• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Mess for Less
  • Recipes
    • breakfast
    • lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Snacks
    • Appetizers
    • Crock Pot
  • Cooking with Kids
  • Crafts
    • Art
    • Winter
    • spring
    • Summer
    • fall
  • Kids Activities
    • Baby and Toddler
    • Preschool
    • Elementary
    • Sensory
    • Fine Motor Skills
    • Learning Activities
      • literacy
      • Math
      • science
  • Family
    • Family
    • Pets
    • parenting
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Browse Categories
  • Kids Activities
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » parenting » How to Prepare a Toddler for a New Baby

    How to Prepare a Toddler for a New Baby

    Published: Jun 17, 2019 · Modified: Apr 4, 2022 by Vicky

    Pin58
    Share
    Tweet
    Yum
    58 Shares

    When my twins were 18 months old, we welcomed our third child to the family. Something like a new baby can be so exciting and rewarding for parents, yet be a traumatic experience for toddlers who are getting a new sibling. A new baby is one of the most exciting things that can happen to a family, but it is an event that can make a toddler feel displaced and confused. But with your help, your toddler can come to understand the changes and know what to expect. Let’s take a look at how to prepare a toddler for a new baby. You might also find Helping Toddlers Deal with Change helpful.

    A new baby is exciting, but it can make a toddler feel displaced and confused. But with your help, your toddler make the transition easier. Learn how to prepare a toddler for a new baby. #parenting #siblings #toddlers
    Jump to:
    • How to Prepare a Toddler for a New Baby
    • 1. It all starts with the preparation.
    • 2. Get them involved in the process of caring for their new sibling.
    • 3. Give them some one-on-one time.
    • Best books to prepare toddler for new baby
    • WANT TO MAKE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE EASY?
    • Related posts

    How to Prepare a Toddler for a New Baby

    1. It all starts with the preparation.

    You’ve had nine months to plan for and adapt to the coming of a new child. Your toddler has probably only had a few months. On top of that they really don’t understand what a new baby will mean to their life. One of the best ways to help your toddler prepare for a new sibling is to help them understand what’s going to change.

    People don’t like change and toddlers like it even less. They thrive on structure and routine. Helping your child know what to expect will ease the transition. Try to keep your conversations light while at the same time being honest and open.

    For example, you can tell your child how the new baby will be a part of the family and that means a little extra work for everyone, but it also means another person to love. You can let your child know that they’ll have extra responsibilities as the big brother or big sister and they may have to share. Also let them know that they’ll still have time with just mommy or daddy and stick to it.

    2. Get them involved in the process of caring for their new sibling.

    Toddlers may be young, but they can do a lot to help. They can get you items you need to care for the baby such as bib or a baby wipe. They can play with the baby and they can help you around the house. When your toddler gets to help take care of their new sibling, they feel like they’re making a contribution and they’re a valuable member of the family.

    toddler kissing baby

    3. Give them some one-on-one time.

    Up until now, your toddler was used to having 100% of the attention. Parents, grandparents and friends all doted on your toddler. When a new sibling arrives, they’re going to feel slighted. This is normal. Make sure to spend one-on-one time with your toddler as often as possible.

    A good time to do this is when the baby is napping. In the evening before bed is also a good time. You can add a few minutes to your toddler’s bedtime routine, read a story or just talk about their day.

    Finally, it’s important to let your toddler know how proud you are of them when they help and what a great brother or sister they are. Make room for them to grow and keep them busy with new activities such as classes and activities. They’ll soon forget all about their jealousy or confusion, and they’ll go from this:

    toddler and baby

    to this:

    toddler holding baby

    Best books to prepare toddler for new baby

    The New Baby

    Noelle, The Best Big Sister

    You're the Biggest

    WANT TO MAKE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE EASY?

    If you are looking for ways to create and sustain a healthy, beautiful home you must try Grove Collaborative. Grove Collaborative is a scheduled delivery service that ships natural home, beauty, and personal care products directly to your door!

    Every product sold is nontoxic, effective, sustainable, and cruelty free. Everything you buy from Grove is good for you, your family, your home, and the planet.

    To help you maintain healthy choices, Grove recommends monthly shipments and product refills that you can edit or move at any time. No monthly fees or commitments are required.

    Click here to learn more and get your FREE Mrs. Meyer's Set which ships free and includes a free trial of Grove's VIP shopping option.

    Related posts

    • 12 Busy Toddler Activities
    • 10 Best Loved Toddler Activities
    • 15 Amazing Recipes for Toddlers
    • Helping Toddlers Deal With Change
    • Letting Kids Work it Out
    • 10 Ways to Stop a Tantrum

    Pin58
    Share
    Tweet
    Yum
    58 Shares
    « Painting Activities for Toddlers
    Keto Chinese Chicken Salad »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Catherine @ To & Fro Fam

      June 18, 2019 at 10:41 am

      When my younger daughter was born, Big Sister knew a bit what to expect because we'd read so many books about new babies. That was our favorite way to prepare our toddler for a new baby.

    2. Tami

      June 18, 2019 at 12:16 pm

      One-on-one time is so important during this transition. My son isn't a toddler but at the age of six, he was less than accepting of the new baby.

    3. Marta

      June 18, 2019 at 1:14 pm

      After having my twins, I can't imagine having another baby! It was hard enough keeping the first two alive!

    4. Marina

      June 19, 2019 at 3:31 am

      Good tips for the ones with kids. Your pics are lovely and so are your babies x

    5. Danielle

      June 19, 2019 at 9:23 am

      I love these tips, such a sweet post with such sweet photos! I agree, it is so important to give them some alone time so that they can bond in their own way.

    6. Justine

      June 19, 2019 at 9:54 am

      I totally agree with all of these! Preparing them, having them help, giving them one on one time... all these things help them know they're still loved and appreciated!

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Vicky, founder and content creator at Mess For Less. If you are looking for family friendly recipes, recipes that kids can make, and play and learning activities for kids, you will find it at Mess For Less. I invite you to learn more about me. Thanks for stopping by!

    Spring Recipes and Activities

    • No Bake Twinkies Cake for Spring
    • Spring Meringue Recipe
    • Cupcake Wrapper Butterfly Craft
    • DIY Seed Starter for Kids

    Popular Recipes

    • Crack Chicken Casserole
    • 15 Amazing Recipes for Toddlers
    • Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole with Cauliflower
    • Spinach Stuffed Shells

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy and Disclosure
    • About Me

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for our newsletter

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Media Kit
    • Advertise

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 MessForLess

    This site uses cookies to store information on your computer. Some are essential to make our site work. Others help us improve your user experience (e.g., by providing relevant advertising) or to allow us to track user behavior & patterns. AcceptPrivacy Policy