Did you have kids close together in age? How did the older child react to the baby?

Question

My daughter will be 14 months old when my son is born in 3 weeks. I am concerned about how she is going to react to the new baby. She is such a sweet girl with lots of personality, and I don't want this to change her into a monster. I will be having a c-section so it will be a no-no to pick her up, and that worries me too. Right now I am her jungle gym, and to not be able to pick her up anytime will be hard on her. Any advice from those who have gone through this will be helpful.

Answer 1

My son will be 15 months when the new baby comes along. I really don't think he has the capacity to understand what's going on. He's been with his cousin (my neice) from about five months. They still get together and play. So, he loves babies and kids and is very kid friendly. :))

I would just have someone lift your daughter to play in bed with you. Have her cuddle and tell her you have a boo boo. She may not understand, but try to be preventive (block her as she tries to climb on you). Also, maybe rocking with her will be a good alternative. I stand my son on my thighs and hold his hands we teeter totter as the rocker goes back and forth. I'll sing a silly song - Old McDonald is his favorite he loves the animal noises and even tries to do them with me.

Also, you could have her in bed with you and play with toys. Musical ones seem to work best with mine. They seem to keep him entertained. I just try to be silly and goofy to keep him entertained.

My girlfriend had three c-sects and she recovered in only a week!! I was so jealous!! More than likely you'll be feeling back to yourself in a few weeks and being your daughter's favorite play time pal again!

Answer 2

I used to babysit for two boys who were only 13 months apart. They got along pretty well.

Right now I am pregnant with baby #2, who will be 18 months younger than my daughter. I am always talking about the new baby and I let my daughter help pick stuff out for the new baby too. I am also going to be getting her a crying baby doll to take care of, so she can get used to the idea of the baby. Also, As soon as the new baby's room is finished, we will be letting her go in there to check things out. You can get books about being a big sister, but someone as young as 14 months may not grasp that yet (I haven't bought any books for my daughter), but you can always try. Also, I have heard that you should not make any other "big" changes around the time of the new baby's arrival (potty training, starting daycare, etc.). Also, if it is possible, let your daughter see you holding someone else's baby, to see how she reacts. Some hospitals let siblings come vist mom & baby (you should check if they have an age limit though - some let any sibling visit, others prefer kids to be at least preschool age). As for the c-section & not lifting - you should try to get your daughter used to that now so she doesn't think it is because of the baby. Don't pick her up/run to her every single time she wants you to pick her up. You can sit on the floor with her instead.

Answer 3

My son was almost two when I had my next baby. Prepare the child before the baby is born. She will understand more than you relize talk to her and get books about babies. Let her know babies are delicate. My son is behind for his age. So even though he was two he was not that age mentally. He is now three and they are the best of friends. Although he still calls my sixteen month old baby. Not her name Jocelyn. I guess it is hard to say. Although I think she will always be baby. My son was in awe when she was born. He would sit and look at her and would try to put her pacifier in her mouth when it fell out. Let her help with the baby just keep a constant eye on them. He/she would never mean to hurt the baby but they are just little their selves. By, the way my son is still behind only in speech though. He is now three and talks more like he is two and a half. I know he will catch up though and I am not worried. He is very smart in other ways and very physical. Loves to jump and play. Congrats on the new baby. Best of luck.

Answer 4

My first son was 19 months old when my second son was born. I also had a c-section. It was honestly a very easy transition. My husband took time off and my mother had time off. They both helped me and helped take care of my oldest son.

After they were gone, it wasn't too bad b/c the baby slept most of the day and I was able to still play with my oldest a lot. He was very interested in breastfeeding and such and I just included him.

Play on the floor more and give her activites like coloring or painting so she is occupied more with calm activities.

Answer 5

My son was 2 when my baby was born and it took him a couple weeks to adjust the key is to let them be part of the experience, let them help take care of the new baby and then it will part theirs and they can except baby easier. So let your daughter pick out clothes or help change diapers, do baths and make a special time of day that is just for you and her so she can except the baby but stiill be your baby for a while.
The other tip that would help you is to get her own dolly with a infant carrier, stroller, bottle, all that stuff so you can be 'mommies' together. She'll like being the older sis eventually dont force it on her if she resists too much though.

Answer 6

She'll be fine just include in on the baby activities like bathing the baby, diaper changes, putting socks on etc. My boys haven't had any issues with the new arrivals. My children age ranges from 6,5,18months and due in April. I had a space between the 5 and 18months old that passed away in 2004 he would of been 3. They have accepted the baby and like to play older brother. Now my 18month old has to welcome his little sister in April. The biggest challenge for me was breastfeeding but take it one day at a time and you will conquer that task as well.

Answer 7

I went througth this too, my son was 14 months old when i had my daughter. He was a gentle caring little guy, and he took to her very well and still does. He was jealous at first because i had stopped breastfeeding him in the afternoons (the only time i still did) right before she was born and when i started feeding her it was hard for him. But he helped me out with her and was very nice to her. he still loves to get her diapers and wipes and give her her sippy cup and stuff like that. Allow her to help out with the new baby so that she doesnt feel left out and she will learn alot from you and alot about taking care of her brother so she will always do it.

Answer 8

I had 4 children in 5 years. My oldest was 14 months when I had my second one. She really loved the baby and the thought of being a big sister. Explain to the oldest that she will be the big sister..... Give her a job like telling you when the baby is crying if you are busy....That makes it fun for her.
Now my girls are really close because they are the same size.
They love doing every thing together. JUST MY OPENION!

Answer 9

My friend has two 17 months apart - also c-section issue - and her oldest LOVES the baby. When he cried, she'd be the first one to go to soothe him, "No cry, baby! It's ok. Mommy come now."

My brother and I are three and a half years apart, and I've spent the last 29 years trying to trade him for a puppy. I'd still rather have the puppy. =)

Answer 10

I have 2 females a at the same time as 6 (Carly) and three (Erin) and pregnant with the 0.33 due in ought to! at the same time as i grow to be pregnant with Erin , Carly grow to be also 3. We talked about the recent toddler a lot in perfect talk for a three 3 hundred and sixty 5 days previous. She looked very excited and that i imagine she understood what grow to be happening she saved speaking about there's a toddler in mommy's tummy and advised each body! Now we are doing all of it once better. when we announed the information to the older one she grow to be quite more than chuffed (i presumed she should be offended because she would not get alongside to correctly with Erin yet i grow to be incorrect) because one among her friends mom's purely had a toddler and she or he couldn't bear in ideas at the same time as Erin grow to be born. the three 3 hundred and sixty 5 days previous grow to be EXTATIC on the information. She loves babydolls and seeing little ones in places and understood she has a toddler to stay with her! to practice for the toddler we are planning to take them both on particular journeys on my own purely with mom and pa proper before the toddler comes. We also blanketed them in choosing out toddler outfits,furniture and different issues which they extremely loved.on the day i'm giving start we offered them massive sister t-shirts and they receives particular presents "from the toddler".