Kids Are Like Wine, They Get Even Better With Age

preparing for #2

with #2 on the way, due in late october...i'm just starting to think about what i can do to prepare kellen for this babies arrival and probably more importantly, tips on how to make the transition as smooth as possible once the baby has arrived. i'm definitely worried about the reduction in 1:1 time that i'll have with my boy and want to make it as easy as possible for him!

i'm thinking that the preparing part will be quite minimal, as how much can a 1.5 year old understand. we've just started to talk about the baby in mama's belly, but not sure how real that is or can be for him!

are there any books that you recommend for this transition from 1 to 2? ideas from personal experience? let me know!

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Permalink Reply by Heather McPhee on July 16, 2009 at 10:43pm: Hi Angie!

Obviously I don't have experience with this yet, but I have read about getting a doll that cries and holding it, swaddling it, changing its diaper, etc... Obviously not as simple, but kind of like preparing a pet for a baby. Maybe if Kellen sees you caring for another "baby" and holding it at night, he may get a little used to it. Take it for what it's worth and definitely relay your successes, I'm sure we'll be in that boat at some point! I can't wait to meet the new little one!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by susannah on August 2, 2009 at 1:19pm: congratulations angie! our second one is due to arrive at the end of september...i feel the same way as you do...ben will be 22 months at the most (depending on when this little one comes)...and i am wondering how it will affect him...

we talk a lot about the baby in mama's belly and he snuggles with it. um, he also thinks he has a baby too ( which is really his belly button)...a friend of ours had a baby recently and i try to talk to him about her baby and that mama's baby is going to come soon too--but like you said, i am not sure how much of that he can process...

the one thing that i plan to do is to get him a little baby boy doll so he can have a baby to take care of too...he likes to imitate these days--cleaning, sweeping, etc. and i think he'll get a kick out of having his own baby to diaper and feed...he's getting pretty good at following directions (ahem, when it moves him to do so) and he likes to be helpful...i plan to try to keep him as involved as i can...

i wonder if he will want to nurse again...

we've also read a book or two but i haven't found anything that i would read again/recommend...

really, i feel like i am in the same boat as you are...not much to go on here...i think it will be a major shock to his little world!; ▶ Reply to This