Toddler and new baby

Just saw your post and wanted to see what others write too as I think this intro will be way different for us too..

DD was only 14mths when DS was born - so quite young and couldn't really give a rat about DS. She accepted having DS in the house from day 1 and never showed any signs of negativity as the baby had my attention a lot..

How is DS around other babies..?? My DS is fascinated by babies but pokes at their eyes..!!

My DD is 22mos and baby is 2 weeks old. There's no real way to prepare someone that age, she had no clue that we were going to have a baby.

Things to do in advance:
* Build up good relationships for the toddler in his dad, as well as close friends/relatives, e.g. people who are likely to be around and available to pay him special attention (e.g. cuddles, stories) after the baby is born and/or look after him on the birth-day.
* Put some of his toys aside so that they can be pulled out, fresh, for him to play with after baby arrives.
* Buy a packet of balloons and put them in the cupboard for a rainy day when you are too tired to do anything other than sit.
* If you're in the habit of carrying him a lot, either generally or on stairs, encourage him to walk holding your hand. Pretend to yourself that you are also carrying a baby and get him used to whatever method he will be doing when baby comes.

Things to do when baby arrives:
* Ask the toddler to be your big helper. My DD loves putting the wipes away after nappy changes.
* Yes he will probably play up at times (particularly when you seem to be stuck to the baby and/or couch!). Try to spend special time with him when you can, obviously not all the time, and expect him to follow your rules and directions (e.g. don't touch that) as usual.
* You will need to teach your toddler how to touch the baby that doesn't involve the eyes, ears and nostrils!! Gentle rubbing or patting of the tummy is okay for some toddlers - it depends on their strength. They like to grab at the baby's hands but hold too tight. The best one I have found is to stroke, not pat, the baby's head much like you would to a kitten. My DD is really into kissing too.
* Let him cuddle the baby with you sometimes. It makes him feel important and like this is "our baby".

Include the big ones in basic baby care. Bathing, getting the nappy change supplies and even helping you get ready to feed. While bubs is feeding, have a special bag of toys that only come out then. Giving your big kid little responsibilities will make then feel inportant and will help them realise how much more attention a baby needs than them.

ahhh, same boat here, will be just under 21 months between my 2 and I have NO idea how to help her cope with such a huge change! She doesnt understand anything about baby... if we refer to bubba, she goes and grabs her doll and takes it for a walk in the pram... theres no connection between a baby, and my rather large tummy, and shes not quite at the level of understanding to read her any of the 'classic' kids books regarding new babies.

What we have done for now is got her a doll, a dolls cot, pram etc, and 'taught' her how to put bubba to bed, take her for a walk etc just so she can have some idea of what I'll be doing with this baby, but no idea if that will help once baby is actually here

Thank you all for these great ideas! Am hoping my DS will take to the new arrival with ease but I know that in reality he will feel a little put out even if I try hard to make him feel just as special! Poor wee man! With these ideas though it should help!

lol Emmecat!