Preparing toddlers for a new baby??

[brookerob]

I live with my sister who has a 1 1/2 year old, we are not sure how he is going to react once my baby gets here in a few months. How did you ladies go about preparing toddler aged kids for a newborn being in the house?

[phenana]

What some mothers find helpful is for the baby to bring home a gift for the toddler, also a toy to take care of (a doll etc) that they get out while you're feeding so you're both looking after babies type of thing. I've always known mothers to have a special lunch or activity box that comes out at feeding times to keep the toddler occupied so its something novel

[lilmissriss]

I have a 2 1/2 year old. We have included her in most things for this whole pregnancy. She got to see the ultrasounds and keep one of the pictures and she gets to hear her baby brothers heartbeat at appointments. We have also bought little toys for her to "take care of" until he gets here, I even let her help me wash his clothes and diapers lol. She's actually excited.