Have you considered keeping the baby in your room with you? Toddlers can be pretty creative, so if it's something you're truly concerned about, keeping the baby in a bassinet next to your bed is the perfect solution, because then you'll always know he's safe.

I'd also start teaching your toddlers about babies and being gentle, now. Get them a couple baby dolls and show them how to give the baby hugs, kisses, and to give soft touches. If you know anyone with a baby, you should ask if you can bring your toddlers by to show them the baby. At 21 months, they should be able to grasp that babies are fragile and you need to be careful. I think most issues with having babies and toddlers come from the toddler feeling left out and not getting as much attention since the baby arrived. So, as parents, it's extremely important that you continue to give your toddlers a lot of attention, love, hugs and kisses, all the things you're doing with them now, just keep doing it. I know it'll be tricky, but they're getting to the age where they're going to start wanting more alone time when they play. The older they get, the better they'll be at entertaining themselves. So, there will be times you can focus your full attention on the baby and your toddlers won't notice or care, you just have to plan accordingly. Also, getting the toddlers involved in caring for the baby will really help, too. I know my 22 month old LOVES when I ask him to do me a favor. So, you can have the toddlers bring you an outfit for the baby, or hand you a clean diaper, or help push the buttons to turn on the swing for the baby, et cetera. They'll love that they get to be involved in the baby's care and will probably be more gentle and loving with him, in return.

Hi
I have a 19 month old and a 3 month old. It has been pretty interesting that's for sure. I never leave the baby in the same room as our toddler, and usually put her bouncy seat on the counter if I am in the room, so her sister can't get to her. My toddler loves her sister and is always wanting to kiss and hug her which I let her do with me there. She has head butted her before accidentally which I totally freaked out. The baby sleeps in a bassinet in our room for now. My toddler is still in a crib and isn't climbing out yet but I would be concerned about her trying to get to the baby if she was in the same room. Don't take any chances. Toddlers don't know better. Keep a watchful eye on them. My daughter likes to put the blanket on her sister, like over her face, so you never know. I agree with jen, have your kids get involved in taking care of baby, they love that.
Good luck! It is challenging having two babies as they both need a lot of attention, but loving it also.

Excellent advise on #1! My son was 17 months old when my daughter was born. Both kids were cosleeping with my husband and I. We always made sure one of us was between them. We got my son a baby doll and read him lots of stories/ watched kid shows that had to do with new babies. Older siblings love to help, but NEVER leave them unattended and always be consistent. Your experience with a 5 year old and twins will be more helpful to you than you may realize. Relax and enjoy :)

Hi,
My daughter was almost 3 when her sister was born. Even at that age I still had to remind her that her sister is not a doll and she needs to be careful. One time, I went to shower and their father was watching them (not really he was playing video games) a few days after we were released from the hospital and when I came out of the shower, Sophia was holding her sister almost upside down.. I was not impressed needless to say.. But they do move quickly. Just remind the twins the baby is not a doll and they will need to be gentle. Good luck!!

Thank you for all the replies. We plan on having the baby in a bassinet in our room for the first few months and then if need be, we will set up his crib there as well. We only have a 3 bedroom home so we will eventually need to have 2 kids in each room. Neither of my twins are climbing out of their crib yet and I am in no rush to move them to toddler beds. I may even look into purchasing a net that goes on top of the crib to prevent them from climbing out.

I know it's going to be crazy and I will not leave them alone with him. I hope that since they are so young that they won't be jealous, and they are already used to having to share mom and dad anyway. After three kids, I've got the baby thing down and I'm not too concerned about him. Taking care of twin toddlers on the other hand is a whole new challenge.

Thanks again for the advice!

I had a 6 year old, 2 year old when I had our baby. I have to say the only problem I had was that my 2 year old wanted to hold the baby once he got up to like 4 months old. That is when she tried to take him out of the swing. But I did keep him in my room until he was 2 months old then he shared a room with my 6 year old. He honestly loves having a room with his big brother he cries when he goes to bed and big bro doesn't. As for my 2 year old who is now 3 her issues didn't start until the baby was mobile and could get her toys. I have to say we did have one of the nets but it for the cat cause she thought the crib was her bed and it was more of a pain then anything. There were times over the last year we did have to move the baby back in our room but it was never due to the kids it was because of the baby's medical issues. But normally toddlers and newborns don't have issues until the baby can get the toddlers things. that is how it was with my 6 year old and 2 year old as well. and they are 3 1/2 years apart. Good luck

I have 3 kids. One is almost 5, one is 2 1/2 and one is 1. For awhile, my daughter was happy to help with my son. She was excited to run and get diapers, baby wipes, etc for him. I've noticed though, that now that he's in a big bed, she wants nothing to do with helping anymore. My youngest daughter shares a room with my 2 1/2 year old son. For the first few months, she was in the room with her mom because she wouldn't let her out of her sight, but we've transitioned her to my son's room now. She won't sleep in her crib though, she will only sleep in a big bed, so he sleeps on the pull out mattress and she sleeps on the big bed. He's okay with it, it was his choice to sleep on that mattress. We are in the process of getting a second bed for the room. He loves having a baby sister. My oldest daughter loves having two siblings, as long as they stay out of her room.

Hope that makes sense. It's 3am and I'm getting tired. :)