Just found out we're having baby number two! What steps should I take to prepare my 2 year old ?

Bridget - posted on 01/17/2011

i had my second baby when my first was 15 months and she really didnt seem to have any jealousy issues with her little sister she actually loved having her she tried to play with her and "take care of her" it was all really sweet now when i had my third one my middle child got pretty jealous and we still have some issues with her being jealous of her little brother. i would go out and buy some books on being a older sibling and try to get her involved in buying some stuff for the baby like clothes etc. when it gets closer to the time of the baby's birth.

Erin - posted on 01/17/2011

I was just over 3 when my mom had me. She bought a doll that could be bathed so that way I had my own "baby" to take care of while she was taking care of my sister. I tried this with my son who was 20 months when his brother was born. My son wasn't interested but yours may be with the age he'll be. My mom waited to give me the doll until my sister had arrived so that I wouldn't lose interest before the doll would play its role. Also, talk about the baby. I didn't need them, but I'm sure there are age-appropriate books out there that explain about how a new baby arrives.

Courtney - posted on 01/17/2011

Well I had my 2nd daughter when my daughter was 2. She luckily has always been pretty easy about the new baby. It will be normal for children to get jealous from time to time. What I do with my daughter is just involve her in everything that I do with the baby. So if the baby needs a diaper change, I ask her to get me a diaper and wipies (she actually gets on me about the desitin and powder!). And when it is time to feed the baby I have her get her baby and sit or lay next to me and we feed our babies together. We also do this at baby's nap time. We will all get in my bed together and she'll tuck in her baby and pat her back and I'll do the same with my baby daughter. Including the child makes them feel like you need their help (children at that age love to help) So just try to include them in anything you can. Good luck!

Sarah - posted on 01/08/2011

i am also pregnant with number 2 and my daughter will only be 18 months when the baby comes... she is 14 months now and knows that a baby is coming she shows me where my baby is (picks up my shirt) and then brings a baby doll its very cute... just talk about it a lot kids will get used to it if you just babble about the baby all the time because then its not like BAM there is a baby here and mommys not paying attention the baby was at least in their mind before so they seem to get used to it faster... advice ive gotten from others and i know its working for us... my daughter doesnt even get phased by me holding a baby she just pats their head and says BABY with a smile :) good luck! and i think the doll is a good idea

Bernie - posted on 01/07/2011

im pregnant with number 3, my daughter will be 3 when hes born and my son is 4 right now. ive just let my kids be apart of everything with the new one coming, sonagrams and talking to the baby, my daughter HATES sharing her daddy so im sure itll be rough at first, my husband will be home a month before hes born. my son didnt have any problem when my daughter was born. i would just let your son be apart of everything from doctors appointments to buying all the baby stuff. also my kids love to "talk:" to the baby while listening to the heart beat. i bought a heartbeat thingy at mother hood for 30 dollars. its a good thing :)