How to tell 14 month old of new baby?

Kandy - posted on 05/27/2011

I don't think that there is really a right way to tell them. My son will be 15 months when our new baby boy is born. And we try to associate him with what the word "baby" means the best we can. But they are just now starting to understand some basic concepts so I don't think that there is really a way for them to fully comprehend a huge concept like a baby. I know that my son knows that something is changing but I don't think that he can even begin to understand the extent to which the change is going to be.
Liam favors certain stuffed animals so we started trying to show him that he had to be gentle with the "babies". He likes to play with my belly and will say baby. We also asked his pediatrician how to prep him and she said that what we are trying is just about all we can do.

Stevie - posted on 05/20/2011

I've wondered too, my little guy will be 14 months when his brother is born. We tell him he's going to have a little brother and he will kiss/huh the baby (my belly) and sometimes slaps it and yells something that sounds like brother haha. We mostly focus on teaching him to be gentle, he is good with our cats :)

Christine - posted on 05/20/2011

i have a 16 month old and am due july with twins!! i just talk to her about babies show her piks and even watch the baby programs on the tele with her and she will rub my belly and say babies, i think thats the most they will understand untill the babies arrive and then its just getting them used to having them around, just got to make as much time as possible for ur lil man when the baby comes and invove him as much as possible in helping with him/her when he/she arrives :)

Tonya - posted on 05/17/2011

she is right : you just do your best and he will still be a little shocked : you were when you had your first child right? As young as they are, little brothers and sisters do need to feel mommy's tummy (kicking), read some books on this, even ones about how a baby grows in the uterus with pictures, but also ones on other characters getting a new baby. Letting them "help" get the room or bed ready, pick out a few clothes and toys for the new baby. And just making sure they feel loved throughout the whole process, by everyone not just mommy. I cherish reading aloud while nursing.... that is a great way to spend time with both children or in my case the whole gang or 2-3 at a time. Still one on one will get a little easier as the baby grows.

Salime - posted on 05/17/2011

Kristen:

thanks for your words. I guess you are right. I'll keep on talking to him about the baby...maybe he understands more than I think he does :) BTW, congrats to you too!!

Kristen - posted on 05/17/2011

I'm not sure there really is a right way to tell them, O'd suggest just talking about the baby a lot, and reading them books about new babies, and getting your son to rub your tummy and talk to the baby....but again, not sure there is a right way of doing it :) good luck, either way. And, congrats!

-momma of a 3 yr old, 13 month old and due June 18th! yay babies