Toddler Activities with Newborn

One thing that worked for us was for the toddler to put on shows for the baby -- singing shows, dancing shows, even air shows with toy airplanes, car shows, train shows, etc. I would sit with the baby and ask for a show, and tell my toddler that even if the baby doesn't smile or laugh or watch (if too little), she is still learning and listening. When my baby was a little bigger, these shows were a great way for my toddler to get extra attention (from me AND baby) during those times when my baby was very demanding of my attention (i.e. eating every tiny thing on the floor, etc.)
One thing that I learned was to anticipate when I would be giving my baby extra attention, and to try to get down an interesting and unusual toy (best were puzzles, train sets, great big blocks, and tiny dolls) just before I disappeared to nurse or change a diaper. And I would bring a few books to serve as one final level of distraction next to me in case the interest in the toy didn't last long enough. I think it's also useful to discuss envy -- that feeling is so strong in toddlers! Also, reading is great -- there are lots of books that babies and toddlers can enjoy listening to together (I have lists if you are interested!).

I'd let my twins color or play with playdoh at the dining room table. They really love puzzles, so they would do that for awhile, too. The McDonald's playplace was really good, too, and I'd load everyone up. It helped forcing me to get out of the house right away. I was up and driving nine days after my c-section, which brought me back to normal quicker.

Well I'm not sure how old your toddler is, as there can be quite an age span.... But I would be hard pressed to find ANY toddlers who will play on their own when mommy and daddy bring home a new baby. They will stick to you like glue, act out etc to get your attention.

I might suggest hiring a mother's helper who can come over a couple hours in the day while you are there who will be TOTALLY focused on playing with big sister. The other idea I've heard on here is to get her a baby doll of her own that she 'takes care of' while you are attending to the baby.

Good luck and congrats!

One thing my daughter LOVED was her baby stroller. She played with it (and still uses it often 2 years later) every day. It became a routine for us to take the babies (hers and mine) on a walk every afternoon. It was good for me to get up and get moving and she loved every second of it.

She also really liked that Magna Doodle that has shapes as well as a pen to write with. Aqua Doodle is also a good idea. You could always put them away and then only bring them out when you really need it. I used to bring mine out while feeding or pumping.

We also have this Playskool tractor that sings Old McDonald and has 3 animals and a farmer that kept her busy for a long time too.

I'm not sure how old she is but my daughter is 4 and can keep herself entertained with Little People for hours! She has had some since she was 2 but slowly gets more involved with it over the years.

Congrats and good luck!

My daughter is very social, so she'd always rather play with people than toys which made it challenging!
I used to read to her while the baby nursed. She had a play kitchen that would occupy her, although I had to taste what she made. She liked to color, play with her doll pretending it was her baby (she'd copy whatever I did with my baby). She and I would put pillows around the floor and make it an obstacle course for her to jump around (while I watched). I also took her to the library for story hours and movies - I would nurse the baby while she watched the shows.