Nervous about 2nd baby...

Laura - posted on 07/28/2010

Wow we are pretty much in the same boat!!
I just had her on july 15th and i have a 19.5 month old!! She is super easy right now because she sleeps, eats, poops. I am sure in a month i will be going MENTAL....My son is very curious about baby and the only time he puts up a stink is if he's really tired and daddy is holding baby. but other than that so far so good. We should become friends and share tidbits back and forth on what helps and doesn't......

Sue - posted on 07/25/2010

This is exactly how I have been feeling lately. I am have a 3 year old daughter and will have my son via C-section on Wednesday. I know that it is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed, but I also can't help feeling like some of the women in my life who are fond of my DD are trying to make this transition harder for all of us. I find that as I am getting closer to the big day that I am having to reassure her of my love for her more and more, and it breaks my heart,

Cassandra - posted on 07/22/2010

My son is now 2 weeks old and I have a 3 year old daughter. My husband has been back to work this week. I've had my father help me out with them for now until he leaves to go back home in a week. But it really is about time management and letting the older one help. There have been some good days and there have been some not so good days. But that's true of parenting in general. It's a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. Both children need 1 on 1 time (as much as possible) as well as time together. I love being a mother of 2 children and wouldn't trade it for the world.

PS It's not always as easy to sleep when the baby sleeps when you have a toddler but it's vital to get as much sleep as you can!

Heather - posted on 07/16/2010

My daughter is 2.5 and gher little brother will be here anyday now. We've been working on having her help out, she picks up after herself, and helps sort laundry ect...I am planning on extending her help with the new baby. I am also concerned with her jumping on me, its only been the last week or two i've been able to keep her gentle around my belly. But Ithink we'll get through it, Thanks for the suggestion able letting her choos his clothes I think that will be fun for her. I also have made sure she can have her own "baby" to take care of, so if she wants to feel invloved, she can hold her baby, while mommy is holding baby brother ect.

Jenna - posted on 07/15/2010

My son turned 15 months a week after his little sister was born. He has adjusted very well so far. He loves to touch her (he's been pretty gentle most of the time) and makes sure that we know any time she makes a noise. I know developmentally he doesn't really understand what's going on yet, but he has been such a trooper. He's having the hardest time when I feed her and can't pick him up or let him on my lap, but we're working on it. Both my husband and I are trying to be sure we get some one-on-one time with him every day. Good luck!

Liz - posted on 07/08/2010

I'm right there with you. I have a 21 month old who loves babies a little too much! How am I going to do it???

Pamela - posted on 07/03/2010

wow this thread says all the things i've been thinking! i'm having my 2nd baby by c-section 5 days before my Son turns 2. i'm scared about recovery and having my son climb on me (he is very affectionate). i'm scared of how he will react to the baby. i'm scared i won't get enough time with him. i'm scared this baby will be hard to handle. i'm scared my son will feel rejected or put out in some way. i'm scared because my husbands parents live on the other side of the country and both my parents have passed away, not leaving us with much help. i'm even scared i won't love this baby as much as i love my son (logically i know thats crazy, but its really hard to imagine loving ANYONE as much as I love my son).

Emily - posted on 07/02/2010

Going along with the jobs, I have also heard it's good to give the toddler choices...let him/her decide what the baby is going to wear that day, etc. That let's them feel like they have an important role.

Clara - posted on 04/25/2010

Thanks for all the comments, it's really helpful :-)

Krista - posted on 04/23/2010

Toddlers love to help. Give your toddler "jobs" to do that involve the baby. It could be as simple as "Get Mommy a diaper, please."

BIG PRAISE if they do it for being a really big helper. When baby is sleeping spend as MUCH time together as possible.

It's all about time management.

Erin - posted on 04/20/2010

Im nervous about how my 2 1/2 year old is going to act when this baby comes home. I have an amazing son and im afraid he is going to change after we have this baby. im also afraid this baby is going to be a horrible baby cuz there snow way you can have to kids as good as him its just not allowed lol

Shaina - posted on 04/20/2010

It's actually not that hard to wrangle a toddler and a newborn. You'll spend the first few months teaching the older child to be soft with the baby, but just remember that babies are pretty tough. Also, get a baby carrier (I like mei tais) because then you will have free hands to keep up with your older child. It keeps them from feeling left out or replaced by the new baby.

I've done this a few times, as I am due with my 4th baby in 4 years. :-)

Amanda - posted on 04/20/2010

I am starting to feel overwhemed about this too. My son is 3 and all I can think about is how I am going to keep him from wanting to me next to me or on top of me after my c-section. Also how am I keeping him from trying to pick the baby up and stuff like that once my husband goes back to work? Maybe we can figure this out together...