Book recommendations wanted: second baby on the way

[amydown]

Hi all,

We are expecting our second baby in a few months time. The age gap between the two kids will be 2.5 yrs and I would like to do some reading on how best to introduce the baby to our little boy who is currently just under 2.

Reading for me as a parent and also a book to help me explain it to the toddler would be great.

Any recommendations/ ideas much appreciated.

[bluesuperted]

I haven't read it yet but I understand that the new Naomi Stadlen book (How mothers love, sophiechristophy put up a link) has a section on new siblings. I love her stuff so I definitely want to read it.

[sophiechristophy]

bluesuperted - Naomi Stadlen is doing a book launch at Born in Stoke Newington next Sunday:

http://www.naomistadlen.com/news--events.asp

[alfie]

Not sure about books for you, but we had the following books for a toddler when number two was on the way:

- There's a house inside my mummy (funny, rhyming verse, lovely pictures)

- I want a sister (she got a brother, as did my daughter)

- Topsy and Tim and the new baby

[Otta]

Our daughter loved / loves Za-Za's baby brother. Although I always thought it laid it on a bit thick about how neglected they'll be when baby arrives!

[alice32]

I second the books mentioned above for your toddler. There's also Sophie and the New Baby by Laurence and Catherine Anholt.

[womanofdulwich]

Theres a great book called mummy laid an egg by babette cole.

[amydown]

Wow, thanks for all the recommendations ladies. I'm looking forward to leisurenly reading sessions when maternity leave starts....

[Smiler]

House inside my mummy is good.

I like "siblings without rivalry", as the introduction is just the beginning......

[Helen GV]

Someone told me ( after my second had already been born and introduced) that the best way to introduce your oldest to the baby is to have the baby in a cot or moses basket, not in your arms and not breast feeding, bring the oldest over and say this is so and so..

[ClareC]

I've got the "there's a house inside my mummy" book, your welcome to borrow it.

C

[echo]

This is a BIG topic. I did use lots of children's picture books with my eldest daughter. Also my eldest has lots of babies to look after herself...

But I found the transition a big step in our family. I also like the 'Siblings with out rivalry book' its is written as transcript of an parents support group with the authors as facilitators, and is very readable. They encourage the parents to reflect on their experiences and imagine what it's like for our first born/ second born... For example they compare the first borns experience of the new sibling with your partner bring home a new spouse and expecting you to love her/him and and to share all of your clothes, bed, personal items and partner in every way etc etc-

[ad2000]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-Shoes-One-Sock-Hairbrush/dp/0304354295

Came recommended from a few friends. Worth a look. Good luck with it all.

[Barbaramon]

Hi there, a must read: The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League. Excellent book, there is a chapter on Meeting the Family Needs. It is extremely helpful don't miss it.

Barbara

[newtoedf]

I found this really useful: Raising Happy Brothers and Sisters

[dullified]

No book recommendations but I did recently bring my newborn home (last weekend!) and I too was advised to get Daddy to do the introductions. Although the hospital were happy to discharge me straight from the delivery room in the morning I stayed in hospital all day and brought the baby home after my toddler (2.4 months old) had gone to bed. Then in the morning we brought him into our room, sat him in bed as normal, gave him a drink then got Daddy to introduce him to the (fortunately) sleeping baby in her moses baskets. Then explained how she wasn?t in my tummy anymore and how I had a sore tummy etc. He?s been absolutely fine about her arrival since. Also made sure we both patted my tummy and said hello to the baby everyday in the weeks leading up to the birth.

To be honest though he goes to a childminder who frequently looks after a baby ? this has probably helped more than anything else. So if you can get might be a good idea to get some baby experience in beforehand for your toddler (borrow a friends???).