2-year old coping with new baby

[upsoearly]

I'm sure this is a common problem. Would really welcome any advice. I have a 2.4 year old and a 7 week old baby.

Big sister is generally very proud of the addition to the family and shows her lots of affection, but sometimes this tips over into aggression - e.g. lying on top of her when trying to 'cuddle', bouncing her far too vigorously in her chair, and even on a couple of recent occasions actually trying to hit her or pull at her babygro.

I know she must be feeling very insecure and it is understandable that she will have very mixed feelings about her sister. We have been giving her lots of attention and praising gentle interaction with the baby, but she has obviously worked out that when she is frustrated about something that the best way to get a reaction from us is to pick on the baby. I am trying to respond with a firm 'no you mustn't hurt your sister' or something similar and then move on quickly and try to distract her.

Does anyone have any suggestions for other ways to deal with this situation? I am beginning to feel constantly on edge and feel I can't leave her alone with the baby even for a minute or two. I'm sure it will pass, but any tips on how to speed up the process would be much appreciated!

Sounds abit like my 2!

They are 2 years and a month apart, DD1 loves DD2 to bits and very protective of her but at times seems to bully her with overly tight cuddles, pokes and pinches.
If we see we make her stop and apologise and warn if it happens again then naughty corner.
Have also told DD1 that if she hurts DD2 then DD2 wont want to play with her because DD2 will be scared, and it makes DD1 think.

I'm not sure what else you can do really.
Keep an eye on them untill baby is a little bigger and your DD1 wont cause to much damage with her strong cuddles.

Thanks for your reply misskaur08.

Just wondered have you ever found that telling the older one off actually makes things worse?! A couple of times she has flown into a rage and then gone staight back to baby sister to have another pop! Really not sure how I should deal with that, as I obviously have to react to her agression and cannot just ignore.

My ds is 2.5 and dd is 9wks-he's very good with her and would never intentionally hurt her but like you say he is sometimes a bit full on with his cuddles and kisses,or tries to pick her up/feed her his snacks. The only way I deal with it is to not leave them alone together and to explain to ds why he shouldn't do these things....eg.if you feed her it will make her poorly as she's too little for your big boy food. He usually apologises and calms down a bit. In guessing once baby is bigger and sitting/toddling it will get easier as she'll be more robust. Just trying to ride it out until then!