Advice wanted on preparing DS1 for DB2

[sebastiansmummy]

I have poured over the threads on how to cope with two children, but I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how I can best prepare myself and my son for the arrival of #2. DS1 will be 22 months when DB2 arrives in March. I think the small age difference makes it really hard for him to understand what is happening.
So far, the best advice I've read is to NOT make a big deal about the arrival of the new baby in the months before the birth. What do you think?

[Nemo1977]

I had 26mths between ds and dd and will have 12mths between dd and db.
With ds I bought the book theres a house inside my mummy. He loved it and often asked for it to be read. I didnt make a huge fuss but some things did change for him in terms of he swapped bedrooms so DD could have the smaller one and of course he was going to be looked after by my sister which rarely happens so had to explain why. He was great when dd arrived only thing he didnt like was we overdid it with the attention for him so he misbehaved a little. Obviously with DD and DB the gap will be too small to explain it to her but will admit Ds being that year older is more excited this time.

[sebastiansmummy]

Thanks for the advice. So everything in moderation then...even the fuss over big brother. Hard to keep those balances even, eh?

[sallyrosie]

I bought loads of stories about babies and have tried to involve my DD with preparing things for the new baby. She is very excited about it all, and keeps talking about 'our baby'.
Books we like are 'The New Baby' - no words just pics so you can make your own up and 'Topsy and Tim and the New Baby' Both show mum breastfeeding as well if that will be an issue for your 22monther and both available on Amazon.
Other things I've done are having presents wrapped and ready in my labour bag for her 'from baby'
As for preparing yourself - I have no idea! With a couple of weeks to go myself I'm not entirely sure its possible!!

[Elibean]

Have yet to find out for myself, but have been told by reliable friends that their biggest mistake was overdoing the fussing over eldest child...she was totally confused and threw wobblers, and had her best days on the two days she was at pre-school and/or childminder: ie her own routine, untroubled by change.
Mind you, she got all her reacting over with fast - and hasn't batted an eyelid since those first two weeks.
As for me, will have nearly 3 years between dds so not quite the same...but have taken on board the not overdoing it advice.

[USAUKMum]

The only advice I would give is to make sure daddy carries the new baby in from hospital. So your arms are free to give DS a big hug.