Introducing DC2 to DC1

[PeachTown]

Does anyone have any tips for the best way to do this?

DC1 is only 21 months so doesn't understand that a new baby is about to come and live with us. I really want to avoid him feeling pushed out.

We've bought him a toy tractor for the new baby to bring home as a present. Is there anything else we can do to soften the blow as it were?

I've read somewhere that he should already be at home when we bring the baby in and not vice versa. Does that sound right? Also should DH bring him to visit us in hospital or will that upset him?

Any advice appreciated!

Definitely have him at home and bring the baby to join him. Hospital visits are quite exciting to a toddler, so that will probably help, it also means that he isn't isolated from you for longer than neccesary. Talk to him about it even though he doesn't really understand and try to keep his routine as normal as possible after the baby is born. If possible, have people take the baby for a walk or what ever so that you can spend time with DC1 rather than the other way around. As a nanny, it has amazed me how many people thought that their toddler would be happy to go off with me (even to fun places) so that they could spend time with the baby!

Make sure someone else is holding the baby or it's in it's crib when he visits in hospital, that way your arms are free for a big cuddle, he will need the reassurance. He may be very excited to see new baby or may be totally non committal, or even not want to see the baby. Don't push it if it's either of the last 2. Have a small stash of cheap niknaks wrapped up on hand to give to him when visitors arrive with the baby. Colouring pencils/book, cheapo torch, anything to unwrap so he doesn't feel like the baby is getting all the gifts. Make it his job to show visitors the baby and otherwise make him feel important as the big brother. All of these helped my ds to feel better about the whole baby intrusion lark.

Interesting thread - we're in exactly the same situation. I'm due in 2 weeks, when my son will be 2 days shy of 21 months.

He's not talking, so I honestly have no idea if he understands that there'll
be a baby soon. Think I'll pay a trip to £land for cheap toys to drip feed him with.

Anyone got any tips on how to go about it.with a 7 year old ds1?

We took a wallet sized pic of dd to the hospital and taped it inside the babys crib after the birth. When dd came to visit she could see how important she was as a big sister. Also baby gave her a disposable camera and a little photo album so her job at the hospital and when we came home was to photograph everything. She was only 2.5y and the pics are hilarious.