https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 25 Apr 2026 11:47:07 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/response-to-older-sibling-wanting-to-be-the-baby#post-2882545 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 16:54:11 +0000 Mommy Finger 2882545@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There's a kids book that I got for DS when I was pregnant and I can't remember what the name is now but it talked about how the baby was coming and what the baby can do but then it talked about all of the things that he gets to do that the baby can't. Some of it was running and playing but it was also things like eating ice cream and apples. My son really responded well to that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/response-to-older-sibling-wanting-to-be-the-baby#post-2882467 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 11:43:54 +0000 Ajsmommy 2882467@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jhd: @crazydoglady: @bhbee: same here. DD was curious and wanted to play pretend when I was setting stuff up but after DS was here no issues at all...If I remember correctly I just played along or showed her pics or videos of her when she was a baby using said item. She loves to see herself when she was a baby :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/response-to-older-sibling-wanting-to-be-the-baby#post-2882429 Sun, 28 Apr 2019 23:52:07 +0000 bhbee 2882429@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@crazydoglady: same!</p> <p>Also if there really is a safety issue, which there sometimes is with my 4yo, I am just really straightforward and firm. Like, you can not be in the pack n play or crib period ever. I will let him play some baby stuff to make him feel loved and like he’s getting attention but there are certain things that are a hard no. Seems to go fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/response-to-older-sibling-wanting-to-be-the-baby#post-2882425 Sun, 28 Apr 2019 22:53:16 +0000 crazydoglady 2882425@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@magnolia: I wouldn't give it much thought. :happy: My son wanted to get in her crib, play with the toys. etc but quickly got over it when the baby arrived. I think its more a game of pretend. Sometimes, even though the baby is 7 months, he'll say "wah... I'm a baby" and I will respond with something like "that's too bad because babies dont get to (insert fun activity here)" and then he wants to be a big boy again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/response-to-older-sibling-wanting-to-be-the-baby#post-2882406 Sun, 28 Apr 2019 20:07:05 +0000 jhd 2882406@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don’t know how old your LO is but LO1 turned four shortly after LO2 arrived last spring. He tried to get in some of the baby equipment when we were getting it out ready for baby. It was completely not an issue once baby was here. He wanted in the stroller one time over the summer and we let him have a turn while we held baby and he never asked ever again after that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/response-to-older-sibling-wanting-to-be-the-baby#post-2882400 Sun, 28 Apr 2019 18:48:39 +0000 Ms.Mermaid 2882400@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also our daughter has never tried to get in the stroller, etc. with our baby and understands taking turns, so we tell her it’s the baby’s turn and she rolls with it well, which I didn’t expect. So don’t borrow trouble on this - it may be a nonissue. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/response-to-older-sibling-wanting-to-be-the-baby#post-2882399 Sun, 28 Apr 2019 18:45:36 +0000 Ms.Mermaid 2882399@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So, generally speaking, I highly recommend the book Siblings Without Rivalry - it’s a great, quick read. With our 4 year old, I try to be accommodating of her need for attention- “are you pretending to be a baby because you think we’re only paying attention to the baby?” “Do you want to go in the stroller because the baby is going in the stroller?”<br /> I try really hard not to snap and tell her she’s being ridiculous when she whines that there isn’t any place for her to sit when the baby is in the stroller (early on she saw the stroller in the car and had a fit that she needed a place to sit FOR THE WALK FROM OUR DRIVEWAY TO THE HOUSE) and instead I just validate her feelings, acknowledge that it’s hard since the baby came and changed things, acknowledge when the baby is demanding attention, etc. I also praise her excessively for being patient, kind, generous, and a good big sister. I let her play with the baby’s toys and read the baby’s books as much as she wants (even though it’s so annoying especially when she comes into the baby’s room while I’m nursing and wants to sit in my lap).<br /> Anyway, I basically say yes whenever possible, even if she’s too old for something, etc., and I try to not pit the baby’s needs against hers - so I try not to tell her, “wait, I need to help the baby first” and instead say, “thank you for being patient while I do X.” </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/response-to-older-sibling-wanting-to-be-the-baby#post-2882395 Sun, 28 Apr 2019 18:15:58 +0000 magnolia 2882395@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are expecting #2 in a few weeks</p> <p>I’ve been slowly setting up baby items around the house (bassinet, swing, etc). My son really wanted to get in the swing. I let him put his baby doll in it and swing her. Today we had the stroller bassinet on the floor and he climbed in and started fake crying. We pretended he was the baby for awhile. It was actually really cute and funny. But I’m not sure how to respond? Obviously when baby comes he won’t be able to get in with her... I want to validate his feelings about wanting to be the baby while also keeping the baby safe </p> <p>Anyone have experience with this? </p>