Tips for preparing DS for new baby's arrival?

[Laur89]

Hey, so I'm due my second in November when my DS will be 2 years 3 months. Any tips on how to make the transition smooth and easy for him etc? Thanks :)

[sleepismysuperpower1]

get him a doll, so that he can look after it/copy what you are doing whilst you care for the baby. You can get things to go with it, such as a toy bottle and pushchair. There are also lots of books you can read with him in advance, such as I'm a big brother (link included). You can also let him be involved in making small decisions for the baby, like 'Oh, DS, what colour socks should the baby wear today?'

All the best and congratulations!

[Twizbe]

We got our son a doll so he got used to a baby like thing.

We also got the usborne book of the new baby. It explains what will happen really simply.

He was 2 when second was born. I'm not sure he really understood though

[SqidgeBum]

I am due in november and i have a DD who turns 2 at the end of november. I have bought her a doll and have been trying to let her see babies more, so she has patted my neighbours newborn on his head and I have taught her to be 'gentle' and have said 'we have to be nice to the baby' a lot. I try tell her there is a baby in mammy tummy, and she sometimes pats my tummy, but I think she is just copying me. She doesnt actually understand. After that I will just be including her by asking her to help me by getting nappies or wipes, she has been putting her own nappies in the bin, and I will be very aware of making sure she still has time with me to have a cuddle etc. We are also moving her into her new room this week so she doesnt associate the baby with her being thrown out of her nursery.

[ShyOwl]

We did as PPs suggested with the doll, talk about baby to her, she sings to my tummy now and tells us she wants baby to come to her house. When baby wriggles I tell her he's saying hi to her and that he can't wait to meet her.
We gave also spent some time explaining that grandad will come to play when we go to the drs and we will bring baby home. Due in sept to getting close.

[MonicaGellerHyphenBing]

DD was 2.5 when DS was born, she has always loved her baby dolls so we didn’t bother buying anymore but we talked about the baby a lot and read books to her about becoming a big sister (the Princess Polly one was a big hit). She was too young to fully realise what was going on when DS came home but we’ve had no jealousy at all so far (DS is still a baby), she loves him to bits.

[HarrietM87]

Also due November, when DS will be 2.5. We have bought loads of books about new babies (let me know if you’d like a recommendation - have about 20!) and have been reading those. He already has a doll and buggy which he loves. We haven’t actually told him I’m pregnant yet - will leave it for another month or so - but hoping that having already read and talked about all the books he’ll be able to understand it more when we do tell him.

There’s a book called The Second Baby Book by Sarah Ockwell Smith that I’ve been reading. Tips include like pps have said not to introduce any big changes after 6th month of pregnancy if possible, so the toddler doesn’t associate them with the baby’s arrival.

Otherwise following this thread with interest!

[Gibbonsgibbonsgibbons]

The things I found worked were always calling the baby “your wee brother/sister”. Explaining that babies are pretty boring & don’t do much - everybody asks big sis/bro “are you excited” or “do you like being a big bro/sis” & in truth it’s just not interesting to a toddler most of the time!
A special photo book of big sis/bro as a baby showing them being held/cuddled/BF/sling/prom etc so they can understand that whatever they may be jealous of they had too while it was appropriate (& giving them some “babying” is good too)
Talking about how the baby will be part of the things the toddler is used to doing like “when we go to the park your little sis/bro will be there in the sling/pram”

[lookingatthings]

Following with interest as DS will be 2 the week before I'm due. Some fab tips so far, love the doll idea!

[Laur89]

That's great, thank you everyone!
@HarrietM87 yes please, which books would you recommend? :)

[HarrietM87]

Ok so...for the younger end there are some nice board books. I think there may be four but we’ve got one called “New Baby” by Rachel someone. It’s a bit too babyish for DS (27 months but into reading proper stories - this is mainly pictures) but is v good.

People rave about There’s a House Inside My Mummy but I don’t like it at all! Also Za Za’s Baby Brother is awful (suggests you get completely neglected when a new baby arrives), and Miffy and the New Baby is a bit abstract.

We like Pirate Pete/Princess Polly (despite the sexism), There’s Going to Be a Baby, Usborne First Experiences New Baby and a Campbell Books one that has lift up flaps and a mixed race family - can’t remember exact title but something about a new baby. Topsy and Tim and the New Baby is quite good too.

We also have Brand New Baby which is ok but a bit old for him. And You Were the First which is lovely but more for the parents I think!