Pregnant with 2nd child...

Amanda - posted on 12/18/2010

I just had a second baby 7 weeks ago and i also have a 22 month old (both girls) I have to say its quiet stressful at times because yes at that age they're use to being the only child and use to getting all the attention. But at the same time they need to learn to like the new baby. Im sure all of you have herd to include them in your activites with the other baby like, having the older child give the new baby a bottle or handing you the powder when changing a diaper. Tell them to love the baby and show them how to be gentle with it. My older daughter cant really understand why this new baby can talk or run around with her but their will be plenty of time for that. Just keep in mind yes a new baby is demanding but you cant neglect your older one. Try looking into day care or getting your older child together with children the same age. give them things to keep them busy, like a coloring book or new toy? Im not going to lie its not easy and takes some getting use to and getting yourself into a new routine X2! My husband is in Afghanistan for 4 more months so ive been taking care of 2 under the age of 2 by myself, so if your husband is around try to include him and remind him to have some special time with the older one! Good luck to you ladies you'll do fine with getting them to adjust to each other. Just remember it wont happen over night!

Corinne - posted on 12/18/2010

im pregnant with baby #2 with a pretty jealous two year old as well! For her bday she got some baby dolls and has weve been watching her play with them. we will hold the baby dolls like a real baby and tell her to be nice. shes really big into the mocking stage so shes been copying what we do with it! its helped a lot bc she will hold the baby and give it kisses and even put the baby to bed, kiss it on the forehead, and say "night night"! shes even been trying to feed the baby her juice. its worth a try...even just getting her used to holding a baby... also try visiting more friends with smaller kids and get her used to having your attention on someone else for a while!?

Jessica - posted on 12/18/2010

I am almost in the middle of my second pregnancy as well. My son is 22 months old right now and I have been working with him on sharing mommy. I have been pondering long and hard about the same issue you are having and have come up with a few things. Join a play group with kids your daughters age. This could help her not to feel left out because she will feel like the center of attention while she is playing with other kids and not worrying about what you are doing with the baby. Also during the babies nap times, you could set aside time for just you and her. Do a craft, watch a movie, bake some cookies, or just play her favorite game with her. This would really help her feel special, and she will notice that its not ALL about the baby and she is still important to you. The last thing that I have is let her help. I dont know about your daughter but my son LOVES to help me do everything. So when you are doing something with the baby she can help with like throwing away a diaper, giving the baby a pacifier, snapping the baby's onesies, or brushing the baby's hair, and the list will get longer as the baby gets bigger and more sturdy. Hopefully these things help you a little bit. Just remember that your daughter has been the center of your world for so long she doesnt know anything else, so quality time with her and with her and the baby will help ease her transition. I hope everything goes smoothly for you and your family with your second birth and the transition from 3 to 4.