How did your toddler react with a newborn?

Sierrabyers

Hey I have an 18 month old and am about to pop any day now with my second. I was wondering if any of you had any major toddler behavior problems in a situation like this. Or we're they just more interested in the baby. Just curious to see how this may go?

ashiscute

DD was 19.5 mos old when DS was born and I was so worried about how it would affect her.  I felt so guilty that she wouldn't get enough of my attention.  Honestly?  She was fine.  She liked him right away thankfully and wanted to be involved in "helping".  She was obviously a little jealous but never towards him.  

The best thing was to schedule things just for her.  Both sets of grandparents made an effort to come take her out just her which was super helpful.  Also, DH and I switched on and off to make sure she was still getting some attention and 1 on 1 time.  At that age they can't understand what's going on so much so just try to get them as much positive attention as possible.  Good luck!

*LrCg*

My first was 16 months old and adored his baby sister! We included him in everything and always allowed him to hold her. He did so well we PT him 3 weeks after she was born! Of course keep up on one on one time and allow your older one to help with baths, grabbing diapers, picking out cloths, etc.

michelle7482

Mine are 18.5 months apart. We had absolutely no issues when the baby was born. A lot of times my toddler ignored the baby, but sometimes she did help by grabbing bibs, blankets, diapers. I can think of maybe two times I saw jealousy out of DD1 and DD2 is 4.5 mo now. My toddlers loves her baby sister! We bought the toddler a high hair, stroller, and pnp for her dolls as well as bottles and pacifiers and she LOVES copying me when taking care of her baby dolls. I feel that helped the transition. Good luck!

JulesDiane

At 18 months... they should be great!! It is when they start to get a bit older there is more of a worry.

Starfish+77

Good question. My toddler will be 16 mos when DS is born. Thinking she'll be too young to be jealous. Good luck to you!

Irishsapphire

When I was pregnant with my daughter, he would point to my belly, and we would say "baby" and sign baby.  He was a little confused when baby showed up.  My daughter slept mostly in the Rock n Play.  But then eventually, we did cold turkey to move my son out of the crib and to his toddler bed when my daughter was ready for the crib.  We did this when he turned 2 years old.  He fell out of his toddler bed a couple of times, and sometimes slept on the carpet.  But he got it, and he still does good in his toddler bed.  

I just remember one night that my daughter was crying during the night, and it woke up my son.  And he got up crying  and ran around the living room and coffee table like a crazy toddler.  There is another baby that can set the older kid off and vice versa.  So you have to work to calm one kid at a time and then calm the other kid down.  

And there is a little of jealousy.  He would see us holding baby and tell us to put the baby down.  Gotta love that one.  

And he was a little rough with her.  They are not at the same play levels, so you have to watch both of them.  And when my daughter was more mobile, she would wreck his train set.  

The funniest thing was when they fought over a sippy cup.  And I told my son to just give to her, so he did.  And she had the biggest smile on her face like she had gotten away with something.  Fun times ahead!  Have fun!  

The best thing we have for two kids is a red Radio flyer Pathfinder wagon.  It is awesome.  I have gotten the best pictures.  It is perfect to take to the park or an outside shopping mall.  

https://www.walmart.com/ip/3541214?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=3&adid=22222222227001137102&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42206298790&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=34188984550&veh=sem

RedDDD

Mine were 17 months apart and when DD was first born I think he was too little to care.  We only recently started seeing some jealousy but DD is 5 months old.  However, he kisses her and loves on her all the time and I do my best to include him when I am changing her or bathing her.  Lets be real....he really just loves to pump the soap dispenser but he thinks he is helping wash his sister and I think that helps.    GL!