Lots of times when a second baby comes home from the hospital, moms and dads panic when they see their firstborn begin to display behaviors that suggest some sort of regression. Maybe the toddler starts trying to drink from a bottle, begins using a binky again, or starts having trouble with potty training and begins having accidents.
Let me just set your mind at ease and let you know that your oldest child is not suffering from some sort of rejection issues thinking that now your love for him has been replaced with the younger addition. No, no, no. These problems should be very short-lived (a week at the most??) and you must stop yourself from over thinking and over-Freuding this to death. Just tell the child no to the binky or bottle. Realize that the potty training issues will resolve themselves (for the most part) shortly and that no child will get to kindergarten with a diaper, bottle or pacifier.
It seems overwhelming now because two babies is exponentially more challenging than one and your new to this whole realm. Give yourself a break, relax and know that this “regression” phase is very short lived.
My best advice?
Go ahead and have your third baby.
Jennifer Hodge says
As I only had a 12 mo when I had my second, this was not a worry for me but I hear so much discussion of it I think your post is right on time!
Lyette Reback says
I hope…I know it is a common issue. When we are operating on such little sleep, small things seem so overwhelming. But it all comes out in the wash… 🙂
Rachel says
Ha! Love your advice! 😉
Lyette Reback says
Thank you Rachel for your encouragement!