How I Survived Nursing a Newborn While My Toddler Literally Bounced Off the Walls

I hit an all time emotional low when my toddler began to literally throw himself into the walls when I was breastfeeding my newborn baby for the 20th time one day. We were having trouble figuring out nursing. The baby was colicky. My toddler was tired of Cocomelon, tired of the baby taking all my attention, and missing his constant scooter rides around our neighborhood.  I was panicked, hormonal, sad, and beyond stressed.

I think I was crying approximately 17 times a day at this point. 

I was actually desperate to find some solutions that worked for us. 

Stressed to the max, I called my dear friend Bevin who had an infant son and two older daughters. I asked her, "what do the girls do when you need to nurse James?"  I remember her responding nonchalantly, “Oh, I don't even know. They just do a puzzle or play with their dolls or do something quiet.” 

A PUZZLE?! I panicked. 

QUIETLY?! I thought. 

MY CHILD HAS NEVER ONCE DONE A PUZZLE!! 

He barely even plays with his toys for more than three seconds!!

My panic was even higher than before I called her. (Thanks, Bevi!)

I hung up the phone…. fully convinced that my child was developmentally delayed AND I was panicking even more about the impossible task of nursing my baby while my toddler lost his sh*t 17x per day. 

Over the next few weeks, I found some EASY things that actually worked for us- activities that were SIMPLE and interesting enough for my busy two year old that I could feed the baby and stay somewhat engaged with my older son. 

The Magical List

1. Bouncy balls. Throw a bouncy ball around your house, and narrate in your best sportscaster voice to add some laughter. Then let your child throw it back to you once they finally get it and pretend to go after it (literally I just wave one arm all around in the air and shout “oh no it’s going crazy I missed it AGAIN!”)

2. Balloons. Blow them up, bat them around, let the air out so they fly all around the room so your child can chase them. The fart sounds that balloons make are a huge hit with little boys especially. Whatever, just endless balloons.

3. Water balloons. Make tiny ones, big ones, throw them, fill up the back of a dump truck or baby stroller with them and let them push them around like tiny babies.  Poke tiny holes in them so they can squeeze the water out. Put a chair by your hose and let your child fill the balloons and you can tie them- it takes more time and will make the activity last longer. Every time we go to the dollar store I pick up like 10 packs of the mini water balloons.

4. Popsicle bathtime. Give your kid a popsicle and let them take an early extra fun bath and they won’t even notice that you’re busy. Sit on the toilet and chat with them, and enjoy their containment for approximately 7 short minutes. 

5. Sprinkler.  Set up a chair, turn on the sprinkler. Let them go crazy. Narrate if they need your involvement and attention.

6. Mini trampoline- this was especially helpful on rainy or cold days when we couldn’t go outside. Put on music. Keep the mini trampoline in the garage and pull it out as needed so they don’t get bored of it.

7. Scooter. YES! I decided during this time that it was completely reasonable to scooter or use push toys and other outside toys inside the house. We also brought the skateboard and some oversized dump trucks inside. 

8. Silly songs - make a playlist of silly songs. Have snacks, put on some fun music, and you can feed the baby and sing along with your little one, feeling like a total moron but relieved nonetheless. 

9. Mini pool filled with water or mini balls. Mama sets up chair right next to it and kid plays freely.

10. Let them go nuts with the hose in the backyard. Just seek cover.

11. Play dough with accessories. Play-dough does NOT usually catch my son’s attention. But he will play with it if I set out buttons, pasta, shells, beans, coins or small items.  

12. Actual play dough kits- the super fun ones like the ice cream maker or pasta maker. These captured his attention and I busted them out when I really needed the oomph factor. 

13. Simon says.  

14. Red light, green light.

14. Cutting or snack prep. Give your toddler a butter knife and get their help cutting a banana and spreading peanut butter on banana slices. Or let them spread some peanut butter on a slice of bread. It’s hard! Don’t take over- let them keep trying and encourage them. Sit next to them and nurse. 

15. Bubbles. Seems obvious but it wasn’t to me at the time. 

16. Bubble gun- break it out when you’re desperate so it stays super exciting. 

16. Amazing picture books. We have gotten hours and hours (and ultimately, years) from looking at our favorite picture books together. The pictures are gorgeous, the books are informative, and we still enjoy them today. Here are our some of our favorites about animals, the ocean, and dinosaurs. 

17. Lift-a-flap books- I used to keep our best lift-the-flap books stashed away and bring them out when I needed the extra engagement during breastfeeding. I’ve linked our favorites here. 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0763696196?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_6

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0794440592?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0679844686?psc=1&ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_product_details_3

18. Empty egg cartons filled with dried beans and a spoon for scooping (got this one from my sister- thanks, Laura!)

If you have a child who does not color or sticker for more than three seconds like mine, I hope some of these ideas are helpful to you =)

I promise you this: if you have a few of these ideas ready to go before the day starts you will NOT feel as stressed or alone because you will have a) a plan!! b) this plan gives you confidence!! c) some fun d) more confidence because you will feel a little like the fun mom again!!  There is absolutely nothing better than feeling capable of taking care of two small humans when it hasn’t been feeling like that and I cannot wait for you to find some of that relief. 

Looking back, those early days were some of the hardest of my life—but they also taught me so much about creativity, humor, patience, and letting go of perfection. If you’re in the thick of it right now, know this: you’re not failing. You’re figuring it out, one bouncy ball and popsicle bath at a time. And that’s enough.

Quick-Start Guide

1. Pick 3 activities from the list and have them ready for when you need them.

2. Keep a stash of balloons, bubbles, bouncy balls and books handy for emergencies.

3. Remember: You’re not alone, and you’re doing an amazing job!"*

What about you? Do you have a go-to activity that keeps your toddler busy while you nurse? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear from you! And if this post helped you, share it with another mom who could use a little sanity-saving magic today.

A sidenote about breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and pumping for a stressed mama

I immediately decided that I would not be pumping after nursing. I could not fathom strapping on a pump of any sort after breastfeeding and this entire process taking even longer. Our pediatrician directed me to the Weston A. Price formula recipe here (I share some modifications below). I was terrified Jase would stop breastfeeding since I was supplementing him so early, but ironically he nursed for years in addition to his supplementation).

I was directed to this recipe by our pediatrician, but of course check with yours.
I’m also linking all the supplies I used, which is quite an investment but the ingredients should last you many months depending on how much formula your baby is taking. 

Modifications I made to the formula recipe:

• 1 capful of Intra-Kid to each mixture 

• Added 2 scoops of beef liver 

• I eliminated the sunflower oil and whey. 

• The Intra-Kid also eliminates the need for Vitamin C, so I left that out as well and relied on the Intra Kid as a broad spectrum multi

Here are the other ingredients you will need:

https://www.perfectsupplements.com/Green-Pasture-X-FACTOR-High-Vitamin-Butter-Oil-p/gp-xfactor-liq.htm

https://www.perfectsupplements.com/Green-Pasture-Blue-Ice-Cod-Liver-Oil-Free-p/gp-clo-liq.htm
https://www.perfectsupplements.com/Perfect-Bovine-Gelatin-p/ps-gelatin.htm

https://www.perfectsupplements.com/smidge-infant-probiotic-15g/

* Medical disclaimer regarding formula: The information provided on this website, including any infant formula recipes or nutritional advice, is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

I am not a medical professional, and I do not offer medical advice or make claims regarding the safety, efficacy, or suitability of the recipes shared here. Before preparing or feeding any homemade formula to your child, consult with a licensed pediatrician or healthcare provider to ensure it meets your baby’s nutritional needs.

By using the information on this website, you agree that I am not responsible or liable for any adverse effects, outcomes, or issues related to the preparation or use of any recipes or advice provided.

Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your baby’s nutrition or health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it