I have a soon to be 5 yr old boy and a 3.5 yr old girl. My daughter very much likes playing the "baby" role of the family. I'm 20 wks pregnant with number 3 and although we have discussed the forthcoming event with both of them I want to make the transition from 2 to 3 as easy as possible (yeah right!). My son can't really remember being an only child as my daughter came 17 months after but they are both old enough now to notice the difference a new baby will make. Any advice?
2007-03-12 10:22:06 · 14 answers · asked by SH 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
i would try roll playing with a baby doll... like a baby doll she takes care of placing it in the stroller and etc. she has to overcome it herself so if you can give her a roll of the BIG sister and she can take care of her, she can feel like shes part of it good luck!
2007-03-12 10:30:25 · answer #1 · answered by Steffanie P 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Buy a present for each child from the baby. If you are having the baby in hospital take the presents with you so the older children can get them when they visit you and the new baby.
Also, ask friends and family to bring a card and small present for the older two when they come to visit the new baby at home. I have known some parents not let visitors in without it!
Ask visitors to say hello and speak to the older children first when they come in, not just ignore them and go straight to the new baby.
If you can arrange for either you or your partner to take the older ones out on their own for the day shortly after the new baby comes home and then all go out together for the day as a family. This shows the older ones that they can still go out despite the new baby.
Try and involve the older ones in the care of the new baby (if they want to) fetching nappies and wipes, holding bottles etc...
Above all make sure you and your partner pay extra attention to the older ones in the first few weeks until they get used the new arrival!
2007-03-12 10:31:46 · answer #2 · answered by nevine1982 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Include them as much as possible in discussions and decisions about the new baby. Get them involved in getting the babies room or space ready when the time comes. Once your baby's movement begin to become pronounced, you may find that if you lie down with your children and cuddle them they may feel the baby move. You can explain that it's their new brother or sister trying to get to know them.
Explain as much as you can about the consequences of having a new baby so that the practicalities won't be such a shock to them. But, don't let it take over the next 20 weeks completely. Treat the impending arrival as an exciting event but not the only event.
Congratulations and good luck
2007-03-12 10:38:42 · answer #3 · answered by gerrifriend 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just make them comfortable w/ the baby. For instance, when your 3rd is born, get them both big sibling shirts. Like your sons would say "i'm a big brother... again." Don't be afraid to let them hold the baby with help. Let them help get you things like wipes, powder, etc. Also, give them more attention than you did before the new baby. Especially your daughter. I'm sure they will love the idea of a new sibling if you just help them understand that they are still important. Good luck!!!
2007-03-12 10:33:03 · answer #4 · answered by chelsea.lane 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi
i am 31 weeks pregnant and also have a 3 going on four year old. I have been told to involve her as much as possible. I have also bought her a "present" from the baby. I got her a baby doll that wees etc so can play with her doll while i am with the baby,
I still am panicking a bit but am hopeful that things will gosmoothly. Good luck and feel free to email me. lisaviduka@yahoo.co.uk
2007-03-12 22:33:21 · answer #5 · answered by lisaviduka 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Talk to them about the baby. Ask them what they think they will like or dislike about having a new baby in the house. Ask them about the things they would like to do when the baby arrives and how they would like to help you. After the baby has arrived, make sure they both have quality time with you and are able to help with the baby so they don't feel left out.
2007-03-12 10:31:52 · answer #6 · answered by Darlin1_66 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Did either of them express any jeloust at the mention of the news? I remember when my youngest brother was born (I was 4 and my younger brother was 2) and neither one of us could be more happy. Just tell them that you still love them just as much as before, but their getting older now (you know how much kids like to hear that) and you are going to need their help with the baby. Obviously you can only give them minimal tasks but make them feel more important.
I have no kids, but this is based on what I've seen parents with little cousins do
2007-03-12 10:32:58 · answer #7 · answered by Interested 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I got my two very involved when no 3 was on the way. Make sure each of the older two have their own time with you and your partner. Always seek the older children's opinion on things like what to have for tea, what to do as a treat for the weekend and so on.
When family and friends come to look at the new baby make sure the older two aren't left out (small wrapped pressents for the older two help with them feeling left our pressie wise) - also ask the elder two to show the visitors their new brother or sister as the new baby belongs to the family as a whole.
Good luck.........
2007-03-12 10:31:59 · answer #8 · answered by Storm Rider 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When I was having my third child my twins were 5, we spoke about it from early on and encouraged them to be involved, they came to scans, each week we went shopping and they chose something for the baby to put in the draw and then they chose the babies name then at the end when the baby arrives you can give them a little gift from the baby to make them feel special. As long as you involve them and they dont feel pushed out which I'm sure they wont you will be just fine :) Goodluck and congratulations on the pregnancy
2007-03-13 09:22:57 · answer #9 · answered by mumoffour 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
hi, i am 31 have 6 children ages 11 10, 4, 2yr old twins, and a 5 month old. in my experience especially with regards to young children and babies the older children do just adapt to a new addition. they seem to find a new baby a novelty. when your baby arrives let them take a keen interest in everything you're doing. but, most importantly spend quality time with your other children too. this will reassure them that they're not being pushed out. i would say good luck but you won't need it......things will be absolutely fine.......you'll see
2007-03-12 10:54:59 · answer #10 · answered by goldy1980@btinternet.com 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Let them help out! Picking out things for the baby's room, ask them if they like this or that for the baby, talk about the baby everyday like " Won't it be fun to take the baby to the park with us!" Involve them in all the preparations, and when the baby is born let them pick out outfits and help bathe, make sure to give them lot's of praise too!
2007-03-16 09:41:59 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋