Introducing our second baby to our 2 yr old?

Question

i am currently 37 weeks pregnant with my second son. my first just turned 2. he has been my baby since day one and i am very worried about his feelings when the new baby comes. i don't want him to feel like he has been replaced or that we love him any less. any suggestions on how to keep him happy and accepting of the new baby?

Answer 1

Hopefully you've been including him up to this point - let him feel the baby kick - let him help getting the baby room together. My oldest was 2 1/2 when I had twins - we just talked to her about it all the time, included her as much as possible - told her she was going to be the big sister and she was going to be able to help with them. I think the biggest adjustment is the attention the newborn gets - make sure your son doesn't get forgotten about.

Answer 2

Hi. I was very worried about the same thing. My children were that same age too. My son turned 2 then 4 weeks later I had my daughter. I would even cry at night because I felt so worried. It ended up not being so hard though. Just make sure you take time out for the 2 yr old by reading a book, playing, or watching his favorite movie. Dad can take care of the baby for a while. The 2 yr old will learn to love the baby as much as you when he/she sees that you are still taking time out for him/her. When they want to spend time just make sure you don't ignore them or the will start feeling left out. It ended up being a good smooth change and my baby is now 8 months.

Answer 3

If he wants to help you, let him help. Ask him to grab a diaper for you while you're changing your new son's bum, or ask if he can get the baby shampoo while you're giving him a bath. Let him hold the new baby (with close supervision, of course).

Just keep him VERY involved, and he should be okay.

Also, while the new baby is sleeping, sit down with your son and play a quite game with him, or read to him to make him feel as special as the new baby. It will keep him feeling comfortted and secure.

Answer 4

Let him know that hes the big brother and make him feel like hes being a big help to you.  He probably wont have that hard of time adjusting as long as you make him feel included and not left out.  A friend of mine has a 2 year old and a new baby as well.  The 2 year old is a girl and thats how they introduced the new baby to her and all she wants to do is give the baby its bottle or help change a diaper....shes really a big help to them!!!

Answer 5

Often say to him, ur the big brother. Have him put his hand on ur belly and say baby baby. I dont think he will have a hard time adjusting, as long as ur comforting in the whole situation and make sure he knows hes still special too and of course THE BIG BROTHER.. good luck and congrats!