How I help #1 understand about #2

[PurpleIvy44]

So my DD is just about 2 and when you ask her if she wants to have a baby sister she usually says no. So we've been talking to her more and I know she's a bit young to understand but I would like it to be a nice transition for her.

I decided to let her hear the baby heartbeat with my doppler and she loves it! She points to her or my belly and says sissy/sister heartbeat boom boom boom, meaning she wants to hear her. I find it as soon as I put it on my belly, we listen for a few seconds and then she says, all done! When I ask her what sissy says she says boom boom boom and has a huge smile.

It's just enough to let her know there is a baby in there and get her used to the idea of a little one. Just thought I'd pass this little tip on since it seems to be helping her and may help you too.

 

[jlw617]

That's sweet, it's hard when they're that little, my daughters had 3 years apart and even then it was difficult for her to fully comprehend. I might also add that anything you do that involves them (letting them pick something out for baby) while still making it fun for them is great to help with the bonding/helping them to understand

 

[firstbaby1985]

My boy will be 3.5 when the new baby arrives so will be watching this thread. He loves being my little helper just now so hopefully that can continue

 

[mumziemcvoy]

My daughter was 2 in May she likes to say hello to baby etc but I don't actually think she realises there's a real person in there lol bless them she loves babies so fingers crossed she will love her new little brother ! I am going to get her to help me do things for the baby like get nappies and help feed him etc think she will enjoy that

 

[Willow82]

My boy will be 3.5 when the new baby arrives so will be watching this thread. He loves being my little helper just now so hopefully that can continue

Mine will also be about 3 and a half by the time baby arrives but he still likes to play being a baby a lot of the time e.g. wants to be carried, fed etc. I think he's going to find it difficult.

 

[firstbaby1985]

My boy will be 3.5 when the new baby arrives so will be watching this thread. He loves being my little helper just now so hopefully that can continue

Mine will also be about 3 and a half by the time baby arrives but he still likes to play being a baby a lot of the time e.g. wants to be carried, fed etc. I think he's going to find it difficult.

My wee ones the opposite! He is so independent and loves helping his mummy with everything. Very attentive, although don't know how long it will last! I'm totally his mummy though and anytime any friends kids give me a hug he gets really defensive so don't jbow how he is going to share me!

 

[BethMaassen]

My DD won't even be 2 when this one arrives, I have been wondering how to help her know and understand. Because at this point she is completely oblivious.

 

[julesjules100]

I'm terrified of this. My little boy will be 2 years and 8 months when his sister arrives (all being well). He doesn't speak a lot now and I know he wouldn't understand the concept of a baby being in my tummy. I think when I'm closer to Christmas I will start to mention it to him so really to give him a few weeks notice that someone else is arriving! He's a total mummy's boy so I worry a lot about damaging our bond or making him unhappy.

 

[Twag]

This is a worry for me also my son is almost 18 months and has no idea about baby I show him my belly which he tickles or sticks his finger in my belly button and say baby and he sometimes lays his head on my belly but I don't think he really gets it and he is such a mummies boy and doesn't like my 5 year old niece sitting next to me as he gets jealous so how is he going to take a baby I also worry how it is going to affect him

Just hope it all falls into place when baby comes in 3 months

 

[bunyhuny]

I know I'm a FTM, but I thought I'd pop in with a quick note. I used to work as a doula/CBE and have had a couple parents rave to me about this book for talking to their first borns about the coming baby.

 

[Iren_iren]

DS will be 3,1 when his sister arrives, after reading a lot about preparing him, things i took for myself - start telling him closer to time, as they dint concept of time, so being 6 month now i just started. In UK there is Pirate Pete books about him potry training and that helped us a lot, so now i got big boys bed and becoming big brothers. There are a lot of them on Amazon to choose from. Probavly at the mark of 8 month i start to i volve him in getting ready for baby arrival, but not sure how much he will actually get...

 

[Spudtastic]

My dd will be nearly three when baby arrives. I plan to get some books to read with her about being a big sister.
She understands there is a baby in my tummy. You may be shocked how much they do actually understand.
Perhaps tmi here but I went to the toilet for a no2 and my dd came with me. She's currently 2.5 years and she says to me 'mum. Don't poo the baby out'. Seriously. ..where did that come from.

Anyway I also plan to get a doll that wees etc amd needs to be looked after for dd as a present from the baby...and nearer the time dd and I will make something for the baby.
I also plan to get her involved in helping look after the baby like a pp postee said..getting nappies etc. Dd us very needy and cuddly so I worry that she will feel neglected but I have heard that you can still cuddle older siblings whilst breastfeeding on the sofa.
Dd also pretends to breastfeed her dolly so she knows babies need milk.

Well I'm rambling now.
Another friend made sure she did a one on one activity with her sin when baby was sleeping (yeah she's amazing).

All these ideas I have got from others so I'm always keen to get more ideas.

Oh yeah one more...I remember reading that mum and dad and family should greet the toddler first before running over to see the new baby.