12 Ways to Keep Your Toddler Entertained While Breastfeeding a Newborn
Entertaining a toddler while trying to breastfeed a newborn is the ultimate juggling act. It’s hard to engage a small, opinionated child for any amount of time let alone while trying to attend to the primal needs of a very new and needy baby. Suffice it to say, you’ll learn some tricks and find ways to be creative (you’ll also probably deal with a few tantrums). It won’t ever be easy per se, but you’ll find your groove after a bit of trial and error. In the meantime, we’ve got your back with some tips from experts and breastfeeding moms who’ve been there, done that.
The best way to entertain a toddler while breastfeeding is to have someone else do it! We weren’t meant to do this all on our own. This is where supportive partners, grandparents and even postpartum doulas come in to save the day. “Sometimes toddlers need some extra attention. Having another adult or an older sibling help out and play with a toddler can really be the best scenario for all,” says Nicole Peluso, IBCLC, CD, CAHPE, a lactation consultant and manager of lactation services and education at Aeroflow Breastpumps.
No judgment here! Screen time can be effective in a pinch—and, yes, breastfeeding a baby with a toddler in tow definitely qualifies as “a pinch”. There’s no shame in using the tools at your disposal when you need them most. Amy Johnson, mom of two in Beachwood, Ohio, says, “If you choose good educational content, sometimes a little screen time is necessary to keep both your toddler happy and your sanity intact.”
Audiobooks are a great alternative to screen time. You can get audio-enabled books from most libraries or use audiobook apps. Milena Thomas, Montessori teacher and mom of three in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, also recommends “podcasts with stories for kids like ‘Little Stories for Tiny People’, ‘Story Pirates’ or ‘What If World’. The voice actors tell the stories in an engaging, kid-friendly way,” she adds.
When in doubt, snacks always work to occupy a toddler—at least for a few minutes. Make breastfeeding a nourishing time for everyone by keeping a snack stash handy for your toddler (and for yourself). Peluso suggests having a station set up where your toddler can grab something for themselves. Stock this DIY snack caddy with options your toddler doesn’t otherwise have, and put it within reach only during certain nursing sessions so it’ll maintain its appeal.
Kristin Revere, MM, CED, NCS, a certified birth, postpartum and infant care doula and founder of Gold Coast Doulas in Grand Rapids, Michigan, suggests having a fun-filled basket on hand that you only bring out during nursing time. “It can have books and toys that can occupy the toddler and make it feel like a special time,” she says. Other ideas for this basket include magnetic building tiles, magnetic doodle boards or 24-piece puzzles. Switching up the basket’s contents often will up the novelty factor and increase effectiveness.
Toddlers are curious by nature. My daughter was really interested in understanding how breastfeeding works. Eventually, she decided to “nurse” her own baby doll while I was feeding Baby Sister. She knew it was hard, tiring work, and she played the part well—dramatic sighs and all! It was sweet, though, and I knew it was her way of feeling like she was a part of these important moments.
A great way to engage a toddler, especially one that is experiencing jealousy during the new baby transition, is to include them in a nursing session from time to time. “It can be nice to ask the toddler to get a burp cloth or help with the process,” Revere suggests. The more “important” the task, the better. Little kids like to feel like they’re making contributions.
Facilitate simple games that involve you staying in place and your toddler getting some wiggles out (a win-win). Thomas recommends “Freeze Dance,” “Red Light, Green Light,” “I Spy” and “Simon Says”. “They are tried and tested, and provide all kinds of benefits to kids: listening skills, gross motor skills, crossing the midline and more,” she adds.
When my own daughter was a toddler, making jewelry out of beads and pipe cleaners would keep her occupied for many minutes at a time. To that end, having a creativity kit packed with mess-free supplies at the ready is another great option. “Get a book of reusable stickers that cannot damage furniture if stuck,” suggests Thomas.
As many parents can attest, nature is a powerful soother and playmate for young kids. If you can, take your nursing session outside and let the great outdoors entertain your toddler while you breastfeed your newborn. “A backyard might not be an option for everyone, but if it is, I’ve had a lot of success breastfeeding outside,” says Johnson. Send them on a nature scavenger hunt, ask them to collect colorful leaves or go looking for the most unique rock.
Low-effort sensory bins can keep a toddler engaged for a good bit of time (at least in toddler time). If you’re worried about your toddler putting the contents of a bin in their mouths, Thomas recommends “edible sensory bins like those made with edible cereal play sand.”
Water is infinitely interesting to toddlers. Thomas swears by using water play to occupy toddlers and calls it her “never-failed-yet” solution. “If you have an area you don’t mind getting wet, set out some towels, or even use a small kiddie pool, and set out some small plastic cups, bowls and cookie trays of water with some toys and things to pour with,” she says. Just be sure to supervise your toddler near water at all times.
My kids usually sit with me. They do their own thing most of the day, but I’ll nurse the baby during bedtime stories. Answer their questions.”
Infusing make believe into a breastfeeding session will drive connection. Peluso recommends creating moments of whimsy by setting up a faux picnic or campsite on your bed to prepare for a breastfeeding session, complete with “a special ‘picnic’ blanket for the toddler to use while snacking on the bed with mom and baby,” she suggests. Setting up simple “scenes” like this can make the experience all the more special and fun for your toddler.
As with anything relating to toddlerhood, what works to keep one toddler entertained might not work for yours. It’s important to balance your needs and your toddler’s interests in your quest for solutions. And, remember, this tricky phase will pass soon—and then you’ll graduate to a whole new challenge.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
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[Toddler Regression: Why Your Big Kid Is Acting Like a Baby])https://www.thebump.com/a/toddler-regression))
Nicole Peluso, IBCLC, CD, CAHPE, is a lactation consultant and manager of lactation services and education at Aeroflow Breastpumps.
Kristin Revere, MM, CED, NCS, is a certified birth, postpartum and infant care doula and founder of Gold Coast Doulas in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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