Tell me how your Toddler Reacted to New DC in the beginning?

I want to know what to prepare for and any tricks to keeping my sanity with both :)- during those 1st few weeks

Re: Tell me how your Toddler Reacted to New DC in the beginning?

good question, I am curious as well

I plan to let dd help me alot with the baby

getting me wipes, diapers, helping hold the bottle, etc

I think this will help her

Re: Tell me how your Toddler Reacted to New DC in the beginning?

Re: Tell me how your Toddler Reacted to New DC in the beginning?

It took my son a good week to warm up to the idea that she was staying for good. He was all over, didn't take naps, was doing things he normally didn't do just to get our attention. But I did include him in everything, and let him be my helper, and he was back to himself in no time!

Re: Tell me how your Toddler Reacted to New DC in the beginning?

My DS #1 was 21 mthd when DD was born. He basically ignored her but he did act up a bit IIRC. I do vividly remember him kicking me on the stairs when she was just a few days old while I was holding her and trying to be careful with my c/s incision. Ah the memories... Luckily it was a 1x event and he was generally good, he just didn't pay much attention to her till she got a little more interactive.

My DD was 22 mths when DS #2 was born and from the minute I brought him home, she would fix his blanket and cover him if it slipped off and just fawn over him in general.

Not sure if it's the difference between the older one being a boy or girl but they both acted so different. You just have to remember that if your DS is having a hard time, it won't always be so hard and he'll adjust too. Make sure you give him a little alone time with you where he has your undivided attention. It doesn't have to be every minute the baby is sleeping - 10 minutes here and there - but a little time with just you will help him adjust.

Re: Tell me how your Toddler Reacted to New DC in the beginning?

When #2 was born, #1 was 19 months old. He was fine with the baby, but HATED me. It was hard for the first few weeks. Having other people around to distract #1 helped a LOT.

When #3 was born, it was a completely different balllgame. #1 and #2 did not even seem to notice. They had each other.

Re: Tell me how your Toddler Reacted to New DC in the beginning?

The first month or so was pure he!! for me. AJ was 11 months when Gianna was born so he really didnt have any understanding at all. All he knew was mommy was gone for 2 days then came home with another baby. I tried to include him in everything I did but he wanted no part of it. He would just scream and cry. Then he just hated me for a while. It was rough.
But now.....he loves her. It took some time but slowly he got adjusted to her. He loves me again too and is a great little helper. There is nothing cuter than him going over to her and giving her the paci when she cried or him holding a conversation with her in babble!
So if/when things get tough just remember eventually it all works out.

Re: Tell me how your Toddler Reacted to New DC in the beginning?

My DS ( 3y4m) loves his baby sister, however- he is a bit "too" helpful at times...So far no outright jealousy, but he will go out of his way to wreak havoc when I'm trying to feed her or put her to sleep ...Its more of a challenge only because when DS was a NB, the house was always nice and quiet with no distractions when I would try to put him down etc...Now its a zoo her 24/7 ...I'm still adjusting and DD is 8 weeks , but it gets easier every day !

Re: Tell me how your Toddler Reacted to New DC in the beginning?

experiencing right now. New baby is 2 weeks old today.

My older dd is 17m old. Shes really good with her little sister. Wants to constantly hold, kiss and hug her. Shes very protective of her, when baby cries she runs to her and wants to help.

At my peds apt yesterday I was talking to a mom in waiting room, she said her 4 year old was the same. Now that her dd was 5 weeks old the older child has started to loose interest in the baby, which she said makes it alot easier.

Re: Tell me how your Toddler Reacted to New DC in the beginning?

DD is 2 1/2 and the baby is 4 weeks. DD is still in daycare full time so I can devote all of my time to the baby during the day. I think that was a very good move. But... she's acting out at school. Hitting her friends, pushing, grabbing toys, not listening. I'm not sure if this is directly related to the baby or the fact that she is now the youngest in her new class. At home, she is very sweet with the baby.