Welcoming a third child...how to handle the older two?

[mummyofgirls3]

Hi

I'm about to have our third baby. Older siblings are 6 & 3.5.

Does anyone have any top tips on how we best prepare to welcome a new baby. The older two are both keen but I know reality is a different thing and the novelty may wear off quickly!!

Are they too old for the baby to 'bring gifts'? What can I do to make them feel part of it? DD2 is very much a mummy's girl and I worry she's going to be the squeezed one in the middle? How to I avoid middle child syndrome?!

Any advice or experience welcome.

Thanks

It was never really an issue with mine (5.3 and 2.10 when dc3 arrived).

Folk who came to see the new baby tended to arrive with a colouring book or some sweets or something for dcs 1 + 2, and usually had the sense to talk to the older dc first. The older 2 were generally quite excited to show people their new sibling.
I never did 'the baby giving them gifts' thing with any of mine.
I was lucky in that several people took the time to take the older 2 to the local park, or just round the block on their scooters or pushing whatever was favourite push along at the time, when younger ones born - they certainly didn't feel left out.

Thanks, that's helpful to know. I think we will be ok initially, I'm guessing longer term may be harder!!

I did the baby giving gifts and by dd was only 20 months when her brother was born. She is 5 now and STILL talks about the gift her brother got her (a micro scooter). Obviously she must have been reminded by it at some point. But it stuck with her and makes her happy to think about. I like this idea and if I had a third, I would get the kids gifts from the baby. I think it's nice and makes them feel special. My mom did this for my sister who was 4.5 when I was born and she also still remembers the fools colouring set that was from me 😃

Thanks! We also did the micro scooter for DD2 but I'm not sure she has memory of it. They need nothing this time round so it will be a token gift rather than anything major.

I think they are quite keen to buy the baby gifts themselves so will also have to help them organise that!

If you are expecting a 3rd girl, perhaps matching dresses? :-) Maybe not everyones cup of tea....but I think it would be so sweet. Or whatever toys they are interested...especially if it keeps them busy. Like legos.