Caring for a toddler and a newborn at the same time can be difficult. They both need to be monitored closely and given a lot of attention, but in different ways. And at the same time, you are trying to keep up with your house and other responsibilities.

I completely understand the challenge because I have a 2-year-old and a 3-month-old right now. But there are things I have found that make it more manageable.

Here are 7 tips for caring for a toddler and a newborn.

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1.) Take advantage of when your baby or toddler naps.

If I need a nap, I time theirs at the same time and sleep when they do. Or if I have enough energy, I will get things done when they nap. Either way, naps are mommy gold.

2.) Cook early in the day on days you need to cook and make enough for leftovers.

I’ve found this works best for me. This way I don’t kill my sanity trying to cook every.single.day. And if I get an early start then I’ll have the food done on time instead of 9:00 at night.

3.) Plan out meals for the week in advance so you don’t waste time worrying about what to make.

Figuring out how to meal plan changed my life. By doing this, you will also know exactly what you need when you go shopping, so you’ll have all the necessary ingredients on hand.

You can get started with our FREE Printable Flavorful Meal Plan Guide here.

4. Take time to have one-on-one time with your toddler every day so they get the attention they need.

This can be done while the baby is content or asleep. I do this during the day and play with and/or read to my toddler.

I stop what I’m doing several times throughout the day to talk to her. (Some of what she says is still gibberish, but she likes conversing.) I let her help me with dishes, which she loves doing. My husband watches the baby when I put her to bed so we have time together when I get her ready for bed and tuck her in.

5. Utilize bouncers, swings, and other safe spots throughout the house to set baby down when he’s content.

By doing this I can get things done while monitoring both babies (my toddler will be walking around playing in the same room.) You can also wear your baby in a wrap or baby carrier as they will sometimes stay content longer this way.

6. When possible, take advantage of help of others.

I will sometimes get help from my husband and my babies’ older siblings so that I can get other things done while they hold/watch the baby and/or toddler. Whenever my mom stops over I will likewise try to get a couple of things done while she’s here.

7. Have a daily cleaning routine.

I used to try to split up my house cleaning throughout the week, because I felt like I couldn’t get to everything in one day.

But I found by using a daily cleaning routine checklist (which you can grab a copy of for free here,) I can better keep my house under control in less time.

And I am maintaining a clean house now instead of starting out with different messy rooms each day.

Although I bring all the dirty clothes to our laundry room about once a week, I gradually do the laundry throughout the week each day. As we have 6 people in our house it is much more manageable this way for me.

So those are 7 tips for caring for a toddler and a newborn. By accepting help from others, planning ahead and timing things out, making special time for your toddler, and setting reasonable daily goals, you can make the most of each day, without going crazy.

P.S. If you’re looking for ways to encourage good behavior in your toddler: Grab our FREE Toddler Sticker Reward Chart right here.