Helping Baby Deal with Older Sibling

If she likes water, let your son help bathe her. I have two boys 3yrs, and 8 months. When Jayden (8month) was born, James (3 yrs) wanted to do everything, but babyb started to cry everytime james got near him. One day I was giving jayden a bath and James wanted to help so I sat the baby tub in the tub with james and let them take a bath together. James washed the legs and toes gently lol. Mommy took care of everything else. Then, I wrapped jayden with a towl and helped James out. James helped me put Jaydens snaps on. After that Jayden seems to be ok of James and so far so good. occasionaly James will pop up out of nowhere and scare him... but within a few mins they are back to playing.lol. Just give it time and try not to stress :)

Don't panic Mama!

My daughter is 3 (almost 4) and we have a 2 month old nephew that we spend a lot of time around. I think it is just a phase for baby to get overwhelmed. She is seeing better and hearing more at this point so things tend to get overstimulating for a while. maybe try including your little guy in the "quiet time" activities with baby? it depends on his temperament obviously, but my daughter gets pretty sucked in when i tell her that I could "really use her help with baby." The bigger of a deal you can make it sound (while talking as calmly and quietly as possible) the more he'll get into it. Ex- "Hey little man, it's baby's bath time. You know how to take a bath huh? I bet you could help me teach baby how to take a bath!" Then have him do things like squirt the soap on her washcloth and lay out the towel. The more "quiet time" activities that you can convince him are the coolest thing ever the better.
Another thing that I've found helps is having a special thing that he gets, only if he's quiet, while baby naps. Maybe a special Music CD that mama made only for him to listen to while he colors and baby naps? Pick songs that you like too so you can sing along and teach him the words (most likely while cleaning up something, but hey it's worth a try). I know they lose patience fast at this age, drives me crazy, so it's worth taking a day to make "ben's" quiet time box. Fill it with a few different kinds of activities (solo stuff, games with mom, ect) Also, a white noise machine for where baby is sleeping might help on her end! Hope this helps??

My 4 year old is the same way. He loves his sister so much, and wants to get right in her face all the time. She is 5 mos old now, and at first it was rough. She would cry and pitch a fit when he got loud and in her face. Now, we'll all sit together on the sofa, and they just sit and laugh at each other. I don't really have any advice on making the situation better now- just know that it will get better as she gets a little older. I think it will work itself out.
As for sleep, I suggest getting a white noise machine for her room. That might help drown out some of the house noise.
Hope this helps!

Have your tried baby wearing to help your baby stay asleep? Sometimes that was the only way I could get my daughter to sleep, no matter the noise and it felt wonderful to have her close. Also.. my daughter liked to be in it if she wasn't sleeping and it always kept her happy.

A sound machine or a loud fan while she's napping may be helpful. I agree that she's just becoming more aware of her surroundings and other people, and she could be a bit overwhelmed. You might have your son practice being gentle and talking quietly to a doll while your baby's sleeping. Make a game of it, and have the doll give him positive "responses" when his voice and behavior are soft.