I keep seeing these lists or suggestions on Pinterest and thought I would make one with how we prepped Lukrik and now are prepping Ezekiel. So here is my best advice from experience:
1. When we first found out we were pregnant with our second we instantly told our oldest he would be a big brother. He was 13 months old, about the time we found out. It may seem useless, but children understand more than we believe they do.
2. We bought a book by Mercer Mayer, "Just Me and My Little Brother," once we new it was a boy. We read it every night until Zeke was born, Lukrik loved it!
3. We took him along to the ultrasound to see his baby. He was a little over whelmed, but over all excited.
4. We talked a lot about how babies are little at first and need lots of care and love. So we bought a little baby doll, yes even for boys! Demonstrating how to hold them and touching them with "gentle" hands.
5. Get them a special outfit for the day baby is coming home and make a big deal about the new gift just for them!!
6. Talk about who will be with them when you go to the hospital and that you will be gone. If they can be watched at their own home its best, but if not make sure they are comfortable where ever they will be.
Once baby is born, here is what we did:
1. If it is allowed for them to come visit at the hospital it is good. Having them see you are still around and meet the new baby. Lukrik would not touch Ezekiel at the hospital. After we got released we immediately picked up Lukrik and he was excited by the little baby.
2. We let him touch baby, but used the word gentle hands and demonstrated how to touch his brother. Never forbid them from touching, kissing, or holding the baby. Of course all with supervision, because lets face it children are curious. Plus, they have a genuine love for others if nurtured and allowed to grow!! :)
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