Juggling two kids has become by new past time. Some days I’m a rock star and other days I’m barely getting by. Having two kids in totally different stages of life makes it a little harder on some days and a lot easier on others, it really is a balancing act. With Jack being 5 he’s used to a fairly on-the-go pace, which isn’t always easy for a newborn to keep up with. Between soccer practice, school drop off, and play dates it can sometimes feel like Grace spends most of her day in and out of her car seat. It is easy to feel guilty about this but I’ve figured out a few tricks for keeping a newborn happy on the go.
Tips For Keeping Newborns Happy On-The-Go
Little Tikes Soothe ‘N Spin Octopus – photo provided by Little Tikes
Bring a Blanket
I always keep a blanket in the my diaper bag. That way if we are at a friends house or a soccer game I know I have a clean place that I can lay Grace down to play on. This allows her to get out of her car seat, look around and play.
Toys that Attach to the Stroller
Often we are places where I can’t lay a blanket down for Grace to play, like when we are out back to school shopping or taking a walk as a family. On these types of outings having toys that clip the stroller is a huge help. These toys are fun for Grace and I don’t have to worry about her dropping them out of the stroller. Little Tikes Hide ‘n Seek Hermie is a great toy to clip to a stroller. Little Tikes Hide ‘n Seek Hermie, reveals a hermit crab when you pull the cord. It teaches babies cause and effect, contains a rattle and a teether. Offering babies 3 ways to play.
I usually try to schedule errands and appointments around nap time but it’s not always possible and sometimes I have to wake Grace up to get somewhere on time or we have to skip a nap. It’s not ideal but sometimes there is no avoiding it, Jack has to be picked up from school regardless of whether Grace is napping. On way that I’ve made days where we have missed a nap a little easier is with a soothing toy. The Little Tikes Soothe ‘n Spin Octopus winds up and rhythmically spins, similar to a mobile to help soothe babies. It also clips to the stroller making it perfect for grabbing a nap on-the-go.
Bag of Tricks
I always make sure my diaper bag is stocked with diaper, wipes and changes of clothes but I also make sure to have stimulating baby toys for Grace. Having toys makes keeping Grace entertained during lunch or a play date so much easier. The Little Tikes Shake ‘N Rattle Crabbie Ring is 3 toys in one. It’s a rattle but it also has claws that make a clacking noise and a maze on the back. The cute crab is colorful and fun and fits easily in even my smallest diaper bag so that I can always have a multipurpose toy for when we are out.
Attitude
No, I’m not talking about the 5 year-olds, but having a positive attitude about taking both kids out makes such a difference. Some days I don’t want to do it but I know once I do, I will be glad we did. Knowing that I have lots of toys and tricks to keep Grace happy and entertained makes outings so much easier. When I know that she’s going to be happy, we can all be happy.
What are your tricks for keeping newborns happy on-the-go?
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