Sibling emotions when new baby arrives

I'm also worried about this. My daughter will be 23 months old when baby gets here. She points to my belly and says baby but I'm not sure she really understands what that means. There are alot of changes taking place already with moving her crib to a different room and shes getting a big girl bed. Baby clothes now in her old dresser. I think she knows something is coming up. I will also have a c section and will be nursing. I will try and make sure that she is as involved in everything as possible and ask her help for things. Its going to be hard b/c shes my little girl and I won't be able to hold her. I did order some iron ons from ebay that say big sister and I will give her those to wear in the hospital. I also have a gift for her from the baby. My husband said she won't understand but you would be surprised how much they understand at such a young age. I'm not taking my chances. I also want her to be at the hospital as much as possible and the first person to hold the baby with me. Let me know how you make out? When are you due or when will you have your c-section? Mine is supposed to be June 12 unless I go into labor before that.

I don't think that a young child like that will really be affected that much by it. Just make sure that you try to show them both the same attention, that way the other child doesn't feel left out. It will be much easier if you just spend equal amounts of time with them, and try not to ignore her.

Make sure that there is always room for your daughter to sit next to you. As much as she is able you can have her "help" you by bringing you burp rags or diapers etc. I did that with mine and my older girls who now have their own found that worked well for them too. Involving the older child seemed to make them feel good cause they helped. Also caution your friends and family not to ignore your daughter. If they are bringing a present for the new baby, a little something for your daughter would be nice. Many times the older child feels left out and jealous because everyone is taking so much time with the baby. Good luck.

My wife and I just went through this with our daughter last year. She was 2.5 years old and my wife also had a c-section and gave birth to our son. It is tough for the older child because up until then it was all about her, and now this other baby is coming along. It is important to get her involved and to be included. Have your friends and family also include her and not just concentrate on the newborn. A present/gift for your daughter may also help - something small, maybe 'from the new baby'. I would also recommend talking about the changes to come with your daughter and let her know what to expect and what is expected. This is what we had done with our daughter and it worked pretty well, and now they get along great. It is challenging but you can get through it if you keep her involved and make her feel that she is not being neglected. Congratulations and Good Luck!