how did u prepare ur toddler for a sibling>

My DS is two and will become a big brother in the next couple of weeks. I am looking for ideas of how you handled this situation. Did you get a gift from the new baby? Did your DC get the new baby a gift? Any ideas or suggestions would be much appreciated.

Re: how did u prepare ur toddler for a sibling>

My DS was 2 years 9 months when my twins were born. Once I hit my second trimester we were very verbal about how we were having a new baby to love. And he would be able to hold/play/take care of them. We got him a couple of big brother books.

But in all honesty, I think the part that helped him the most was including him in taking care of the babies (I had twins). He would get diapers, wipes, etc for me. He loved to hold them. The first couple of weeks were rough. But I think with all the visitors and DH being home he was thrown off his "routine". Once all of that stopped he was right back to being his amazing self.

Good luck!

Re: how did u prepare ur toddler for a sibling>

I'm due when my DD will be 2 1/2. We talk about her being a big sister, all the things she will be able to do for her little brother/sister. There are a lot of children's books in the library that help with that too!! They have a whole section for it!! Good luck!

Re: how did u prepare ur toddler for a sibling>

there is a pretty cute Bearenstein bear book about getting a new sister.

We read that book a lot - and we starting talking about her as if she were here and telling him what to expect. He adapted very well to the new addition.

I also try very hard to make sure he doesn't feel left out - and we make him feel like a little sister is his special person who will be his best friend for life. He is very protective of her. Its very sweet to see.

Re: how did u prepare ur toddler for a sibling>

DD was 23 months when her sister arrived - DD #2 is a little over a week old -
While I was pregnant we showed her my belly and told her a baby was in there. We had her kiss and high five the belly a lot.
When we were getting the baby room ready we always let her in the room and play in the room - she called it the baby room and we explained that a baby was going to come and stay with us.
WE read her tons of big sister books.
Now that the baby is here we let her help a lot - changing diapers, getting wipes, sitting next to DD on the changing table. She is always allowed to sit on mommy's lap when I am breastfeeding DD and we read books together ect....we include her in everything so there is no jealousy and she does not feel left out.
DD #1 came to visit her sister in the hospital every day and when her sister came home she gave our older DD a gift which she loved.
When people come to visit and bring presents we always let our older DD open them up so she does not feel left out.
The transition has been really great and DD #1 is doing amazing with her little sister