4 or 8 weeks

[mumofson]

Just found out I am pregnant for the second time. We have a lovely son who will 2yrs 6months when baby is due. We have been trying since Jan so we are thrilled...my cycle went crazy so dr. isn't sure if I am 4 weeks or 8 weeks along. I'm so excited.
Any advice on how to prepare a toddler for his sibling?

[N3W M0MMA]

I can definitely relate to this My daughters are 6 and 4 (2yrs and 3mths apart) and introducing a baby to my oldest was interesting and frustrating at the same time. The best thing that you can do is let him help. For example if the baby needs a new diaper say "can you please get a new diaper so I can change your brother/sister?" and then when he comes back, give him a hug or high-five...simple gestures of affection and encouragement. This way he will feel like he is part of the baby's life and you are sharing your time with him and the new baby. That worked really well with my oldest and she still watches out for her little sister. If you are trying to potty train him, let him know that big boys use the potty and babies use diapers. I had an issue with regression during potty training, but other than that, it is a great experience!!!

[eniese]

We're working on preparing our son (2yrs 9 months old) for the arrival of his baby sister in November. I would recommend waiting until after the first trimester to start talking much about the new baby because there won't be any changes he can see for a while, and if something goes wrong (hopefully it won't!) with the pregnancy, you won't have any explaining to do. We've been reading books on the subject, talking about babies that he knows, and talking about what he was like as a baby. He's really liked two books about new babies: "the Berenstain Bears New Baby" and "A Baby for Davy" (don't remember the author) which is about a bunny family. Also, if you haven't started yet, work on potty training BEFORE the new baby comes. We're expecting some regression when we have the baby, but at least we'll have a good start on it all!

[lena241]

My DD just turned (4). I am 16 weeks pregnant with #2. We told her when I turned 14 weeks that there was a baby in my belly. She is excited about the idea, but eager to have it come out. I waited so long because the risk of miscarriage goes down in the 2nd trimester, and we had already lost (1) baby this year in April, which we hadnt yet told her about, as I was only 8 weeks along.

She is already marking territory in the house, such as her booster seat at the dinner table, the seats in our newly purchased mini-van, and her bedroom. She knows we will make the computer room the babies room, and that the computers will move to the lower level of our home (We lived in a raised ranch).

I can also tell her why I cannot play horsey with her, while she cant climb up me like before and flip, and why I cant carry her all the time. She is very understanding when she starts to get a little rough and I tell her we have to be careful of the baby in mommys tummy.

I think that we have an advantage with her age. They say for 2 year olds, that you should wait until you are in your 3rd Trimester. I judt didnt want her to ask, before I told her. Mommy, why are you getting so fat? is not a question I wanted to answer.