[DDJ]

Hi y'all! I'm new here and the adoptive mother of 3 more or less active little girls. My 2 1/4 year old has recently started picking up her 8 month old sister. She will nab the baby saying "we go play" and take off towards her room. Other than keeping the baby in her swing all the time or on my hip, does anyone have a suggestion to stop this? The 2 yr old is really strong and the 8 month is pretty small but this still scares me and anyone who sees it happen. Ideas?
DDJ

[sherryk]

As the mom of four kids, I can relate! I think toddlers/Preschoolers enjoy being the older child and want to play with their new playmate.

One quick story...I would have my 2 1/2 year old watch Sesame Street while I took my shower. I would put my baby in a bouncy seat in the bathroom so that I knew she was "safe." One day, I finished my shower to discover my baby missing...along with her baby seat. I frantically ran to the family room to see my son sharing the Sesame Street experience with his baby sister. I still don't know how she got to the family room, (dragged, pulled) but am very thankful she was fine.

Some ideas for you...

After the above mentioned day, I had a sit down talk with my toddler. It is amazing how much they really do understand.

Plan a time every day they can play together. Put a big blanket on the floor with baby toys.

Have your toddler be "mommy's helper." It makes them feel so grown up and involved with the baby. (Asking them to get a diaper for example).

Let me know how it goes!

Blessings,
sherryk

[trunks888]

I think sherryk
has some really great ideas.
I suggest trying that.

[Rainbow mom]

My two year old also like to pick up the baby. I have found that a good old fashion playpen works well if I have to go out of the room. Also I have strapped him in his car seat. Best of luck.