Mum of 4 here – my first were twins so never had the one child experience, however I didn’t have any problems with my children accepting further siblings – I feel for those who do. We introduced them all in the hospital and had a present from the newborn sibling for each of their siblings which I thought helped with the transition too (especially for the younger sibling!).

This has been a question on my lips too.
Currently 20weeks and we are definitely thinking of introducing our 2 in the hospital, where it will just be mum, dad and the 2 babies.
Our current bubs will only be 18 months when the new baby comes, so we are trying to mention the new baby now but don’t think he’s the age where he really notices or can understand properly.

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My eldest was fine being introduced to both her brothers and my middle child was fine being introduced to our youngest. We always made sure we talked about the baby, I’d take the kids shopping to buy a present for the baby, then they’d wrap it up.
The kids would come to visit me when I was in hospital and when they were there they were always eager to meet their silbing and have photos with them.
When we got home, they’d give the baby the present and then there was always a present from the baby to them.
Never had an issue.

We went from 1 to 2.. by accident
And it was the best thing ever!
Big step, lots more to do, more to juggle, but its worth it. We introduced our girl 2 to our boy at the hospital, just us, involved her in every step of the journey where we could, but still took the time to make her feel special, involved once he arrived, and keep her routine as normal as we could.
You’ll love it! Do It!

Try reading “The Invisible String” book to your toddler, hope it helps . and congrats!

Another mum of 4 here ???? From memory, it wasn’t as hard as I was anticipating. I was still breastfeeding my first, and found that tandem feeding them really helped build a strong bond between them. My eldest would often reach and find bub’s hand to hold while they both fed. It was the sweetest! He also came to the hospital for a visit before we came home, and he was just so excited to get a little mate

The transition from one to two was fine (I have 4 kids, 3 onwards gets a bit more crazy).

The most important thing is that your firstborn feels really comfortable with the transition. Knowing that they have a new fun role as an older sibling, that they are still very loved and that having a new sibling means receiving and giving more love for them and in the family.

We didn’t take our kids around the hospital but I helped my kids with this transition each time we had another child by creating a ‘big sister’ or ‘big brother’ pack. A tote bag with a book on becoming an older sibling/welcoming a new baby, a little camera for them to take their own pictures, a big sister/brother badge or necklace (I made ones out of felt), a new notebook and a few new drawing supplies and some stickers. This was given to our children close to baby being born, and was received with a poster reaction from each of our children as they became an older sibling.

Another idea is a small gift for them to give their new sibling when born, and a small gift for them to receive from the baby aswell.

Lots of involvement in helping choose outfits etc to feel important and valued amongst their world changing.

Doing ivf for the second time and not sure how it’s going to be with a toddler. I’m excited to grow my family.

I found it was more about the ongoing day to day that was the juggle. The actual introduction was fine. Your toddler will want to see you in the hospital and you them, so it’s the easiest place to do an introduction.

I should add, it is absolutely heart-warming to see their relationship blossom as the baby gets older

Everyone always said going from 1 to 2 is the hardest. I found it to be true.
We had the toddler meet the baby on neutral ground, and I wasn’t holding the baby.
We also did a lot of teaching to the toddler beforehand, using books that talk about being a big sibling/getting a baby sibling.
We also still dedicated time just to the toddler as the baby receives so much attention.

My toddler was so excited to meet his little brother. He came to the hospital as soon as possible after the birth and was as excited an happy to meet the arrival as the rest of the family.

Communication is key, talk to your toddler, talk about the process, the changers, the excitement. Include the toddler in every decision and you will never have a problem.

There is a sesame street book called “My Baby Brother is a Monster” – it’s more positive than it sounds – and we read that in the months coming up to the birth. Our son was excited to meet the baby and we had no problems.