How much hands on involvement do you give LOs with your newborn?

[Artechim]

Peanutter just reminded me - I was 5 when my brother was born and I clearly remember changing nappies (cloth and pin type!), he was wriggly but not mobile so he must have been around 6 months and me 5.5 years. I also warmed bottles/fed him (with instruction) and carted him about the place. I would trust my DS to do these things when he is 5, he is nearly capable now.

[starangelk]

I was 6 when my little sister was born and I too helped with changing nappies, holding her, rocking her etc etc. That was a long time ago though.

My DD was only 15 months when DS was born and she was interested in holding him until it actually came time to do it. She found him really heavy and awkward and only tolerated a few minutes of a cuddle. We instead encouraged lots of pats on the belly and kisses on his scalp, tummy or feet. We also showed her how to hold his hand. That was enough for her.

With friends kids and families kids, I might be a bit relaxed after reading your post. If the child is over 5, I'm happy for them to have a cuddle without close supervision. I mean an adult would be in the same room but doesn't need to be sitting right there assisting. I let an 8 year old family member carry DS around at christmas time and I wasn't worried at all. In fact, I left her there with him while I went to get a bib. I never thought anything of it until her mother saw and commented that I was relaxed about it all.

I think it's an each to their own thing. You might feel differently once bub is here and see how everyone copes.

[LuluHB]

Thanks so much ladies. I really need to try and relax about it all I guess. I am worried that my concerns will result in the girls being jealous of their baby sister and that's the last thing I want (next to an injured baby of course). My girls are such gentle little souls so I know nothing they did would ever be through nastiness or even carelessness - just a lack of understanding of what a newborn needs. And you're right - I probably am really underestimating their abilities.

Starangelk - I wish I could be more like you, or at least somewhere between me and you! I know I am probably a bit over protective when they're tiny (definitely not now that they're bigger), but they are just so damn small and precious.