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    Home » Parenting

    How to Prepare a Toddler for a New Baby

    Modified: Jul 14, 2022 · Published: Jun 17, 2019 by Vicky · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments

    55 shares

    When my twins were 18 months old, we welcomed our third child. A new baby can be so exciting and rewarding for parents, yet it can be a traumatic experience for toddlers who are getting a new sibling. Here are some parenting tips on how to prepare a toddler for a new baby.

    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.

    Also, be sure to check out these Sensory Bags for Babies and Toddlers.

    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.
    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
    • 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

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    1. Justine says

      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!

      Reply
    2. Danielle says

      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.

      Reply
    3. Marina says

      June 19, 2019 at 3:31 am

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

      Reply
    4. Marta says

      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!

      Reply
    5. Tami says

      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.

      Reply
    6. Catherine @ To & Fro Fam says

      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.

      Reply
    Vicky from Mess for Less

    I'm Vicky, the founder of Mess For Less, which I started in 2011 to share easy, family-friendly recipes. With over a decade of experience as a home chef and recipe developer, I love creating meals that bring people together. I also design play and learning activities for kids, using my background as a former teacher with a Master’s degree in education. Learn more about me.

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