Introducing 2 year old to new baby

[LVJ1989]

Hi all, I'm 37 weeks pregnant currently with my second and just wondering what you all did in terms of introducing your new baby to your toddlers/other children as not to make them feel left out?
My SIL got her little girl a fish when she had a second which is a nice idea, just wondered what others have done?
Many thanks

The baby "brought" DD some new fancy bath toys and DH took DD to the shop to buy baby DS a cuddly toy. I wouldn't be buying anything else that needs looking after!

I think it's just trying to have specific time with your eldest that's important. My DH had extra time off so took DD out loads while I was recovering and then I'd always make the effort to play when the baby was asleep.

Bear in mind that in all likelyhood your child will want to see YOU way more than their new sibling.
They would've missed you so much.
They might be upset and cry.

They might not care about new sibling at all or even reject wanting to see or hold them (when DS5 was born DS1 took half a look, laid down on a bed, sighed loudly and said "not another one, crying all day😳)

They might want to rip them out of your hands and claim "their baby" 🤣 (DS5 did that with DD. it was so funny but unexpected, I almost dropped DD!)

All of them are normal reactions and even they feel hurtful they can't help it so try not to feel bad.

There are 2 years between our first 2 kids.
When DH was bringing DS1 to the hospital I asked him to bring some ice cream.
As soon as they walked in DH went to see baby and DS1 gave me the ice creams which we ate while he sat on my lap and had a chat.
I hadn't seen him for 3 days and he seemed enormous!

when we finished eating I asked him if he'd like to see his baby brother and he said yes so first we let him look & touch, then offered for him to hold baby.
it was all very lovely & calm

My eldest wasn’t phased at all by the new addition, just seemed to accept it. Perhaps I was lucky but I didn’t make a big fuss about it really. She was 21 months though so perhaps it helped bring younger. Good luck!

Mine loved dolls so was quite excited. Lots of chat which happened naturally with the dolls. We got some big sister books which she still occasionally reads a year later. The baby brought the eldest a toy (a cheapy dolls buggy). Lots of prep about how I'd have a sore tummy and not be able to lift her (ELCS).

When the baby came home, she loved helping - things like picking an outfit or bringing me a muslin.