Anyone with tips on dealing with a newborn and an eighteen month old?

Question

Emma will be eighteen months when the new baby is born in March. Anyone have a similar situation and have any tips for now or later?

Answer 1

My daughter was 18 months old when my son was born.  I think people underestimate what such a young child actually understands about there being a baby.  My daughter was very interested as we were preparing the baby's room, and we kept telling her that is where the baby was going to sleep.  We also let her go in there and take a look around at everything.  I bought her a baby doll to take care of and be its mommy.  Toward the end of pregnancy, have your child get used to not being held/picked up as frequently since the baby will need to be held.  If you can, have her come visit you in the hospital when the baby was born (we missed out on this since the hospital I had to go to is almost an hour away!).

When we came home from the hospital, we let see the baby and give him a kiss.  We stressed how she was such a good big sister by getting him a clean diaper or picking out a toy for him to play with.

It can be pretty tricky to care for two young children.  My daughter figured out very quickly some of the mischief she could get into while I was busy nursing the baby.  You need to get the older child occupied with a toy, coloring book, etc. when you know you can't give them attention.  One on one time is not so tough with each child if they have opposite naps (though that's less free time for you!)

My daughter loved to help with the baby.  She always had to make sure he was taken care of.  She picks up toys he drops.  She helped me when I began giving him solids.  She asks me to get him a sippy cup when I am getting hers.  And my son just loves all the big sister attention - he has always smiled whe he sees her.  Once he could crawl, he went looking for her several times a day.  Being so close in age, they will always remember having each other around.

My daughter is now 2 1/2, and my son is 14 months.  They get along most of the time.  Mostly the hardest thing is learning to share, which can be tough for kids that age.  But now they are such great friends, and despite the fact that the house can be in complete chaos shortly after breakfast, it's worth it to see them love each other so much  :)

Answer 2

I have three children under three years old!! Take on day at a time! And most important don't push your oldest to grow up too fast, enjoy them and congradulations!!

Answer 3

my son was 20mths old when our daughter was born i thought he would be really jelouse but it was the total oposit he loved helping me out like passing nappies and wipes and bath time was the best as long as u let her help out with everything and enything it will be very enjoyable good luck x

Answer 4

Yes, my daughter was 20 months when my son was born.

We took naps together, whenever my daughter would take a nap all three of us would!

She loved her new brother, try to let her be around the baby whenever she wants (within reason) and she will think of the baby as hers. Give her responsibilities like your job is to get mommy diapers when the baby needs them.

Also after i went grocery shopping i would wash and cut up all the veggies and have them ready to go in little baggies for my daughters snacks, so that way there was less work when the baby was crying and my daughter needed a snack.

Answer 5

well from the DAY ur newborn comes home, get them on a schedule. ur 18 month old should already be on a schedule! fake schedule:

wake up with baby

feed baby

diaper

get up 18 month old

breakfast

get ready

baby in care of daddy while you and 18 month old have mommy/daughter time (walk, game ect.)

dad off to work.......

you need a schedule to keep ur life under control!!

good luck and congrats!

Answer 6

If you have the older child be part of the care for the baby it will help in sibling rivalry.  By help I mean get the diapers, wipes, help her hold the baby.  Positive reinforcement will help more than anything.  Remind her of how much fun it will be when she has a sister and brother.  

Good luck with the children.  And congradulations.

Answer 7

Make sure the baby brings your 18 mo old a present when he/she comes home. It really helps the older child to like the baby a little better. The best tip I can give: hire someone to help out. You'll be tired, the new baby will need to be held constantly, and your 18 mo old will be clingy and whiny, too. Hire someone to come while you're home and either sit with the baby while you play with your 18 mo old, or to sit with your 18 mo old while you have alone time with the baby. Even once a week for three or four hours is a godsend. I did this for a woman who had kids 15 mos apart and it was great for her. Sometimes, she just needed a nap, so I'd be downstairs playing with the kids while she slept.

Answer 8

I would suggest having her help you with a lot of things.  Like get mommy the diapers, rub the babies back (when burping her), go get the blanket for the baby,  etc.

This will keep her busy and she will feel like a big sister and that she is helping.  She will also not feel like she is left out.

I have a 4 month old and a 4 year old.  I thought I was going to have a tough time but it ended up being okay.  I am married so my husband helps a lot.  My son is a big help - he helps me with bottles and diapers and stuff.  When he is bored with it - he just goes into his room and plays....

I made sure that when I came home from the hospital  - after 2 weeks (I had a csection) I took my older son to the movies for mommy and me time.  So he didnt' feel left out.  We do things like this all the time.  

Also another suggestion - try not to tell Emma NO all the time when it comes to the baby and her toys, bottles, etc....She will get upset. Pick and choose your "no's" with her...