baby #2: sharing attention?

[caitylorraine]

So, it may just be my hormones acting up but I am legitimately concerned about the amount of attention my 2 year old will receive when the baby gets here. I am 39 weeks along and wanted to ask my fellow mommies how they felt about this situation before they had their second! Suggestions on including with kids would be appreciated also!

[caitylorraine]

Thank you so much, ladies! It definitely makes me feel better!!

[crazycurious11]

My friend is a single 19 year old mother and just had her second and her first just turned 3. She seems to be doing great with both. After she puts the baby to sleep she does something the older one wants to do like watch a movie or play and she also makes her help out with the baby and she loves it, it makes her feel grown up like the big sister she is. I'm sure you'll be fine :)

[mrsmckee]

I always let my oldest help with everything when his sister came along. I bottle fed so id hold them both and let him hold the bottle he brought me diapers, he gave her a pacifier, etc. and now they are ages 5 & 3 and they are like best friends. Just remember to include the oldest with as much as possible AND sometimes while baby naps do something just you and him. It will be fine

[fluffybelly2]

I'm 34 weeks and I feel the same way. I tell him his brother is growing in my tummy. Some days he hits it and other days he sticks his favorite book under my shirt. So I'm not really sure how much he understands. I'm really concerned about breastfeeding the new baby with my toddler around because he was still nursing 3 months ago and he tried to steal a boob from my friends daughter just the other day.

[mrsreeder2be]

Going from one to two isn't as bad as you imagine it to be. Your 2 year old will probably not understand at first what is going on and will get jealous... My first two have an age gap of 3 years and 3 months so it was easy. But the age difference between my middle and third child is only 20 months.  Just make sure to set aside special time for only you and your two year old. Even if its 30 mins... They will love it and you will too!

[caitylorraine]

Thank you