New baby with a toddler?

Question

I just found out that I am 4 weeks pregnant and I have a toddler who is 13 months. Any advice on how to prepare my toddler for being a big brother?

Answer 1

Nope. He can't understand since he's too young. Just help him not feel left out and forgotten after the baby is born.

My youngest two are 22 months apart and it was hard at first. We tried to include the older son with the care of the baby. They ended up being best buds when they got a bit older.

Answer 2

We have a four year old a two year old and a newborn. You never know how they are going to react until the new baby gets here. As you start to grow show the new big brother your belly and let him know what is going on. He might not understand much now but he will towards the end of the pregnancy when he is almost two.
Also I know he is only 13 months but you know how they say it's never two early to start reading and there are some great books at there. We got ours "I'm a Big Brother" and "I'm a Big Sister" books by Jonanna Cole.
Our two year has regressed a little wanting to breastfeed and sucks on a pacifier (which she never did before!) but the peditiricans say it's all natural and healthy and to just let them do it and they will grow out of it.
It doesnt matter your son is only 13 months keep him involved as much as you can. If nothing else he will enjoy the attention he is getting from you when everyone else seems to be paying close attention to you!

Answer 3

My kids are 2 and 4 mo.26 mo apart. When I was preg I would try to let him feel the baby kick and I would always tell him that there was a baby in there.He was so fascinated. He would babble talk into my belly button and stuff like that, when I finally did have her he absolutely loved her. now he is the best big brother he always gives her kisses and wants to hold her and brings me things when I need them, the down side is he still tries to rub my tummy and tell me there is a baby in there! Just dont give the new baby all the attention it is hard especially at first, soon though he will see that you love both equally and when the new wears off all will be great.

Answer 4

I can definately relate to this one, My oldest two were 16 months apart! Not sure if they have this in your area but I was so thankful to find a sibling class at my delivering hospital - My son really had a great time and new exactly what to expect... they handled it perfectly, taught the kids how to change baby doll diapers, showed them the babies at the nursery... Other recommendations they gave us at the class was to:
have a present ready "from the baby"
have the baby's room ready early so the other child can be used to it
let your child go to the prenatal visits and see the baby in ultrasound, makes them feel more of a part of the process (this my son especially loved)
set out baby photos at their eye level so they can see themselves as babeis
have child make a birthday card to put in your hospital bag...
Happy Baby!!!!

Answer 5

Wow that's young... My son was 4 when I got pregnant with his sister, and he understood everything... He's an awesome big brother... I would just say to involve him in every doctor's appt.. Find out what you're having... It really helped my son to know that his sister Sophia was in Mommy's belly... I wish you the best..

Answer 6

I let my son feel my growing stomach and now moving stomach and ask him if he wants to say hi to baby brother. He gets and kick out of it whether or not he understands. Just always talk to him about it.

Answer 7

make sure you include him in doctor visits and let him feel the baby move in your belly, I hade a set a twins when my daughter just turned 20 months old. that was fun.