I assumed Natalie would have some jealously towards the new baby. We tried to prepare her as much as you can prepare a toddler for a new baby. We talked about it often, read books, etc.
Since bringing Haley home, I have tried to include Natalie in everything we do with the new baby but most of the time she doesn’t really seem interested. I know Natalie enjoys the baby and comes running to help anytime she cries but lately Natalie has been a little mean to her.
I definitely wouldn’t leave her alone with Haley. So far she has slapped her in the head, pulled her hair, and even tried to pinch her. Not to mention the accidental injuries — falling forward on her and knocking her in the head with a book!
I don’t want to yell at her and make her feel left out but at the same time she needs to learn that her behavior isn’t okay.
So to my readers with multiple children, How did you introduce your new baby to your older children?? Were they jealous or mean at first?? What did you do to make things run more smoothly??
We had some accidentally injuries here. Dustyn was a little jealous, but instead of taking it out on Carsyn he acted out by hurting other kids. I wish I had some advice. Best I can tell you is to put her in time out. I wouldn’t yell at her but just firmly tell her that Haley is a baby and you have to be easy with her.
My oldest daughter was actually really good with her little sister. She was 2 1/2 when I had baby #2 and right from the start she was an awesome big sister. I included her with everything too, while I was pregnant and after- getting diapers, etc. She was also already potty trained and out of a crib so I think that helped a lot- she was already in ‘big girl’ mode.
When I had baby #3 tho’, my middle daughter wasn’t very happy about it, she was only 18 mos. at the time so still in diapers and a crib. She didn’t really understand and after I had the baby she would get mad and cry when I held the baby and not her. She didn’t like that she wasn’t the baby anymore. It was hard on everyone… I felt terrible because I felt like I was taking away her babyhood and her time with me.
I just always watched her closely when she was around the baby, and never left them alone of course. I would tell her no firmly when she hit or tried to bite, and emphasize ‘be gentle with the baby’ and show her the right way to touch the baby (kinda like petting, lol). And tried to get her excited about being a big sister also instead of being the baby.
Yikes – I’m worried about this too! I think my boy will be ok with a baby, but you never know.
oh girl i am in your boat now! my 19 month old is LOVING his new baby brother (almost 3 weeks old). he must have seen this on tv b/c no one we know does this, but he’s gone to pinching his cute cheeks now lol so funny. but so not allowed… looking forward to reading more about your adventure as we continue ours! 🙂
Congratulations! She’s gorgeous ( I’m know I’m a little late. Haven’t had time to blog hop lately).
I have 4 kiddos and I can tell you that bringing home #2 was the hardest. It took a good year for my oldest to get over it, lol. I don’t mean to discourage you. They get along very well now. But I think it was particularly hard for him to go from the only child to being an older sibling. We did our best to include him and ease his anxiety and resentment. We read a lot of books about new babies and being a big brother. We also tried to do special things with him alone. I still had to watch him with the baby. It just takes time. Hang in there. They’ll be pals soon enough. (Lots of love and attention from grandparents can help too) and get big sis involved in caring for the baby and praise her for her help. Even getting diapers, fetching an extra wipe, picking out clothes, etc. It helps.
Enjoy your family time. Blessings to you all!