Community› The Bump Local Boards› Austin Babies
Austin Babies
New Discussion

new baby "giving" older sibling a gift at birth?

amyinaustinamyinaustin
in Austin Babies

Did you do this or do you know of people that have?  I'm super protective of DD#1's emotions right now when it comes to the new baby and this sounds like it might be a good idea...but I have not heard much about how well this goes over.

What types of gifts are we talking here - like a book about being a big sister, or a baby doll or something she really really wants?

I'd love to hear feedback.

And feel free to tell me if I'm being overly sensitive w/ DD#1.  I guess it's possible that this will go like so many other transitions in her life - I expect the worst and it all turns out to be okay after all.

Report Reply to Post

Re: new baby "giving" older sibling a gift at birth?

  • thethompsthethomps member
    My friend had their new baby give her big brother a big stuffed Elmo that he'd been wanting.  He loved it!  I remember when my sister was born and I was really jealous that the baby was getting all these presents and that I didn't get anything.  I definitely don't think you're being oversensitive and I think having the baby give a gift is a great idea.
    No siggy pic until TB gets rid of Twitter and FB links Daisypath Happy Birthday tickers
    Lilypie Pregnancy tickers
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • PrincessBrideSarahPrincessBrideSarah

    I had DD #2 "give" DD #1 a present when DD #1 met #2 at the hospital. The present was a stuffed animal that DD #1 helped me pick out at Walmart a few weeks earlier. DD #1 loved this toy a lot and squealed with happiness when she saw it in the store.

    I wanted her to really like the present, so I then put it away for a while. At the hospital, DD #1 once again loved the stuffed animal a whole lot. 

    My DD #1 was a few days past her first birthday when DD #2 was born, so I know that she did not really understand what was transpiring. I still wanted her younger sister to give her a present at their first meeting.

    DD #1 has been very good with #2, and the two of them love each other so much. They interact and "play" together very nicely, although sometimes DD #1 is a little overenthusiastic with her love. 

    A baby doll may be a good idea. DD #1 likes to pick up a doll or a stuffed animal and imitates me burping or holding her sister. She will actually burp just about anything--even a blanket or a burp cloth or herself. Apparently that is the new baby activity that has most made an impression on her. 

    The transition went a lot better than I expected. I did make a huge effort to change nothing about DD #1's life prior to or just after #2's arrival. #1 kept her room, her pacis, her bottles, etc. I also make a big effort to praise DD #1 for any and all good behavior, especially behavior that involves being gentle or sweet with her sister and listening to Mommy and Daddy. She loves hearing us say "Yay for DD #1! Good job doing ....."

    I don't think you are being overly sensitive with DD #1. It is very important to me that we foster a good relationship between our two girls, so I have tried hard to keep things very positive.

    Lilypie Second Birthday tickers
    Lilypie First Birthday tickers
    Report Reply
  • TayteeTaytee

    My only recommendation is to introduce her to the baby like you would bring a new puppy into the house. You should be alone at the hospital when DD#1 comes to see you. Give her time to play with you for a few minutes before someone else (not you or DH) brings in the new baby. In that way, the baby is coming into her world (or into your "pack"). It helps not having to figure out where she fits between you and the creature already in your arms. It worked really well for Abby, but she was a little younger. I actually laid Emily in the boppy in front of both of us for a bit before I dramatically asked "Should we hold her???"

    There were no gifts involved except whatever the hospital gave her.

    Lilypie Kids Birthday tickers Lilypie Third Birthday tickers
    Report Reply
  • userdeleteduserdeleted member
    imageTaytee:

    My only recommendation is to introduce her to the baby like you would bring a new puppy into the house. You should be alone at the hospital when DD#1 comes to see you. Give her time to play with you for a few minutes before someone else (not you or DH) brings in the new baby. In that way, the baby is coming into her world (or into your "pack"). It helps not having to figure out where she fits between you and the creature already in your arms. It worked really well for Abby, but she was a little younger. I actually laid Emily in the boppy in front of both of us for a bit before I dramatically asked "Should we hold her???"

    There were no gifts involved except whatever the hospital gave her.

    That's great advice Taytee! I wouldn't have thought of that but it totally makes sense. Although quite honestly I'm still not 100% sure that we'll let the boys come to the hospital. Little nervous about all of the possibilities for destruction...

    OP - I didn't do it for Leo when Charlie was born, but I could see that being something sweet this time around. I would probably do a stuffed animal or something along those lines. I don't think you're being too sensitive :)

    Lilypie Fourth Birthday tickers Lilypie Third Birthday tickers Lilypie Pregnancy tickers
    Report Reply
  • TayteeTaytee
    Abby met Emily the day after she was born or maybe really late in the evening the day of? We absolutely planned on her not being there any longer than 10 minutes if she didn't want to stay and she didn't. DH also stayed at home at night for his comfort and Abby's consistancy.
    Lilypie Kids Birthday tickers Lilypie Third Birthday tickers
    Report Reply
  • A&JmomA&Jmom

    We did this, but we waited to give it to her when we came home from the hospital, not at the hospital.  DS gave DD a Darby (from tiger and pooh) doll that she really wanted.  She loved it!

     

    imageTaytee:
    Abby met Emily the day after she was born or maybe really late in the evening the day of? We absolutely planned on her not being there any longer than 10 minutes if she didn't want to stay and she didn't. DH also stayed at home at night for his comfort and Abby's consistancy.

     

    We  did this also.  My mom stayed with DD during the day but DH came home ever night and was still there every morning when DD woke up.  We told my mom that she could bring DD to the hospital whenever she (DD) wanted to come.

     

    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"