Mom of 2 Under 2 Years Old - What to Do with Them??? Help!

L.,

I feel your anxiety. I have a 9 month old boy and a 23 month old boy and went through the same thing. I joined a playgroup last year with kids closer to my older boy's age and that helped a lot. We meet at a different house each week and the kids can play in a safe area. Often times we met at a local park and that was okay too. My youngest spent most of the time in a stroller, however.

I am not sure where you live, but if you aren't able to take advantage of a playgroup, there is a great indoor Play area in Woodinville called the Tot Spot. They have sectioned off areas targeted for different age groups. You could easily nurse your daugther while your some plays in a safe place. I'm sure there are other businesses like this one if you're not in the Woodinville area.

Wish you the best with your two. It can be a challenge!

K.
Stay at home mom to two boys (9 months and 23 months) and part time children's photographer.

I know affodability is a key issue, but here are some ideas on the eastside, maybe there are similar things where you are:
My Gym (Bellevue): This is a terrific small community for kids of all ages - VERY easy to nurse if needed (one of the staff can help watch your son).
Kids Quest at factoria mall (memberships available, kids under 2 years free, free days too)
Malls often have play areas that are enclosed (Bellevue Square indoors; Redmond Town Center outdoors)
Parks & Recreation or Community Centers often have indoor play times for toddlers and young children (just check in your area eg. City of Bellevue). There are also a host of programs - music, stroller classes etc. That you could bring your little one in a carrier and have your son participate. good luck!

I second the suggestion about Tot Spot in Woodinville. It's great for nursing moms with active toddlers. And the idea of a playgroup is great too; especially meeting at other moms' houses where it's safety proofed, but also comfortable and private for nursing. Another suggestion is Kids Quest in Bellevue. It's very busy, but there's an area for under 3's that's enclosed, and there are chairs in that section where you could nurse. I also used a "Hooter Hider" to nurse lots of different places--at the children's play area at Bellevue Square for example. One more thought--try the story times at the public library. They are great for the toddlers and with mostly moms present, I think you could nurse in the room where they hold the story times. Good luck!

I am not sure where you live, but Redmond and Issaquah have indoor "playgrounds" at the community center for very reasonable fees. The hours vary, but are pretty frequent. There is also Dizzy's Tumblebus Stop in Bellevue that has open play time, not quite as cheap as the community centers, but more availability.

K.