Preparing Child for New Baby

Start carrying around a doll. Have her get used to seeing you do things and taking care of her while holding a baby. Every once in a while when you are playing with her, tell her you have to be quiet because the "baby" is sleeping.

My oldest was 19m when my 2nd was born (also a c-sec and nursed). He literally did not notice the baby until all my family help left. I tried to keep him on his routine as best as I could and the only thing that was disrupted was that he woke through the night when he heard the baby making noise. Even though he had already gone down to 1 nap a day he went back to 2 for a while. We did nothing to prepare him ahead of time. We talked about the baby, but he was never interested.

My oldest son was 3 1/2 when my youngerst was born. We would take to him and Donavan would give my tummy kisses and talk to my tummy. WE found this really cute white tigger chair that we gave him in the hospital when he come up the first time to see me. We gave it to him there and then when we got home we put it in our room so he had something that was his. Since all the baby stuff was in there. I was able to make him my little helper. I would ge him to get me diapers and whipes and stuff like that. When I would nurse he would a lot of times want to sit right next to me which I had to get used to but I knew not to discurage it since he wanted to be close to me too.
Good Luck and God Bless!

My first was 18 months when our second was born. We bought him a baby doll a few months before and showed him how to be sweet to baby. He would hold the doll, I would hold it and have him be kind, etc. Training him really.

Our next one will be here one month before our second turns two. I think at that age, they will soon forget what it was like before baby came. They'll get used to sharing mommy and daddy with the baby quickly.

Just go with the flow, tend to both in a timely manner, but don't stress yourself by trying to get to each child right when they get upset or ask for something. Think of the two year old as mama's helper. Asking your daughter to fetch diapers or clothes for baby will make her feel needed and special...

My twins were 2.5 when my daughter was born (also c-section and breastfed). I just made sure when the baby slept that I played with them or read to them or did something that let them know how much I love them. We never had any jealousy issues or anything. Sure, there was the occasional time when I was going to nurse the baby that one of my boys would cry that it was not time for her to drink my milk. The key is to let your daughter know she is still important.

I don't know that I can think of any answers better than what you got on preparation. I do know that my survival tricks on a second one were reading to the older one while nursing the baby (ah, the advantages of nursing) and baby-wearing, both around the house and when out "in the world". Gave me the two hands needed to chase a toddler and the baby was MUCH more content. Just be sure the wearing apparatus is appropriate for a small baby.

Remember, there will be regression in some area(s) by the older child. Perfectly natural, so don't let it upset you.

The hardest part for me was finding the energy to give special time to the older one. But found the effort was well worth it.

Our 3rd child was 2 years and 2 weeks old when her sister was born and she loved her from the start as we'd talked about it and she got to hold her ( with help of course ) and was so into helping me. She'd get diapers for me and bring things that she could reach, etc. It made her feel like she was helping with the baby. She carried her doll in a doll infant seat like the ones we had in those days and sat by me when I fed her sister feeding her doll. I think 2 years is a good space as they do understand and can help and feel part of the baby care. I don't think they care much about where the baby came from or where it is before birth as that is all over their heads at this point but they do understand sharing love when the baby arrives. If presented right there shouldn't be a problem at all. I did let the baby cry a few minutes if I knew there was no problem and it was bedtime or something else for the other kids. The baby will adjust to that too. Sometimes I held a baby trying to tear pages as we read our bedtime story but it worked out fine.

Help your almost 2yr old with some independance-having her walk & hold your hand instead of carrying her, getting her shoes for you to put on, spending more time with your support person (dad/grandma), she may even be able to get her own sippy cup or snack. I'm expecting #3. Right now I'm teaching my 2yr old how to get in & out of his car seat (I still buckle & unbuckle him). We are also working on holding my hand when walking in the parking lot-I'm trying to carry him less & less.

Boy does time fly. My Children are 18, and 16 months apart and all three were c-sections and breastfeed. When my 2 nd was born we gave the first a doll. We did not give it early so that 1st it was something special for her. 2 nd when ever I changed a diaper she would change her baby's diaper. I used cloth and made some for her. When I breastfeed she did the same. I would also stress that we must be careful and gentle with our babies. I did the same for my 2nd child when my third was born. I bought the most life like baby I could find. We still have the babies and they are being passed down. Our son (third born) and his wife had their second child in November and her sister is 18 months older. They did the same with their girls. I made special bags for the oldest that when Mom was a little busy with sister she could have with something special to do. Hope this helps. I would not change a thing. They are so close and always have been. Girl, Girl, Boy.
The only hard part 3 in college at the same time.

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Good luck.
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