Our 2.5 year old has been hitting and biting lately (new baby has recently joined our family.)

We've been as understanding as we can be but now things are getting out of control (she always approaches the baby with her mouth open, ready to bite.)

What consequences do you use with your 2.5 year old (young preschooler?)

Thanks!

I don't know that consequences would really help cement it into a jealous 2.5 year old that biting is unacceptable. Prevention is key. If you see her going toward the baby openmouthed, can you do a sharp "Ahhh!" to get her attention, followed by immediate redirection? Or followed by "bite this apple instead." As a mom of two with roughly the same age spacing as your two, I know what you're going through! She is doing this for attention. And also to help you understand her desire to make the baby go away.

If she verbalizes this feeling, don't squelch it. Listen to her tell you that she doesn't like the baby. Justin used to say "bring her back to the hospital," and I'd say something like "you'd like it if I brought her back to the hospital, huh?" and he'd usually just nod and that would be the end of it.

I know it's hard, but you need to make one on one time a reality with your older chld. I used to leave newborn Rebecca with DH for 10 minutes while Justin and I went to get gas and a bag of popcorn or something at the gas station a couple of minutes down the road. Or I"d put the baby in the carseat and have DH take her through the drivethrough at Subway to pick up dinner (she'd just sleep) and I'd stay home with my big boy.

This too, shall pass. (of course you'd like it to pass with no bite marks on the baby or on anyone else!)

Michelle

That's great advice. I would also just try to keep the baby out of reach of your toddler. At 3-4 weeks old a pack &play bassinet and sling should work well. I was never good at keeping a 2 yo out of a baby swing or bouncy seat. It's fighting a battle you can't win, imo. It might help a little to keep your 2 yo actively engaged with you and baby as well, for example, when she is close to her show her how to stroke the baby's arm, show her how many toes, ask her to get you a diaper, sing lullabies to the baby with you, that sort of thing. . . keep her mind occupied that way. HTH!