Tell me how you introduced toddler to baby

christyjane17 · December 2012

DS and DD will be between 16 and 17 months apart. I know not to expect TOO much when they meet, but I'm very curious about how it will go. We're not sure whether to introduce them at home or in the hospital. Suggestions welcome?!

How did you introduce the new siblings to each other? Would you change anything?

JoannaJes · December 2012

DS came to the hospital. And we basically said "here's your sister!" And he ignored her, and wanted to play with the balloons. He was 20 months at the time. So, I would really put no thought into this, at that age they really don't care.

lkm2006 · December 2012

This is exactly the age DS will be when the new baby comes. We plan on having him come to the hospital.

I know I haven't done it before and I know he still won't understand, but 1) I can't go that long without seeing DS1 and 2) I feel like it will be better for him to see the baby with us in the hospital than me just showing up at home with DS2.

etude de la vie · December 2012

I did NOT want her at the hospital. I thought it was just going to end in a huge tantrum. She wouldn't understand why I was there, what was happening, she wouldn't be able to touch anything (like pushing buttons on medical equipment), and then after just a short visit she would have to leave. She also had separation anxiety and since I SAH I don't ever leave her with someone more than a dentist appointment or something like that for myself...which is rare. She was happy, oblivious, at home with grandma, who is the only person who has ever watched her, going through the day with her routine!

I was released the same day (had DS at 2am got discharged at 5pm)

When we got home we showed her the carseat she said "hi" and ran off playing. My DH brought in a ride on toy and she was glued to that the rest of the day ....and long after that!

GHBEA · December 2012

Our DD 20 months didn't really care. She arrived at the hospital and was more excited to see mommy and check out the room then she did her sister. We did introduce her little sister she hugged her gave her a kiss and moved on. Now at home she is more interested in her. She will kiss her, rub her head, and let me know she is crying.

ThatWasAHoot · December 2012

DS went "awwww, babyyyyy" and kissed and hugged her and then played with a car he had lol. Kids this age don't really care and don't understand anyway, I don't think.

mamarazzi528 · December 2012

Mine are 16 months apart. DD visited at the hospital, but didn't care too much about the baby. She watched the grandparents hold him, pointed to him, and then played with the gift bags he got.

Now at 18 months she'll acknowledge him a little bit more: rock his carseat, try to put his pacifier in, run to him when I pick them up at daycare, but then go about her business playing with her toys.

Kirst86 · December 2012

Mine are 20 months apart and my son came to visit in hospital and we had a small present from his sister wrapped on the bed everyday. He got so excited and even kissed her! He was then entertained by the gift for a while but he had to come visit with my mom as could only stay 1015 minutes at a time which is expected at this age or he would get bored and then naughty: The present thing really worked for us though!

LollyBug18 · December 2012

DD and DS are 3 days shy of 18mo apart. DH brought DD to the hospital to meet her baby brother and she did just fine. If I had it to do over again, I may have had him let her explore the environment a little before showing DS to her because she really wasn't interested in him at first and just wanted to get down and explore. Once she looked around the hospital room though, she got really interested in her brother, she pointed at him and touched him, even gave him some kisses. It was really sweet. When it was time for her to leave again, she didn't have any problems either. It was a really positive experience and I'm glad we had her come.

MammaBear81 · December 2012

The kids were at the hospital when I delivered each time. The youngest (about 18 months old) would look at, "hold" the baby for a min, and then move on to a toy or book. They stayed for several hours because we brought other things for them to be entertained, and then left with MIL. I agree with PP that you don't need to put much thought into it.

admico821 · January 2013

Kirst86:
Mine are 20 months apart and my son came to visit in hospital and we had a small present from his sister wrapped on the bed everyday. He got so excited and even kissed her! He was then entertained by the gift for a while but he had to come visit with my mom as could only stay 1015 minutes at a time which is expected at this age or he would get bored and then naughty: The present thing really worked for us though!

I love this idea and will have to remember this!

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