If you're preggers the second time around, you've got one very important little person to break the news to - your first born. If you got pregnant fairly quickly you may have to explain less, although even young toddlers are curious about your bigger belly. If you've got an older toddler or preschooler, here's how to break the news...
Wait as long as you can: Little kids have almost no concept of time. If you tell your toddler a baby is on the way in nine months, he'll ask every day after if nine months have passed. Hold off until your little one asks about your belly or if he doesn't ask, wait even longer. Although, I've never seen a toddler who didn't notice a bigger belly - these kids notice everything!
Don't lie: Telling your toddler that you're going to the baby store or that a stork is coming is misleading and can confuse your toddler. Just be honest without all the details. Say something like, "There's a baby growing in my belly - once he's big enough he'll come out and be a part of the family." Little kids don't need all the gory details so keep it truthful but simple.
Prepare for the big day: Once you get close to your due date start saying to your toddler that the baby is almost ready to be born so that there's no major surprises.
Prep for baby love and care: A big sister or brother who is
involved in the process will feel much more happy about the arrival of a new sibling. Take your toddler baby shopping with you; take him on the hospital tour; show him a picture book about what it's like to be the big sibling.Do not however, say things like, "Now it's time for you to hand over that crib or you don't need teddy anymore but the new baby will. Toddlers are extremely mindful of what belongs to them and
moving to a big kid bed is stressful enough without you making demands for the new baby. Be mindful of situations like this.
Some great books to help you prepare:
