As a mother, of an infant and a toddler I had to find practical strategies and toddler activities to keep my little one happily occupied while I nursed my infant. Breastfeeding can sometimes feel like a balancing act, especially when you have a toddler craving your attention alongside your infant needing to be fed. It’s a challenge many mothers face: how to keep your older child entertained while attending to the needs of your newborn.
Finding creative solutions in these moments isn’t just about keeping the peace; it’s about creating a nurturing environment where both children feel loved and valued. Having many toddler activities set-up during breastfeeding sessions can foster a beautiful sense of harmony and togetherness in your family dynamic.
Here are some creative toddler activities to keep your little one busy while you nurse your infant.
Toddler Activities For When You Nurse Your Infant
Interactive Books
Choose colorful board books with flaps, textures, or sound effects to captivate your toddler’s attention. Reading together not only entertains them but also promotes language development and bonding. These were some of my toddler favorites. I found them on Amazon.
Puzzles
Simple puzzles with large pieces are perfect for toddlers. Encourage problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination while they work on puzzles nearby. Melissa & Doug have some great options and they’re very durable.
Sensory Play
Set up a sensory bin filled with safe materials like rice, pasta, or sensory balls for tactile exploration. Add cups, scoops, and containers for added fun and sensory stimulation. My toddler loves sensory play, these bins would keep him busy for hours. These are a few ideas from Amazon.
Art and Craft Supplies
Offer crayons, washable markers, and coloring books for creative expression. Let your toddler unleash their artistic side while you focus on feeding your infant.
Building Blocks
Provide building blocks or stacking toys to encourage imaginative play and fine motor skills development. Toddlers can build towers, knock them down, and rebuild them for endless entertainment.
Role-Playing Toys
Pretend play sets, such as toy kitchen sets, doctor kits, or dollhouses, can spark your toddler’s imagination and keep them occupied for extended periods. My toddler loves playing dress up, I would keep all her Halloween costumes and she would play with them all year round.
Musical Instruments & Dancing
Introduce simple musical instruments like shakers, drums, or xylophones for musical exploration and rhythm development. Play some music and let your toddler dance, sing, or play musical instruments during breastfeeding sessions. Music and movement activities not only entertain but also promote physical activity and creativity.
Toddler Activities Outdoors
If weather permits, and you have a backyard take breaks for outdoor play. You can sit and nurse while your toddler can do activities like playing with balls, riding a tricycle, getting wet in the sprinklers, blowing bubbles or exploring nature. This can help burn off energy and keep your toddler engaged.
It’s important to rotate activities regularly to keep your toddler’s interest piqued. Observe their preferences and adjust the activities accordingly to ensure they remain engaged and entertained throughout the breastfeeding session. By providing a variety of stimulating and age-appropriate activities, you can create a positive and enriching experience for your toddler while you attend to your infant’s needs.
Now that you’ve discovered these engaging toddler activities while you nurse your baby, it’s time to put them into action and make those nursing sessions even more enjoyable for both you and your little ones. Remember, these moments are not just about feeding; they’re about bonding, learning, and creating memories together.
Don’t forget to share your experiences with us! Whether you try out one of these activities or have some of your own to add, we’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below. Let’s build a supportive community where we can inspire and learn from each other.
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Excellent guide to creative ideas for nursing an infant with a toddler! It’s hard. This post has so many great ideas. Thank you!
Great suggestions for hours of fun. Love the sensory bin!
Sharing this with my niece whose a new mom and looking for ideas when nursing!
These are great ideas! I only have one kiddo at the moment but am hoping for another when my first is a toddler! I will have to keep these ideas in mind 🙂
Will keep these tips in mind when number 2 comes along!
These are great suggestions, and I love that you included outdoor activities! Thanx for sharing!