Explaining a New Baby

If he's functioning at an almost 3 year old level, I think he can understand a little bit about the situation. I would just tell him. He's a toddler, so you'll have to keep telling him and the idea will be very foreign to him, but there's really nothing else you can do. There are some books out there to get, Berenstein Bears, etc. but my advice is to just tell him.

As far as picking him up, not sure about that. Hopefully you can still pick him up in your lap while sitting, etc. b/c just going cold turkey may stress him out, I know it would my kid! ;)

Congrats on the new edition!

Hi D., I haven't read the other response so I am shooting from the hip. I haven't been where you are, but I see know reason to tell your son just like you would any other child. Make it an exciting thing daily, keep reminding him Mama is going to have a baby, and you will have a baby sister or brother! Isn't that exciting!! You can share your toys, hugs and kisses and be the wonderful Big Brother.
Your a big boy now so mama can't carry you sweetie, but you can sit on mama's lap on the couch or in the chair.
Make it matter of fact D., you know how much your little prince understands, if repetition helps do it.
Make it simple and keep telling him how much fun all of you are going to have and how happy & exciting it's going to be to have another sweet tiny baby to love & take care of.
Maybe let him hug your tummy or kiss it, saying Hi baby etc..

Congratulations D., I pray your pregnancy goes very well.
God Bless
K. Nana of 5

Congratulations!!

My oldest son is also mildly autistic and he was 3 1/2 when our younger son was born, he has LOVED his little brother from the very beginning. We just told him that his little brother was growing in my tummy (but not until I was showing). I don't think I would tell him "Mommy can't pick you up" I think I'd just stress that he is such a big boy that he can walk on his own, etc.

M.

Hello! I am also expecting and have a 4 1/2 year old boy. I also still work - running my own business that requires physical labor. I haven't changed anything about what I do physically up until the last few weeks. I am 31 weeks pregnant and big enough that it is very awkward to lift heavy containers up in front of me. I do still lift and hold my son fairly often. Unless your doctor has told you that you have to be specifically careful about lifting, you would probably be fine. You might be able to have your son sit on your lap while you sit down to do things together. I was very careful about lifting things when I was pregnant with my son - I had a friend tell me that her doctor said she should never lift anything heavier than a milk gallon. I didn't have an option this time and haven't had any problem. Anyway, good luck with your pregnancy and most likely you are fine to do things as you feel comfortable doing them.

Congratulations! I wouldn't mention the fact that he has to share you and Dad with the baby, I would just explain that babies need lots of love and attention and you are so happy that he is there to help. Also, I would let him know how lucky he is to have a sibling, and how lucky the baby is to have him!

Perhaps you could even ask him for input as to outfits for the baby, toys for baby, where to keep baby supplies, etc.

I felt the same way you do when I was pregnant with my 2nd and 3rd children, but I always just told my kids "I love you so much I wanted you to have a brother/sister" Don't forget--siblings are always a blessing--you are giving him a gift.

If he is mentally a 3 year old then you should be able to tell him and he'll be fine. You may have to do it serveral times as you tummy grows and explain why its in your tummy but he should be fine with it. Maybe get him a doll to help him understand better and help him now with how to treat the baby when it comes. Hope this helps...God Bless and congrats on the new one to come.

I'm a mom of 5, second ds has autism, and so I've had to go through the whole - having a little baby thing several times with him. We talk about it all through the pregnancy, hold baby dolls and talk about being soft and being a baby. I'm not sure he ever really got it until the new baby actually showed up. Like any other young child, he would play in the crib and grab the bottle and play with the baby toys but he was always very gentle with that newborn. Just keep doing what you're doing.