best tips for introducing new baby to sibling

[confuzed90]

So I'm 35+5 and just had a thought..what's the best way to introduce my DS1 - 2 years 10 months to his new sibling? A present? I'm not sure..I am wanting to be in hospital for a night as I found this helped to recover a bit. Before heading home to my toddler. But I would like him to come to the hospital and meet him.

A present worked for us. The GPs and other visitors where also under strict instructions to make a fuss of the toddler first before aknowlegding the baby.

When you see DS for the first time after baby is born, make sure you aren't holding the new baby but have both arms free to give him a big hug. Then you can introduce him to the new baby while holding him so he doesn't feel like he's been left out.

I wouldn't worry too much about 'make sure you aren't holding the baby' because if like me you're 4hrs post emcs and desperate to see your eldest, you might just be trying to latch the baby on when your dc barrels round the curtain unannounced. I can confirm it didn't in any way affect dd's reaction to her baby sibling.

I think the best thing you can do is put in the groundwork now. DD was very prepared for what was coming, lots of emphasis on it being her new sibling, a new member of the family, discussion of roles, of what a baby is and what it does and what it doesn't do.

I worried about it A LOT. In reality, it was fine. DD was so incredibly happy and excited that we didn't have to do anything. She launched herself fullscale into the role of big sister.