Advice for managing 2 kids (1 mo and 17 mo)

[Anonymous]

Help please!

I have a new baby, now 5 weeks old, and a 17 month old. I'd love some advice from parents who have made it through this time. How did you do it? I seriously don't know how to handle both at once with the baby's feedings and the toddler's meals, bath, etc. Oh, yeah, and my baby has colic.

Thanks so much for your advice. I don't know how to do this!!

[Anonymous]

Let everything go except what is needed. Ask for/accept the help in any form. Go day to day. No more. Get out as much as you can. Be forgiving of yourself. Get your husband to do as much as he can. If you can afford it, hire some parttime help with the chores.

You can do it!! Good luck!

[Anonymous]

It's tough! Some things I did (though can't say it was an easy first year!):
- Get a babysitter.
- Join some classes for the toddler so you don't feel so bad about them not doing much at home (also good for you to get out and talk to some adults).
- Bath the kids together (I used one of these:
http://www.johnlewis.com/230475122/Product.aspx - maybe something similar here).
- Choose some good quality TV shows/videos for your toddler (it's not forever!).
- Set up a playroom or area where the toddler can access all the toys themselves. I seem to remember mine spending hours in a Dora tent playing tea parties.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

have a set of clothes and diaper stuff in the car so you can just get out of the house without a bag if needed. if you have an extra bjorn or sling put it in the car, and if possible, an extra stroller. seriously, so you can just go!