Explain what will happen once you go into labor. About two weeks before your due date, prepare your child for your upcoming absence. Discuss the arrangements as clearly as you can so you can dispel any fears and doubts. Though you'll likely be at the hospital for only a couple of days, he'll probably be distressed by the upheaval. If a relative, friend, or babysitter is going to stay with him, you might want to ask that person to spend a night in your home a week or two in advance.
Some families even have birthday parties with a cake and a present for the child from the newborn.
Involve your toddler in baby duty. When you bathe the baby, he can hold the towels or help soap the baby's legs. And a baby is an appreciative audience. Not only will your toddler enjoy the attention, he's also likely to take pride in being able to make the baby smile. Point out how much the baby likes him, especially if other grownups are present.