Having breastfed three children, one while I was pregnant with the third, I have been there and back when it comes to keeping older children happy while breastfeeding their younger sibling. You definitely don't want to be that mom who sits her child in front of the TV during nursing time - especially when newborns nurse quite often throughout the day and night. Depending on your older child's age there are lots of things you can do to keep them safely and happily busy.

The first thing you need to remember is that children are curious. Give your older child the opportunity to observe and ask questions. You don't want them to think that they can't be around you when you're nursing, nor do you want to foster a bad relationship between siblings from the start.

Curiosity generally fades rather quickly so it's a good idea to have some activities planned for nursing time. Even the youngest children would enjoy sitting next to Mommy and having their favorite book read out loud. Have you child pick what books they want to read, or go to the library and find new ones. Older children can use nursing time as their 'arts & crafts' time. Washable crayons and those Color Wonder markers are an excellent choice for a budding artist.

For children under two you may want to set aside a special box of things that they can play with during nursing time. I put together a box of cups, spoons and blocks for my 18 month old to play with and changed it up every few days so she didn't lose her fascination. For my older child I set her at the kitchen table with some play doh. If you have little girls who are interested in honing their Mommy skills you could get them a baby doll of their own and have them sit with you and 'feed' their baby while you're feeding yours. Both boys and girls may enjoy doing a simple puzzle on the floor in front of your rocker.

In keeping your older child entertained it's extremely important to remember safety. Make sure your doors and windows are locked. A child can open the door and run out very quickly. I learned that after my oldest daughter decided to go into the backyard one morning while I was nursing her newborn sister. Never put your child somewhere that you couldn't get to them quickly and without injuring your nursing baby. Unless you are nursing at the kitchen table it is not a very good idea to leave them in their high chair, even strapped in. Children in booster seats usually have a good grasp of getting up and down but smaller children still in high chairs should be close at hand. I have nursed during bath time but have learned that things can happen too fast and if you're nursing your reaction time is slowed. If you give your younger child things to play with it should go without saying that small things they could choke on should be avoided. This includes giving them random hard, dry foods from the kitchen such as dry beans or hard pasta - especially if they are used to eating these foods cooked.

In the beginning it will be difficult (or impossible!) to match schedules, and if you've got both kids napping then it's nap time for Mommy too - don't try to squeeze nursing in just because you've got one asleep. If you're nursing and have another child you need your rest.

Whatever you do remember to make it interesting and safe. Try to avoid sitting them in front of the TV if you can help it. Get them involved in easy tasks that they can do next to your, or things that can foster their independence. Above all try to relax and enjoy your new baby as much as you did your first.

Learn more about this author, Danielle Friedl.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about How to keep an older child busy while you're breastfeeding?
We want to hear your view. Write now!