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August 2016 Moms
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Talking to Toddler About Becoming a Big Sister/Brother

kiwico14kiwico14 member
in August 2016 Moms
Good morning!

My question is mainly for moms with 2+ or child care pros, but I'm open to suggestions from everyone! DS will be 2 in February. We have already talked to him about becoming a big brother, and he will chatter about the baby in Mama's tummy. It's still very theoretical for him, of course. Over the next months, how can we best prepare him to understand what's going on? Is there anything that worked well for you in helping you LO transition from only child to big brother or sister?

TIA for your great suggestions and advice!
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Re: Talking to Toddler About Becoming a Big Sister/Brother

  • HepCatHepCat member
    My son was 2.5 when my daughter was born. We talked a lot like you did and did as much as we could to include him in helping prepare. Instead if having the "perfect" nursery, he helped pick things out. When he came to meet us in the hospital, we had DD in the bassinet, so when he came in I was able to hug and pay attention to him first and then he was able to check out the baby. We also try to each spend 15 minutes a day with him giving him 1:1 undivided (i.e. No screens) attention where he picks the activity.
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  • ToricharlineToricharline member
    I have no advice, but my DD will be 2 in may, and I told her theres a baby in my belly and she said "no!" And started crying. I'm pretty sure she thinks I ate a baby.
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  • andrea0418andrea0418 member
    Ds will be 3 in July right before the new baby arrives. I told him I have a baby in my belly but since he can't see it he doesn't really believe me.
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  • kattyleighkattyleigh member
    Mine are 4 and 6. I decided I'm going to wait until I'm showing to tell them. I think then they will really understand.
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  • Kristin712Kristin712 member
    Honestly, he probably won't "get it" until new baby is actually here (or even a few weeks or months old). I think the best prep you can do is reading books that involve babies/big siblings/etc that speak positively about the topic. Also, consider getting him a baby doll or utilizing a current toy as a baby and teach him common dramatic play schemes such as feeding via bottle and spoon, rocking, and putting to sleep.

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  • kiwico14kiwico14 member
    Thank you all! I really like having a set chunk of time for undivided attention and play time together, and the dramatic play is a great idea. He started playing with a baby doll when we dropped him off at the nursery at church, and I got a little emotional thinking about him help with a little brother or sister.

    @Toricharline I laughed out loud at your comment. Pretty sure that's true in our case, too.
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