Introducing 2 Yr Old Boy to New Baby

My son - now 8 - was 2 when his sister was born. I think including him in the activities while also making sure people were available to spend time with him during the first few weeks helped.

One suggestion I received turned out to be a real winner. We wrapped up a small present from the new baby to our son. We packed it in the hospital bag and when he came to meet his sister, we gave it to him, saying it was from his sister.

As much as they now bicker, he still has the toy. (It isa flashlight, compass, multi-kid-tool thing). He refuses to get rid of it.

And congratulations on your expanding family!

My son was 2 yrs 10 mos. when my second son was born. When my oldest came to the hospital to meet the baby, we had a present waiting for him from the baby to say thank you for being my big brother. When people came to visit, we asked them to talk to big boy first and then baby, so he wouldn't feel replaced. We had some issues of jealousy, but nothing too bad. We talked a lot about what big boys could do versus babies, so he would feel like it was better to be big boy. Good luck and congratulations!

Have your sone be involved go to ultrasound appts and help decorate for the baby my kids are 20 months apart and my daughter was very protective of her brother from the beginning

I would predict that your 2 year old will be welcoming if you tell him he is going to have a new "playmate". I did this with my 2 year old and he couldn't wait to see his new brother. I also gave him a little doll that he could play with and take care of just before the baby arrived. He played with this for a few days after the baby came and then became more interested in seeing the baby.

Also, I had started potty training and weaning him from his bottle just before his brother arrived but he reverted back on both. I didn't make a big deal out of it...just wrapped a receiving blanket around him and held him and fed him his bottle like it was only natural to do this (because afterall it is) and he soon didn't need the cuddling like that anymore and was being potty trained and weaned again within a few months.

I did ask that people that wanted to visit and bring a present also bring one for my 1st son (it didn't have to be expensive, just something to show that they appreciated him too). I really felt that he was too young to understand what the fuss was all about. I think that this practice really helped.

I was a single mother who went to work when my youngest was 2 months old so I understand you wondering about the changes with a second baby. It is more work than just one. They don't eat or sleep or go to the bathroom at the same time all of the time. So you will be tired more often than not.

But with patience and a sense of humor and lots of love (and not being too hard on yourself or the little ones) this can be one of your favorite times.

Children learn and imitate what they experience. So relax and be kind to yourself and your children (this is all new to them too) and take the time to enjoy this time..the dishes can wait (or use paper plates).

Today I am a daycare provider and practice the same kind of philosophy...and it works.

And...my own children are grown and the best of friends. And we are all very close.

I was very worried about how my son (3) would react to his new brother. It turned out to be no problem. I think some kids just do well, and some struggle a bit. I did prep him by explaining about mommy needing to feed the baby, and by saying that is was up to ALL of us "mommydaddyandyou" to take care of the baby, as he would be very special to all of us. The new kiddo wasn't just someone for Mom and Dad. Also be willing to shove the new baby aside from time to time to make room on your lap for the older kid. If older kid wants 3 minutes of your time when the baby is getting fussy for food, let the baby wait and give the oldest a cuddle!

Enjoy!!!

My son is 5 1/2 and my daughter is 3 1/2. When I was pregnant with my daughter, we took my son to the store and bought him a doll to teach him how to behave with the new baby. We also gave him a toy when she was born. My husband made a big deal of having our son "help" bring me and baby sister home from the hospital. We tried to make him understand that it is his job to be a good big brother - they are inseparable! While the normal sibling rivalry does occur, they usually choose to play together. I actually have threatened to NOT let them play together if they don't stop fighting/yelling/crying/etc. and they choose to stop the behavior rather than be separated. My husband and I also do try to give them individual attention.