How Did You Tell Your Child(ren) About a New Baby?

When I was pregnant with # 3, I waited until I was 12 weeks along then decided to tell my older kids who were 6.5 and 3. I went and found my "What to Expect When the Baby Comes Home" and "Baby on the Way" books that I'd read my oldest when we were expecting #2. I had the books on the side of the dining room table, and once we were all gathered around at the table, I told my daughter that we'd have to start reading those books to her brother. She said asked why and I told her because he's going to be a big brother. I'll never forget her reaction she was like "WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE'S GOING TO BE A BIG BROTHER?" Then we told her I was going to have another baby. She hooted and hollered! She had wanted us to have a third baby for quite awhile. She had hoped for a baby sister, but got another brother. She loves him tons, though!

My daughters had been hounding my husband and I for a baby brother... so we got a dog ;) They love their dog, but kept wanting a baby brother! So after that first ultrasound, we just left the pictures out... they knew what they were and went NUTS!! (they were there for that second ultrasound when they told us the sex of the baby... they got their brother!!)

When I was pregnant with my second, she was only a year old. She didn't care about that baby until she came to the hospital to visit me after birth... and she instantly fell in love! She's a great big sister, and her little sister is a great big sister to their brother :)

My DD is 6. We were worried she might not be too excited per previous conversations.
So we sat her down and just told her. She knew I was going to the Dr. and had been feeling bad.
She was excited! Thankfully.

Not terribly original idea...but how about getting him a big brother shirt and wrapping it up. Or making him some kinda big brother kit w/ a burp cloth, binky, and other fun stuff.

I like the Dr. Sears books. And books w/ real pictures in them. Just make sure to look through them first. I checked one out from the library that I borrowed when I was pregnant w/ her little brother...forgot it had some pictures that were a little too much in it. Eeek! :)

Congrats!!!

I would wait until your noticeably showing to say anything. He won't notice until he doesn't fit in your lap lol. Kids at that age have a really hard time with the concept of months passing. unless you can put it like we are having a new baby at christmas or thanksgiving etc. otherwise you will have the "is it coming this week?" for the next 9 months

My son had just turned 5 when I found out I was pregnant with #2. I told him before my husband lol. And i called him over and told him. He instantly said "yay I'm going to have a baby sister!" good thing that worked out for him! Then I had him tell my husband that night. He's also been to almost every ultrasound and visit. He's got the birthday marked on his calender and reminds me everyday how many days are left.

My 4 year old was 1, 10 days shy of 2, when I was pregnant with my 2nd daughter. She didnt get it. When baby came she was a jealous thing. Got better with age. Then when my oldest was 3, and my 2nd was almost 2. I got pregnant with my son. When I told them I had a baby in my tummy, they were both horrified for a day or two, then curious about it. Then totally excited. Most days NOW I think they wished he would not have come out!!! Though my oldest is a very good big sister, they are finding that little brothers are kinda wild.

Wait for a while. As you know, time is still a bit abstract at this age. My son was 4.5 months old when we learned we were pregnant. I was due the end of August and we didn't tell him until May! Yes, I was pretty big by then - but he didn't notice!!! The change was gradual enough that he really never noticed until after we told him. It was a very long summer with him asking when the baby would come (and he was starting kinder in August so we kept telling him the baby would come around the same time that school would start). Sounds like based on your son's age and your timing that you might be able to use the same thing, when you go to big boy school, you will also become a big brother. See if your hospital has a siblings class. My son loved it and learned so much! He still remembers going to the class and some of the safety things there. He is an amazing and very helpful big brother to his 17 month old baby brother!

Congrats on the new baby!

C.