Those with kids close in age...

When did you set up the swing, pack n play, bassinet etc for second child? I am currently almost 33 weeks pregnant and I'm not sure when I should set all that up. My DD is 18mths old, I don't want her to think they are new "toys" and for her to start trying to sit in them but I also don't want to bring baby home and then have to set them all up.
We haven't really talked about the baby because I think she's too young to understand there's a baby in my belly and it will only be confusing for her. But on the flip side I feel like if I put those things out the novelty of them may be gone by the time he comes home from the hospital ..
I'm totally rambling but any advice is appreciated!

Those with kids close in age...

Not BTDT but is there a way you can set up whatever you need, cover them with a blanket or sheet, and keep them out of the way somewhere ?

Edit to add my cousin has girls that are 17mos apart and she brought up the bassinet and bouncer a few days before her due date...

Message edited 5/9/2013 9:23:02 PM.

Re: Those with kids close in age...

My girls are 14 months apart. I set them up at 38ish weeks. I went into labor at 41 weeks so they were up for a few weeks. My daughter played with the swing with her dolls. She would even climb in the swing, turn it on and fall asleep I didn't mind. Never even thought about stopping her from playing with them.


I always talked about the baby in my belly. My daughter understood it. she would kiss my tummy and say hi to the baby. They are smarter then you realize.

Message edited 5/9/2013 9:38:18 PM.

Re: Those with kids close in age...

My kids are 21 months apart and I told my DD about the baby. She understood and she wasn't in complete shock when the baby came home. I set up my stuff at about 38 weeks. She really had no interest in playing with the stuff, now that you mention it. She did try to get in the crib once my DS came home!

Re: Those with kids close in age...

Posted by ABCiverson

My girls are 14 months apart. I set them up at 38ish weeks. I went into labor at 41 weeks so they were up for a few weeks. My daughter played with the swing with her dolls. She would even climb in the swing, turn it on and fall asleep I didn't mind. Never even thought about stopping her from playing with them.


I always talked about the baby in my belly. My daughter understood it. she would kiss my tummy and say hi to the baby. They are smarter then you realize.

Those with kids close in age...

I washed the pads and such but, we didn't put things together until the end - I think we only put together a bouncy seat and DH put together everything else while I was in the hospital or on the day we came home while DS 1 was at daycare.