u/Any_Caregiver4911

I feel like my toddler is the definition of terrible twos and I genuinely don’t know what to do anymore. I cry every other day, whether it’s postpartum hormones/depression, exhaustion, or just feeling defeated by this stage. I’m a SAHM to a 2 month old and a 2 year old (26 months), and I honestly dread leaving the house sometimes.

I can barely go grocery shopping or into any store because my toddler completely loses it. She screams, fights to get out of the stroller/cart, grabs everything within reach, has ripped packaging, and has even broken things in stores before. She doesn’t care about toys as distractions, doesn’t watch shows on my phone, and if I let her walk, she immediately runs off everywhere. I physically can’t chase her around while carrying or caring for my infant.

Pickup orders help, but sometimes I just want to go into the store myself without it turning into a disaster. The worst part is I can’t even use the “we’re leaving the store” consequence because I actually NEED the groceries or errands done, so leaving isn’t realistic most of the time.

I’ve gotten so frustrated before that I’ve smacked her hand or wanted to spank her, but it doesn’t help anything. If anything, now she copies me when I’m upset and “talks back” in toddler babble. I feel horrible and stuck.

She’s honestly just about the same at home too. She plays with anything except her actual toys, and I constantly have to tell her no. For example, she’ll drag her toy into the kitchen to climb up and turn on the toaster or mixer, or she’ll get into the dog food. It feels nonstop every single day. I don’t want her growing up thinking I’m mean, but it also feels like she just does not listen to anything I say.

Also, having a newborn doesn’t seem to be the issue. She’s completely obsessed with her baby sister and is actually very loving and gentle with her. That’s what makes this harder to understand because she can be SO sweet.

I really need advice from parents who’ve been through this. What actually helped with this stage? How did you survive outings alone with a toddler and newborn? And please tell me honestly… does it get better? I really need some light at the end of this tunnel right now.

Please be kind. I already feel guilty enough and I’m genuinely trying my best.

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice/experiences while we wait for our pediatrician appointment later this week.

My newborn seems to be dealing with reflux. She’s currently only drinking my breast milk, but she really struggles at night. The only way she’ll sleep is if she’s laying on our chest. As soon as we put her down, she starts squirming, pushing, grunting, sounding congested, and just won’t settle.

I know it’s not safe or sustainable for me to sleep with her on my chest all night, so I’m trying to figure out how to help her be more comfortable.

Has anyone gone through something similar? Did switching to a certain formula help with reflux, or is it better to continue bottle-feeding breast milk? I’m open to any tips that might help her get some relief in the meantime.

Thank you so much in advance 🤍