre-baby (because let's be honest, once you have your first, you no longer care about having all things new...used is just fine). Black Friday is another great day to score some deals on movies, games and toys!
Readers--How do you entertain older children while nursing/feeding a new baby?
This is a wonderful idea! I wish I would have read this post before having Finn--Isaac would sure appreciate nursing time more for sure. I have a 3 year old and a now 1 month old. Normally Isaac (3) will either play with his toys, sit next to me as we read a story or I'll put in a "Reading Rainbow" from the library for him to watch as Phinneas goes to town munching down.
ReplyDeleteI am going to pass this idea along!
Just found your blog, and LOVE it!
ReplyDelete(You had left a comment on my daughter, Cassie's, blog ... and I think you are personal friends.)
Anyway ... I've been reading and reading. Lots of GREAT topics here!
Just had to comment on this one, because it brought a smile to my face with so MANY memories.
CRAZIEST nursing EVER ... nursing TWINS, when the "big kids" were just 2, 3, and 4. Yep. 5 babies in 4 years, and I was nursing the twins and trying to keep the other 3 corralled. Crazy!
If you ever want an "older mama's" perspective, just let me know. I have a very unique perspective because, while my 6 oldest are all in their 20's ... I have 6 youngers that are 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 17. So, I am still fully entrenched in mommyhood, but with 26 years experience.
Be BLESSED!
Laurel
aka: Mama D.
mama of a dozen