How to prepare an 18 month old boy for....!!!?

Question

I was wondering...How do I attempt to prepare my 18 month old son for a little sister (Who could come at any moment, I am 38 wks).. He's laid his head on my tummy, And I've told him 'Baby is in there' but I don't think he quite grasps it yet, He's also noticed another crib in his room, And has watched us fold and re-fold her clothes and what not, But I was wondering if maybe someone had some cute ideas to maybe help him further understand...Also - was wondering...

I have an 8 year old boy, and an 18 month old boy, I was wondering what a cute 'gift' from the new baby would be for the both of them! :-)

Thanks bunches in advance!!!

Answer 1

He is a bit young to grasp the idea. He will fully grasp it once the baby arrives and is not getting the same amount of attention he once had. Prepare for some regression. He will probably be very jealous of the baby because was the center of your world for a long time and he then has to share you. He may start to feel powerless. Make sure, when your daughter arrives, you take time everyday to show you're love. When she is sleeping, read him a story, play a game, and things that show he is the "big boy" (he can help mommy with things, help with the baby...getting a diaper, let him pick out baby's outfit...).

Help him to feel powerful by saying things like "You did that by yourself. Look how high you can climb! You used so many colors on your picture!" Let him know that you notice him. This is a great way to show attention and love and help him to feel powerful and confident. If he keeps getting messages like these, he ease into this easily.

A great gift from the baby would be some “Big Brother” t-shirts. You can also get the little one some books so he has a better idea on what to expect before the baby comes home. My New Baby-Annie Kubler Waiting for Baby-Annie Kubler The New Baby at Your House-Joanna Cole The New Baby-Fred Rogers are some good ones. Best of luck to you and congratulations!

Answer 2

Get some books about having a new baby in the house. There are alot out there that are stories with the concept of "there's a brand new baby in my family". Get some of those and read them to him. Go into where the baby's crib is and say "Is that the new baby's bed?" Just start talking about her and getting him familiar with the idea.

As for a gift, I think a good gift for your 8 yr. old would be just whatever he likes. Maybe an action figure or a toy for outside. As for your 18 month old, maybe get him a new toy and some coloring books.

Answer 3

My boys are 20 months apart and I worried a lot about how they would interact. It turned out great for us although my older boy was very clingy to me when I got home from the hospital and did not want my mother to take care of him. I think he was worried about me more than the baby. I followed suggestions from friends and talked to him about the baby. We also bought a realistic doll and put him in the new carseat. When I came home with the baby I greeted him first and fussed over missing him. I sat on the floor with the baby to be at his level and he looked at him but he didn't seem very interested. At this age it really is hard to understand. They just want mommy to have enough time for them. now at 2 and 1/2 and 1 year they play all the time and love to giggle at each other.

Answer 4

At 18 months, I don't really think they get the concept until the baby actually gets here. As for the cute gift, I've always liked the "I'm the big brother" t-shirts.

Answer 5

Just keep him involved as much as possible, with of course, safety precautions (my 2 yr old wanted to pick up the new baby if I wasn't in the room.) and with every new gift that the baby gets, make sure there is something there for the other.

Answer 6

the gift is a sister. buy them big brother tee shirts. get a baby doll and teach him how to care for a baby. it does work