btdt moms of 2 or more...

any advice on introducing the oldest to the new baby? DD is almost 15 months so she really doesnt understand whats going on. im 38 weeks pregnant and am wondering if there is anything i can do when the baby arrives (or now) to help her understand.

also, we moved into a new house 3 weeks ago. DD got an entire new room with new furniture, wall decor etc. we were with her so her nursery was gender neutral, and we are again so we just reused everything of DDs for the new baby. it took DD a few days to adjust when we moved - she didnt want to go into her new crib or even play in her room, but now she loves her room. I have been keeping the nursery door closed - so she has not seen any of her old furniture (crib, changing table, dresser, bookcase, glider, wall decor)...when should i open up the room and let her see it?? should i just wait until the baby arrives or show it to her now so she sees it for the next few days/weeks?

i know i am probably over thinking this entire thing. But my sister and i are 12 months apart; my parents always tell the story about when i came home from the hospital my sister "fell" and pretended she was no longer able to walk. my parents took her to the doctors, hospital for xrays etc and they all said she is perfectly fine...the dr finally realized it is probably bc she was not getting the attention she was used to and by needing to be carried again it would in a way force her to get attention. so of course this is in my head and i want to do my best to make sure DD doesnt play that game!

Re: btdt moms of 2 or more...

Dd is 21 months and from the time I started to show we talked about the baby (sister) I tried to make her as part of it as possible. we talked about how special it is to be a big sister. I also moved into a new home so I can relate. I showed her pictures of ultrasounds and had her talk to my belly to her sister. When I delivered she was a bit confused on the baby is real but I think we told her the baby was so excited to meet her big sister she was here now. I won't lie @ home there was (are) a few melt downs no doubt due to the new baby but that's expected.
Good luck I'm sure it depends on the child but I'm sure your Lo will do just fine.

Re: btdt moms of 2 or more...

My boys were 14 months apart and he didn't really understand at all. We showed him the baby and that was it. We gave him plenty of attention and at that age she will never remember what it was like to be an only child.

Good Luck