Surviving The First Few Weeks With A Newborn and Toddler

Surviving The First Few Weeks With A Newborn And Toddler

With the birth of your first child, everything you experienced was a “first.” First ride in the car, first time meeting family members, the first night in their new home. Your family expanded by one, and the baby was at the center of everything you did. 

With a second child, there are many new considerations to be made. Your focus is not only on the new baby, but also on your first child. Having a toddler alone can be challenging, but throwing a newborn into the mix adds another layer of stress and complexity (along with so much joy!)

If you are worried about surviving the first few weeks with a newborn and a toddler, you are not alone. Families with multiple children have been working through this scenario for years. Not only is it manageable, but we’re confident that within this post, you’ll find ways to make it enjoyable and memorable.

surviving the first few weeks with a newborn and toddler

Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

How do you survive a newborn and a toddler?

The best way to survive the adjustment to life with a newborn and a toddler is to practice patience, give yourself grace, and take it one day at a time. You can’t expect to get home from the hospital, introduce the baby to your toddler, and everything goes back to how it was before your baby was born. That life is over, and it’s time to start your new life with multiple children! 

Depending on your toddler’s age, you can help them prepare for a sibling before the baby is born by talking about the baby coming home from the hospital, what it will mean to have a sibling, the baby’s gender and name, and how they can help with the baby once he or she is born. You can read some helpful books with your toddler as you prepare for the new baby’s arrival.

When does life with a newborn and toddler get easier?

Life with a newborn and a toddler gets easier as everyone adjusts to the new routine in your home. This includes you and your partner and any other children in the home. 

Babies sleep a lot at the beginning of their lives, which gives you and your partner time to help your toddler adapt. While the baby naps, take your toddler out for activities, a special treat, or just spend time playing with them. The more time you spend with the toddler, the better off they will be when navigating feelings of jealousy about the new baby. 

Although your newborn may sleep a lot once they’re home, the longer nighttime stretches don’t come until around 3 months. For the first month or two, you will likely spend more time awake at night than you’re used to. As you adjust to less sleep while taking care of the baby, know that there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Once the baby is sleeping more at night (and you are, too!), you will find your new routine, and everything will become more manageable and less chaotic at home. 

Losing patience with toddler and newborn

surviving the first few weeks with a newborn and toddler

It’s not uncommon to lose your patience with two or more little ones. There are many factors that contribute to a loss of patience, including lack of sleep, stress, feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. 

Running on little sleep can affect your mood and make small frustrations seem bigger and less manageable. Make sure you have someone you can talk to like your partner, a family member, or a close friend, who can help keep you grounded and remind you that your current situation is just a phase, and it will pass. 

If you feel your patience wearing thin, don’t be afraid to step away from the situation for a few moments and catch your breath. Separate yourself from your children and take deep breaths until you feel calm. If your partner is available, have them watch the children so you can recenter yourself and come back ready to handle the situation calmly. 

Related post: Check out these android apps for your 3 year old.

Toddler and Newborn Routine

Establishing a routine with your new addition takes trial and error to discover what works best for your family. Things may change significantly from your previous routine, but your life looks different now! 

As you have learned with your first child, babies thrive off having a routine once they’re old enough to tell day from night. You have plenty of time to establish a routine with two children, so try not to pressure yourself or your children. 

A routine with two children can be challenging, from naps, meals and snacks, outings, activities, and social events, but you’ll find it helpful to stick to. Here’s an example of a toddler and newborn routine that you can implement and adjust depending on your schedule, your baby’s nap schedule, and your toddler’s day-to-day activities. 

Daily Routine

Surviving the first few weeks with a newborn and a toddler

7:00 AM Wake up, coffee, start your day 

7:30 AM Baby wakes up, diaper change, nurse or bottle 

8:00 AM Toddler wakes up

8:30 AM Breakfast, playtime

9:30 AM Baby naps, toddler activity 

11:00 AM Toddler snack, wake baby up

11:30 AM Outing/ activity 

12:30 PM Lunch

Surviving the first few weeks with a newborn and a toddler

1:00 PM Toddler nap, baby nurses and nap (and maybe a nap for yourself!)

3:30 PM Wake up baby, feed, toddler wakes up 

4:00 PM Snack, playtime 

5:00 PM Dinner 

6:30 PM Toddler bath and playtime, put the baby down for the night

7:30 PM Bedtime routine 

8:00 PM Relax, clean up, prep for tomorrow 

Related post: Here are some key tips and ninja moves on how to pump with a newborn and a toddler.

How long does it take for a toddler to adjust to a new baby?

There’s no way to gauge how long it will take for a toddler to adjust to the new baby. While their personality, temperament, and age play a role, try to take things one day at a time and enjoy this brief phase of your life. Don’t rush anything or push your child to hold the baby if he seems shy or unsure.

Your toddler may show signs of regression, like taking steps backward with potty training, wanting to use a pacifier because the baby does, or wanting to be held and treated like a baby. This is completely normal and shows that they are figuring out their role as a sibling.

Helping a toddler adjust to a new baby

There are so many opportunities to support your toddler through adjusting to a new baby in the home. The best way to do this is by encouraging your child to engage with the baby, enlisting their help as you care for the baby, and speaking positively about the sibling bond and relationship they will have. 

For example, as you feed the baby, ask your child to sit next to you and sing songs, talk to their sibling, or let them help hold the bottle. 

When it’s time for a nap or bedtime, make sure your child helps pick out the baby’s pajamas, sings them a lullaby, and turns out the light. When the baby is fussy during diaper changes, ask your child to sing songs or talk to the baby to make them feel better. Teaching your child to be nurturing and caring will build a lasting relationship between the two. 

Lastly, both you and your toddler need to spend one-on-one time together so your bond remains strong and they understand that even though there is a new family member, they are still your priority. 

Wrap up- Surviving the first few weeks with a newborn and toddler

Surviving the first few weeks with a newborn and a toddler

It’s no easy feat to bring home a new baby with a toddler already in the house. With gentle encouragement, patience, and time, surviving the first few weeks with a newborn and a toddler will be a fond, distant memory and you’ll be on to the next phase of parenthood, enjoying your two children playing together.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top