How do you handle overzealous big brothers?

[sheandaru]

We have a new addition to our family who is now three weeks old, and I'm anxious to give him some floor/tummy time. The only thing is, his older brothers (3 & 5) are always in his space and I have to police them whenever I want to put the baby down. I love that they want to kiss him and play with him, but the 3yo hasn't quite grasped the concept of being gentle.

How can I encourage the loving behavior without telling the boys to leave him alone?

[Twocoolboys]

We have an overzealous big brother here too - lol. The best thing I can say is to give them jobs to do. Ask them to get you a clean diaper or help pick out baby's outfit, etc. I know that this won't help all the time, but maybe some. Also, tell them that they can touch baby's arms and legs and not the head. That seemed to help my ds too.

[Hayes]

Honestly, this was when we used our pack and play. Big brothers and sisters could look through or over at the baby, talk to baby, but not get to the baby.

[fromscatteredtribe]

ds3 and ds4 have survived the LOVE just fine....nothing like trying to pee a few days postpartum and you catch a glimpse of a two year old carrying baby to you!!! none of my little ones have ever been damaged and they have always felt "cared for" IMO....

[savannah smiles]

I have a 4 month old and an overzealous 4 yr old big sister so I feel your pain! I always stay within eyesight (easy in such a small house, lol!) and I do police things. What drives me nuts is how LOUD dd1 is and how she gets in the baby and my space when I'm trying to nurse. I feel like a bad guy always pushing her away but geez, the baby can't eat with someone screaming "The Wheels on the Bus" in her ear.

[nwaddellr]

Another here with an overzealous big brother. Honestly, I just never put my DD down without me being rught there or DS being asleep - that's a great time for tummy time!