Preparing Toddler for New Sibling

sweetsmom

We currently have a 2.5 year old son and are working on getting pregnant. I am just curious, what are some ways that you mamas have included your toddler to make him/her feel special when the newest family member arrives so that they don't feel left out or forgotten?

ladylisalt

We are awaiting baby #2. I have an almost 3 y.old DS. I have been reading him books such as, "Waiting for Baby" and "I'm a Big Brother" by Ronne Randall. We just keep talking the baby sister thing up and so far he seems excited. Of course that could all backfire when she arrives. lol

Jam+1

DD1 was almost 3 then DD2 was born.

We bought a few small little toys/gifts for DD1.  These were distributed to her over the first few months DD2 was around.  We told her they were from DD2.  DD1 really liked getting gifts from her new sister.

We have also talked to DD1 in the voice of DD2 (seems silly) but I think it helps DD1 to see DD2 as a little person and not just a baby blob.  It makes her more interested in talking to and showing her sister things.

tbmadeamistake

I have a 25 month old and a two week old, so we are right in the thick of it! We talked often about the baby and made sure to use his name while I was still pregnant. We read lots of big sister books, visited with as many babies as we could, and started using her baby doll to demonstrate things. She ended up requesting to visit the babies at daycare each morning before we went to her room.

When she came to see us in the hospital, I made sure to not be holding him so that she could see me first. Then we spent a weekend just us four at home so she had a chance to really get used to him. Her biggest issues now are when I feed him, as she knows that means I can't play with her. She also doesn't understand that he won't stop or start on command. Other than that, we remind her to be gentle a lot. Good luck!

foreverapartofme

We are about 6 weeks away from our due date, and my DD will be about 2.6 when DS arrives. We keep discussing how she is going to be a big sister and soon her baby brother will come to live with us.  Also, we have been reading some books about being a big sister.  She has always loved baby dolls and now she is taken an interest in learning how to swaddle and diaper the dolls!  One of our close friends also did little gift from the baby to big sister and it was a success.  I think I am going to have DD pick out a little prize for DS and I'm going to AC Moore's Dollar craft spot and picking some special things up for $1 to give her to sporadically from her brother. I just keep telling myself that it will all work out!! 

Ludy84

My son is 2.5 ...we are also reading books to him and talking up the being a big brother ...he also goes to my ultrasound appointments....

SusieBW

One other fun idea I heard somewhere (probable here) was to put your toddler in charge of making the new baby's birthday cake, and then make a big deal out of the fact that the new baby can't eat cake, so the toddler is going to have to have the baby's piece of cake for him/her.

I told DD about this plan a couple of weeks ago, and she's still talking about how, when Mommy goes to the hospital so the doctors can help baby brother come out, Nana is going to help DD make baby brother's cupcakes for his birthday.  She's psyched. 

We're also planning to take her to Build a Bear for her birthday (2 weeks before baby brother is due), and have her make a bear for herself and one for a present for baby brother.

fitmom82

DD had just turned 2 when I had DS so she was pretty little to really understand things but I didn't really talk much about it until I was 20 weeks along, atleast at that point I could tell her she was getting a brother.  I don't think it's worth it to prep them more than a few months before because they don't really understand the timeline, and definitely not when you're not showing, I just don't think they'll really get it.

emberlee3

DS was nearly 3 when DD was born.  He didn't even notice anything about my bump.  I told him when his friends started asking me about the baby in my tummy.  He was excited.  We talked about names, and he picked out some clothes and things for her room.  We talked about his friends who have younger siblings.

Frame it in a positive way.  IMO, a sibling is a wonderful gift.  Can't really be topped. 

mmooki

I'm due with #2 in January and dd will turn 3 in March. We've told her about the baby and she likes to kiss my stomach. She loves baby dolls and she got a high chair/swing/carrier for her birthday and I got her a doll pack n play last week. She loves to put her babies in there, say sssshh! And lie down next to it. We'll read books about being a big sister. I'm a bit worried about jealousy but hopefully it won't be as bad as I imagine.