The jealousy was more target towards mommy than the baby.. With that information in hand (thanks to her daycare teacher who pointed out that the toddler picked up a baby doll first thing in the morning and would let go of it only when I showed up!), I got a real lifelike doll for her.
This doll is silicone (feels like skin when you touch it), has the body proportioned to a real baby, comes with its own milk bottle, diaper, dresses, cap, socks, bed, pillow etc..
As of yesterday we told the toddler that she is a "mommy". The baby has been named "Uma" and "Swathi"..
Right now, Uma Swathi is being fed when the baby is being fed, she is changed when the baby is changed.
On a side note, two funny things that happened.
First, when we were unpacking the baby doll, my wife walked into the room. My daughter says "mommy, dont come here. go take care of YOUR baby !! go away!!"
Next, she fed the baby, then claimed it was choking and burped the baby for a full 5 minutes !! We were impressed ..
But now Uma Swathi is a prime candidate to be picked up by social services as a neglected baby. The toddler is going to a birthday party and in her rush, she left the baby like this !
That is kids for you in a nutshell ...