When and how do I tell my toddler he’s going to be a big brother?

Question

My son is 2 1/2. I’m only 8 weeks pregnant and I’ve had a bit of a scare so I know I want to wait a little bit. I don’t know if he’ll understand. Is there a good way to explain it to someone that young? And is there any way to prepare him mentally to an extent? He’s used to being my entire world and I know it will be a huge adjustment. Any advice is appreciated.

Answer

Mine was 2.5 too and we waited until there was a bump and knew the sex. We told him that a sister was coming and that she was very small and not ready yet to meet us, but Mama was keeping her safe in her belly. Mama’s belly would grow until baby was big enough to join us. He seemed to get that and also wanted to help keep baby safe so she could grow and join us - lots of belly petting and kisses, was super sweet. As the date got closer we also discussed that babies are born crying and eating and we have to help them learn to crawl, play, etc. He seemed to understand that too and wanted to help her learn when she arrived. Good luck!

Answer

My daughter turned 2 in June. We told the kids after 12 weeks. I've had a missed miscarriage in the past so we wanted to play it safe. I'm now 17 weeks and she fully understands. She kisses and hugs my belly saying "baby"
I think her baby doll helped her understand and showing her baby pictures. She has a 9yo brother so she also understands she's getting another brother.

Answer

My son is now 2.5 and we had our second in June.  We didn't make much of a big deal about it till the end.  My husband would say who's in mammas belly.  He would say baby or Henry.  Also who's in daddy's belly.  Bees are in daddies belly for some reason lol.  He's a great big brother.

Answer

We waited til the 2nd trimester. She still doesn’t really get it but she knows something is growing in mommy’s belly and we do call him brother so she gets used to the idea of someone other than her being around. She probably won’t really understand til he’s born tho 🤷🏽‍♀️

Answer

My son is 2.5 now and I’m almost 30 weeks pregnant. I just told him there was a baby in my baby. I kept telling him. He now knows it’s a sister. I’m still not sure he completely understands but it is what it is at this point.

Answer

My LO was exactly 3 when her new brother was born. We told she was going to be a big sister and gave some examples of sibling relationships we know like her cousins but what she understood the most was telling her a new baby was going to come live with us at our house and be her brother. We talked all through about it being HER new baby brother and we were very intentional after we brought him home about the transition. While you’re pregnant work on being gentle, I acted like my bump was the baby and worked on really being gentle with mommy and the baby and people in general. Also, we have always made my daughter wait for things if we’re in the middle of something but if your LO tends to get what they need the second the ask for it then start working on that now. Example: you’re making dinner and they want you to come see the tower they made, “I’d love to see it babe you’ll have to wait just a minute while I finish what I’m doing!” Etc. It will help for when baby comes. I also put baby down often to tend to my firstborns needs, even let him cry for a minute so they she did not ever see baby as first priority. Then when I really did need her to wait a minute because I was dealing with baby she was happy to do it. They are the best of friends now (he’s 9 months). It’ll be wonderful!

Answer

At that age. I’d wait until the very end.  Otherwise it’s like telling them Santa is coming tomorrow and making them wait 7 months 😂

Answer

You bring a baby home and say yoir a big brother

When and how do I tell my toddler he’s going to be a big brother?

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