How did your 3 or 4 year old react to new baby?

Just curious as I am scheduled for a c-section on 5/7..DS is 3.5 and doesn't say much about his brothers on the way...if I ask him if he is going to be my helper with the babies he will say yes but that's about it..I think he is in for HUGE culture shock

I've also never been away from him and I will be spending 5 days in the hospital...so I think that's going to throw him for a loop..

Any tips on preparing?

Re: How did your 3 or 4 year old react to new baby?

I had a 3.5 year old and a 4.5 year old when DS was born 2 years ago. They were great helpers when their brother was born. They both begged constantly to hold him. I nurse DS which took a lot of time in the beginning. I tried to keep the girls busy during those times with crafts. It was a nice smooth transistion for us all. Good luck!

How did your 3 or 4 year old react to new baby?

I just had a baby last week and my DS is 3.5, he did amazing! He was very well behaved at the hospital, kept hugging and kissing the baby. He came up all 3 days i was in the hospital for a couple hours each day and it still doing fine with his brother.

I was very worried about it, my husband works alot so he isnt home much and my son is the only grandchild on both sides. But he did and is still doing great with him.

Good Luck

Re: How did your 3 or 4 year old react to new baby?

My boys are 3.5 years apart. When I was pregnant, we talked a lot about the baby, how he could help when the baby was born and things he could teach the baby. We ready books about being a big brother and took a sibling tour at the hospital. DS has been a great big brother. He hasn't shown any signs of jealousy. I was a little worried about how he'd react, but it has been a very smooth transition. DS2 is 8 months old now and I love watching them interact. Good luck!

Re: How did your 3 or 4 year old react to new baby?

My DS was 3 when DS2 was born. He pretty much ignored him the first few months. DS2 was an early walker (8 months), so he started stealing DS1's toys, etc., which DS doesn't like, but they also are so close and play together now, sit in corners giggling, etc. It's amazing to watch. They do still get jealous when the other is getting attention, so we make sure DS1 gets alone time.

Re: How did your 3 or 4 year old react to new baby?

DS#2 was 3.5 when DD was born

he didnt look at her for 44 days.

for 44 day he said he was "scared of her" and that her "eyes were scary"

then one day he came around

He is not 100% in love with her like my DS#1 who is almost 6 but he is getting there

Re: How did your 3 or 4 year old react to new baby?

DS was 3 & he could care less when he came to the hospital when DD was born. He was more interested in playing with the toys we bought him & obsessed with the baby's paci lol Once we got home & he realized she wasn't leaving he warmed up to her. I would have him help me with bringing diapers etc. Now 6 months later as soon as he is awake he runs to her room to get her. It's so cute! Also if I ever take him out and leave the baby home he always insistes she comes too!

Re: How did your 3 or 4 year old react to new baby?

My middle gal was 3.5 when her little brother was born. She liked him instantly; in fact, I have a very sweet picture of her reading him a story the day he came home. 2.5 years later, I'd say she still feels the same!

Re: How did your 3 or 4 year old react to new baby?

My son was ecstatic and so good and gentle with the baby. But he did have his blowout moments. His life changed dramatically. Mommy and daddy couldn't get out of the house at the drop of the hat to do something fun. But once school started and we fell into a routine, everything was going smooth.

How did your 3 or 4 year old react to new baby?

DD was 3.5 and has loved her baby sster from the start. She is very good with her most of the time- always wanted to hold and feed her. Now that my younger one is a year old she gets a little tough with her. Ahh sisterly love.

Re: How did your 3 or 4 year old react to new baby?

DS was 33 months when DD was born. He loves her to pieces but kept his distance the first two weeks. He touched her and kissed her head or feet but didn't want to hold her or be too close for too long. Now that she is 2 months, he is all over her, sometimes too much. The hardest part for him is remembering to be gentle and when she is sleeping, I have a hard time getting him to understand that he must be quiet and even if he wants to touch her that moment - he can't because he will disturb her (that's just the age - he wants what he wants NOW).

I love this age difference. He can tell me what he wants, feels, thinks and is very helpful. He tells me everyday that he loves being a big brother and a big helper :)

Re: How did your 3 or 4 year old react to new baby?

One of the PP mentioned older DC insisting younger DC go along on outing too - so funny because we have been taking DS out places and leaving DD home and now he says to us "momma why are we leaving Gracie home? That's not very nice! She is our family" lol melts me.

Re: How did your 3 or 4 year old react to new baby?

I found that in the beginning it was actually pretty easy. My DS (was 3 years 4 months when DS 2 was born) is such an easy going awesome, lovable kid, that the transition was very natural. DS #2 was a great baby so it was pretty easy. I also made it a point to never make it all about the baby. I was super conscious of if I was telling DS #1` to quiet down and he asked why, I would say bc you ar hurting my ears, instead of bc baby was sleeping. I was terrified of my older one becoming jealous or feeling left out and so I was always super aware of how I was handling things. I also made sure to include the baby in things that we were doing so DS #1 could see that we are a family. To this day, my older one is an AMAZING big brother, and my little one ADORES him.

How did your 3 or 4 year old react to new baby?

dd will be 3 in MAy and I just had baby on Sat. she is amazing with her sister. So far nothing "bad" She likes to help feed, change diapers, get bottles etc. She was so good in the hospital. I was there for 2 nights. My inlaws brought her up On Sat afternoon and Sun Morning. She cried leaving on Sun so they didn't bring her back but my dh brought her back up on Mon to be discharged and she was great.

Re: How did your 3 or 4 year old react to new baby?

DS turned 4 a few days after his new sister came, he initially did like her, but after a week or so he started acting out badly. It all passed in about 3 months and now he adores her so much (i love it!). I won't lie, the first 2 months were rough but it gets better.