For those expecting 2nd or 3rd child...

lilygirl13 · May 2009

My son will be 3 when we bring home DD. What did you/will you be doing to make it an easy transition for other children in the house?

NewLerma · May 2009

Have you already been telling him there's a baby in your tummy and having him talk to it? We did that, and had everything set up pretty early and explained to him that it was just for baby brother/sister.

I'm dealing with it again right now, only mine just turned 2 so he's a little more reluctant to leave her stuff alone, but I'd rather have him try now then when she's in the swing or bouncer.

Ruben was never stingy or very jealous with his stuff, so it was pretty easy with him. Gabe is a completely different personality so I'm not so sure how it is going to work out this time.

izzybella · May 2009

We got DD a couple toys as gifts from the baby. Also, I got her a small Elmo table and chairs to play at while I'm feeding or taking care of the baby-- the table is hers alone so it's her special area to play while I'm occupied. ?Otherwise, I have no other ideas

lilygirl13 · May 2009

NewLerma:

Have you already been telling him there's a baby in your tummy and having him talk to it? We did that, and had everything set up pretty early and explained to him that it was just for baby brother/sister.

I'm dealing with it again right now, only mine just turned 2 so he's a little more reluctant to leave her stuff alone, but I'd rather have him try now then when she's in the swing or bouncer.

Ruben was never stingy or very jealous with his stuff, so it was pretty easy with him. Gabe is a completely different personality so I'm not so sure how it is going to work out this time.

He's well aware that a baby's in the tummy. He talks to her through my belly button and asks her to come out and play. We already have all of the baby stuff back out and he knows it's for his sister. I just don't want him to be shocked when we actually bring her home and he sees that he doesn't have our full attention like he's used to.

audreyp · May 2009

Our hospital offered a free big sibling class. DD loved it! They showed her all of the ways that she can be helpful and even taught her how to diaper and swaddle.

patrickandkim · May 2009

Nothing really. We are just including her in things. She talks, reads, and gives hugs/kisses to the baby. I think she is just old enough so there will not be to much of an issue. Inclusion has just been the biggest thing.

jessmess0105 · May 2009

DD has been talking to the baby and telling family about the baby and calling him by name. We will pick up a few tiny things for her "from the baby" and she will be coming right to the hospital when he is born. We are having a special family bonding time with just the four of us before anyone else gets to see him. She seems excited. My SIL just had a baby and she has seen me hold a baby and now knows what one is. I know it will be a transition time for all involved, but we're just trying not to have any expectations to avoid being stressed out and stressing out our daughter because she's not reacting the way we expected.

NewLerma · May 2009

lilygirl13:

He's well aware that a baby's in the tummy. He talks to her through my belly button and asks her to come out and play. We already have all of the baby stuff back out and he knows it's for his sister. I just don't want him to be shocked when we actually bring her home and he sees that he doesn't have our full attention like he's used to.

Then I've got nothing else, just hope lol!

sju · May 2009

We talk a lot about the baby and he knows (or at least acts like he knows) that I am carrying a baby. He kisses the belly and says hi to his sister.

He is fascinated with the baby gear like his old Snugride and new stroller so I let him play with them.

The pp has given me a good idea about setting up the rest of the gear soon. I know he will want to play with the bassinette, bouncer and swing. Those were his but obviously he does not remember because I stored them a long time ago.

I am planning on getting him involved since the beginning by helping me. He loves to help. For example, we give him bags of groceries or he helps us unload the dishwasher. I hope he feels happy by bringing me diapers, wipes, etc. We will see.

patrickandkim · May 2009

patrickandkim:
Nothing really. We are just including her in things. She talks, reads, and gives hugs/kisses to the baby. I think she is just old enough so there will not be to much of an issue. Inclusion has just been the biggest thing.

I forgot to add that we have also had talks with her regarding how babies take a lot of time for care, so that she will be more prepared. I am not quite sure how to talk to a younger child about it though.

JasonsMauiMama · May 2009

DS is 3 1/2. We told him that there was a tiny baby in my belly after the first ultrasound, and encourage him to talk to his little brother. On his own, he started referring to his Tickle me Elmo doll as his baby, wraps him up in blankets, and gives him to me when he's "crying." I think that because DS is in a home daycare and is with smaller children, he understands a little bit of what life will be like with a baby.

Which makes me sound pretty confident that everything will be fine. I must be in an optomistic mood, because most days I'm trying to figure out what the F I"ve gotten myself into. I still need to buy a few storybooks that explain it a little better. For the most part, I'm just going to play it by ear I guess.

dianao · May 2009

Our first DD was almost 2 when we had our second...she came to the hospital and saw her baby sister and we also got her some special big sister stuff(coloring books/crayons, clothes and books). We read the big sister book before she came so she knew what to expect. She also saw the Big Sister Dora. She was actually great with her little sister. As long as you give them love and show them that no one will ever take their place I think they are fine. This time my youngest is almost 4 and she seemed not that interested in the begining...very attached to me(more than usual)...I was worried that we may have a problem but know she is very excited and can't wait to bring the baby home. Every time we go to the Dr's she ask if they are going to take the baby out so we can bring "Nim" home. She says that is the babies name.

As long as he knows that the baby is coming home and you show him the same affection he will be fine. GL!!

Ekstasis · May 2009

My girls are a lot older 16, 14 and 8-years of age. My 8-year-old is not taking it entire well. My 14-year-old will be like a second mother to my LO..lol and for my 16-year-old she?s just that a teenager that is more into her friends ETC..

Our 8-year-old will have a lot of interaction with her new sister; there will be no difference or special treatment. Of course I say this now.

Liz&Jeff · May 2009

DS is only 14 months old, doesn't even know his world will be turned upside down. lol We plan on buying him a few toys, also he'll be going to my parents for two weeks, he loves it over there.

prettyshoes · May 2009

DD will be 18 months when Charlie comes home- she's a little too young for much understanding but I have her pat my belly everyday and we talk about the new baby. She even calls the baby "Cha-cha" which is totally adorable even though she has no idea what's going on. I also just finished making her a mini-scrap book with pictures of all the family that will be coming to visit before, during and after the birth. Other than that, I can't think of anything else.

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