Trying to ease 18mo DD into idea of new sister...

[lola0109]

Hi all,

I'm just looking for some advice, I am due in 8 weeks and have a 17 month old DD. We have been quite honest about the new arrival and until now she has been quite accepting. She would say there was a baby in mummys belly and point at new things and say baby.

We haven't spoke too mcuh about the baby or bought loads of stuff as we have it all, but now she refuses to say there is a baby in my belly and when she is in the room with the crib she'll get annoyed and slam the door shut. (yes she is 17 months not years )

She has also became quite clingy lately which I feel will jsut get worse now that I am finishing up on mat leave this week.

I was just hoping anyone could offer some hints/tips in introducing DC2 into the house without DC1 feeling really put out or threatened. I don't know if it will be easier because DD1 is still so young or if that makes things harder?? So any advice is welcome, I know DD2 will just fit into our life but want to make the transition a bit easier for DD1.

TIA

Hi Lola

Have you got any books about new babies - your local library is bound to have a selection. Your dd could help pick a few ans you could look through them together.

I did this when my dd2 was due - but dd1 was older (nearly 3) which did make it easier to explain.

Also, we asked dd1 if she wanted to buy a present for the new baby and we also bought a present for dd1 from dd2 which we gave her when dd2 was born. We bought dd1 a baby of her own to look after - and spent lots of time with me feeding dd2 and dd1 pretending to breastfeed her baby!

If this doesn't work I would just try and leave it for now.

Thanks sundew, my sister had some books for her DD when my nephew came along but again she was older, 4.5yrs.

We have a doll for her just now and and she's great with that but (sorry I posted a double thread and trying not to repeat myself) was just looking to see if anyone else had some advice that wasn't mentioned in books etc!

I think she will be fine, just want to be prepared for anything she throws at us
Got to keep the upperhand!