How do you introduce a 2 year old to their new baby brother or sister without causing jealousy?

Answer 1

My daughter was 22 months old when my son was born. We let her come to the hospital and hold her new brother right away (with help of course). When I brought the baby home we figured out a way that all three of us could snuggle together while he nursed and she drank a bottle so he wasn't taking over Mommy's lap, just sharing it. It was actually hard to keep her from "smothering" him with attention. She always wanted to tuck him in with blankets and turn on the music on his bassinet.
If she's on the older side of 2, there are some books you can get about being a big brother or sister. Involve the 2 year old in preparing the nursery, clothes etc. Let her know that this is her new baby in a way too...not just mommy and daddy's.
Congrats on your pregnancy. Having two that close in age is a lot of work but fun too.

Answer 2

He may feel very jealous of the baby because was the center of your world for a long time and he will have to share you. He may start to feel powerless. Make sure you take time everyday to show him how much you love him. When the baby is sleeping, do an art project, read him a story, play a game, and things that show he is the "big boy" (he can help mommy with things, help make a snack or dinner, help with the baby...getting a diaper, let him pick out baby's outfit...). Get him a “Big Brother” shirt. He will be proud to wear it and enjoy comments he gets from others.

Help him to feel powerful by saying things like "You did that by yourself! You stacked every block! You can run super fast! Look how high you can climb! You used so many colors on your picture!" He will see that you notice him. This is a great way to show your attention and love and help him to feel powerful and confident. If he keeps getting messages like these, he should ease into this easily without too much jealousy.

When you bring the baby home, leave the baby in the car (supervised of course) go greet your son and say “Let’s go get you baby (brother/sister).” It will be much easier on him then seeing you carrying the baby inside.

You can also get him some books so he has a better idea on what to expect before the baby comes home. The New Baby-Fred Rogers My New Baby-Annie Kubler Waiting for Baby-Annie Kubler The New Baby at Your House-Joanna Cole are some good ones. Best of luck to you and congratulations!

Answer 3

i already went through this. I explained to my daughter that she was going to have a baby brother or sister. Then i told her that she could help me set up the babies room if she wanted she was very exited. I folded the babies clothes and let her put them in the bottom drawer and I let her help me put blankets away. I even let her pick out the outfit for the baby to wear home. When I brought my little girl home I let my oldest daughter help me by letting her get diapers laying out two outfits and letting her pick out one for the baby. I just let her be involved with the baby as much as possible. I also gave her a doll of her own to take care of. While my littlest one was asleep me and my oldest play with her " baby" She is now 3 and her little sister is 18 months. Good luck

Answer 4

I don't know if thats possible I have 3 kids and there has been some jealousy, but there are ways to keep it minimul. Tell them its there baby. They have to help you take care of it, grls really love this but boys will too. I talked to my kids everyday about they baby in my belly. I told them it was there baby and asked if they would hold it, feed it, and other things. i don't really let them be around the baby alone but now they feel like they are big kids and they want to help me and that is there baby that they will protect. I left the baby with my parents one time and my 3 year old started yellin "MOM don't orget the baby, Get the baby MOM" He is really protective of he baby. If the baby cries he's like mom the baby wants you. It seems to have worked well. GOOd LUCK!!!!!!!

Answer 5

If you're still pregnant, make your 2 year old feel involved...let them feel when baby moves and tell them all about the baby...once you've had the baby, let your 2 year old be one of the first to come visit you and baby in the hospital...when you get home, show them how to be "soft" to baby, and make sure he or she feels included in taking care of the baby...also, make sure your 2 year old is treated to special time for them...going to the park w/ you, daddy, or another adult that they have a special bond with...Good luck, I'm sure your 2 year old will do great w/ their new baby brother or sister! Oh, I got my daughter her own "baby" to take care of also...sometimes it helped, sometimes she was more interested in her brother!

Answer 6

My daughter was 19 months when my son was born. One of the things that I did was, when it was a time when I could realistically do so, was tell the baby that his sister needed me and he'd have do wait.

For example, as my newborn baby was going down for a nap, I would say,very seriously, "Okay Mikey, it's time for me to play with Jenny now, so you'll have to find something else to do for a while." It made my daughter feel important that the baby had to wait too. And when I said the same thing to her about needing to tend to her brother I think it seemed fair to her.

Now my daughter is 4 and my son is 2.5. I've very lucky that they get along great. My daughter still likes to help me get him up from his nap, and my son misses his sister when she goes to preschool.

Nancy

Answer 7

I was the first born and only child until I was 10. My mom always referred to my new siblings as "your little brother/sister". This always made me feel like this new little one was not "my mom's little baby" but MY little brother/sister instead. I guess it would be a little different though with a 2 year old.

Answer 8

i would tell them about the baby before it is born and have him help you set up things for the baby and when the baby comes and your 2 year old comes to see the baby the baby has a small gift for him/her. Works good kids always like something/someone with presents. worked great for me mom of 3 (5,3,and 7weeks)

Answer 9

They will have a little jelousy at first anyway, normal!
But just make sure that you give them alot of attention \And don't make them feel like thier needs are put on the back burner, also let them be a big help. they love that! If they feel like they are a big brother/sister , they will forget@

Answer 10

im going to have to go thru the same thing in about a month.

I think once he sees how small fragile & preciouse the baby is, all he'll want to do is love it.

My 2 year old loves all his baby cousins,

i think he'll know what to do.