BTDT: Present for older sibling from new baby?

Someone suggested that I have a little gift "from the baby" to my almost 3-year-old DD when she comes to meet him/her at the hospital. I think it's a great idea. Did anyone else do this? What did you give? Something "big sister" or "big brother" related or a toy?

TIA!

Re: BTDT: Present for older sibling from new baby?

I just gave DD a couple of coloring books and she was happy as a clam - the girl LOVES to color. She would keep thanking her baby brother for her books . She was just under 2.5 years old at the time.

Message edited 11/21/2013 11:30:56 AM.

Re: BTDT: Present for older sibling from new baby?

DS is 3 - we are planning on getting a truck for him from his new baby sister.

I wasn't going to get anything but given that he really is in denial about what is about to happen, I think he is going to have a hard time with this.

So I want to make sure his first time meeting her will be a happy fun one. For him anything with trucks is a good time!

Re: BTDT: Present for older sibling from new baby?

We gave DS a big present from DD when she was born. It was the Handy Manny repair truck. It kept him busy a lot and he would continually remind me that DD gave it to him so she is nice. He was two at the time. We had DS give DD a lamaze firefly when she came home from the hospital. He went with me to the store a few weeks before delivery to pick out a toy for him to give to her. He was so proud of it and super excited to give it to her when she came home. I also had some small toys ($5 or less) for him when he visited us in the hospital. I would also have a designated family member to watch your older DC at the hospital. THe first time your Older DC meets the younger DC the new baby should not be in your arms, rather have your older DC see you in the hospital room and snuggle up in the bed together, then have the nurse or DH bring the baby to meet you. This way the older DC wont feel replaced by the new DC. You can then get up out of the bed to have the older DC hold the baby with a lot of pillows surrounding both and helping to support the baby's head. Congratulations and good luck.

Re: BTDT: Present for older sibling from new baby?

Thanks for the responses! Having DD pick out a present for the baby is another good idea!

Re: BTDT: Present for older sibling from new baby?

We got DS1 a diecast car from the Cars movie from his new brother. We just wanted something small and he loves cars. It worked like a charm.

Also about a week before giving birth DH took DS1 to BRU to pick out a toy for his new brother. He was so proud and excited to give it to DS2 in the hospital.

Re: BTDT: Present for older sibling from new baby?

DD has this personalized doll diaper bag from pbk and it would be cute so your older one could be just like mommy. I also like that I can shove her small baby doll and a few extra toys in there and bring it with us to keep her entertained.

Another idea would be a basket of things like sticker books, coloring books, and other craft supplies so that she has some things she can do independently while you're busy with the new baby.

Re: BTDT: Present for older sibling from new baby?