We're having another baby and I want to make the transition as smooth as possible at the time. I have until August to work on this. My daughter will be 2 years and 3 months old.
2007-01-11 21:37:05 · 8 answers · asked by Jules 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
My daughter was about 2 1/2 when I got pregnant with her brother. We were completely honest with her and told her that there was a baby growing in mommy's tummy. She liked to kiss and rub "the new baby". I let her go to some of my doctors appts. with me and showed her the ultrasound pics. I let her help me with preparations (folding baby clothes, decorating baby's room) and let her come to the baby shower. When she asked how the baby was going to get out, I told her that I would go to the hospital and stay for a day or two and the doctor would take him out. When I was in labor I let her visit for about ten minutes and then she came back the next morning to meet the new baby. I let her hold him (with intense supervision) andnow that he is 7 mons she plays with him, when he was smaller she helped him hold his bottle, and she can fetch diapers and wipes, throw out dirty diapers and even help pick out Bryce's clothes for the day. We are now expecting #3 and she is tickled to death. She wants a little sister this time and she still likes to rub and kiss the new baby in mommy's tummy. Be patient with your daughter and give her plenty of opportunity to help and be an active participant. I wish you the best of luck.
2007-01-12 01:53:52 · answer #1 · answered by fairychic77 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Baby dolls work best; showing her how to gently handle a baby and not shaking, poking or prodding the baby. It's very important that you help your daughter know her role as a big sister i.e. to protect, to love and to show her little sibling the ropes. Teach her that she's not a baby anymore, at 2 she's considered a toddler; and when her sibling is that age, treat him or her the same way you treated your eldest (quells resentment towards younger sibling). That means NO pacifiers, NO bottles (sippie cups are acceptable) and she should be feeding herself finger foods and able to use a spoon on her own. Potty training is about right at this time. You can have sister go potty before or after diaper changing time, or implement "Potty Break!" when it's time to change the baby, and she can go use her potty too. The sooner the better!
Spend equal time with both children and encourage your daughter to help with feedings, diaper changing. She could bring supplies, throw away the dirty didies. Kiss, hug and encourage your older child as much as you do the baby. Children tend to feel that their parents love the baby more because they're all small and cute. This can cause reversion (where your toddler starts to mimic baby's behaviors- NOT GOOD!!!) Make sure that bed times and nap times are the same for both children. No negotiation, period. Mom needs a break too, lol.
2007-01-12 07:16:47 · answer #2 · answered by Kryptonite 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My best guess would be to include the toddler in as much as
possible regarding the new arrival. Don't forget that when the gifts start coming in for the shower, she could feel a bit left out,
make her feel special too! Share duties, and explain the importance of the big sister role she will have. Put an afternoon
each week aside that only is hers with you. Put yourself in her
shoes, and treat her the way you would've wanted to be treated.
2007-01-12 05:55:38 · answer #3 · answered by bytemekll 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Before the baby is born, you need to start carrying around a life-sized baby doll to allow your 2 yr old to get used to seeing you holding another baby.
Cuddle the babydoll, and change the babydoll's diaper, and act like you are feeding the babydoll. This will help the 2 yr old get used to seeing you with a new baby, and get used to seeing you care for a new baby.
i know it sounds weird to play with a baby doll, but it will seriously help!
Good Luck
2007-01-12 05:42:29 · answer #4 · answered by Daft One 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just as you do with a president hidden in a closed room in the first day of a year.then try to make the 2 years old is preferred than who doesn't understand this for now
2007-01-12 05:48:45 · answer #5 · answered by good man 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
include her in the pregnancy. take her to ultrasound appointments and let her see the screen and explain to her what is happening (though keep it simple). tell her she is going to be a big brother/sister and all the things she will get to to with the baby. when the baby kicks; get her to to feel it, let her talk to your bump.
read her stories about babies. there are books out there written about this exact topic.
have fun with it. even if your daughter doesn't understand, she will be excited when bub arives and will treat it like a doll. just include her in things and make he feel important and useful.
2007-01-12 06:09:03 · answer #6 · answered by Claire K 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
my daughter was 2 when our 2nd was born and i made sure she got to hold her with help in the hospital and made a big fuss over when she cam in and made sure i was never holding the baby when she came to visit and once she was there i said lets hold your brother, once home i involved her in as much of the baby life as i could like get mummy a diaper, and would you like to help mum baht the baby and lets read a book with the baby, she adored her baby brother and they sheared a room till he was 3yrs old, they are the best of friends now
good luck with it all
2007-01-12 07:41:03 · answer #7 · answered by pen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that you should already start preparng your daughter now, whilst being pregnant. You should really incoorporate her in the proces, by telling her she will be having a sister / brother and that he/she is in your tummy. Make her excited about it!
2007-01-12 05:46:08 · answer #8 · answered by MM 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋