I haven't read the other responses so forgive me if I repeat anything.

My son had just turned 2 when Abbey was born, and I was a single mom as well, so I was really nervous.

A couple things that I think helped:

Referring to the baby as "our baby" not "my baby" or "the baby". Levi loved telling his friends and family all about HIS baby.

It's hard when you're young seeing everyone making a fuss over the baby ALL THE TIME and giving present after present. Making sure that big brother is presented with something once in a while will help. It doesn't have to be anything huge or expensive. Even a toy from a quarter machine is nice, just a little treat. Also, remind your older child often that when he was a baby, it was the same way. Everyone was excited, he got lots of gifts, etc.

Involve big sibling as much as you can. Let him know you need his help! This makes him feel useful and important. Let him "overhear" you telling others how helpful he is and what a great big brother he is. He will beam with pride.

It's quite the adventure going from 1 kid to 2. Good luck!

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Carly
SAHM to:
DS Levi (9)
DD Abbey (7)

My number 2 came when my son was 2years 3months. Sadly, my older son "became my husbands child" and the baby was mine since I was breastfeeding and dealing with a colicky, gassy baby. Honestly it was very tough on everyone for the first 3months. I began to feel like we ruined my son's happy world. He got very attached to my husband was was very defiant with me. We tried to let him hold the baby and do anything special with him when time permitted. But like I said, I had a very needy infant. After 3 months it seemed like things calmed down and we became a family. It does get easier, although on the hard days it is hard to see that.

To help, the new baby got a big brother toy to give to him at the hospital and prior to birth we took our son shopping for a baby present for his new brother. Wheile nursing, my son would lay a stuffed animal across his lap and sit next to me. He would help wiping the baby's drool, and made sure to include him in a lot of the new baby pictures.

Now baby is 7 months and big bro will be 3 next month. They love each other and makes me realize how right it was to add to our family. They will have each other for life.

I think that the best thing to do is talk to your child. Involve them whenever possible before and after baby arrives. Before, let them go to dr appointments, let them feel baby kick, hear heartbeat etc. When you pack your bag and babies bag for the hospital let big bro or sister help pack... Explain as much as you can about babies. And, with Hannah my DD we played dolls and Pretended that the baby was the little brother and she thought that was neat.

I dont think there is any magical easy way in.. But, I definitely think letting them be as involved as possible helps a lot.

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One last thing I failed to say that I think is important.. After the baby is here.. just be sure to still find some special time to do something just you and your first child so that you still have the bonding time together.

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I was wondering the same thing about my son when the baby comes in sept. He will 2 1/2 years old when the baby is born. But reading the post I get the idea on what to do. So thanks for asking the question, that alot of us worry about.

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Jessica 21 Years
Brody 21 Months