How To Introduce Your New Baby To Your Toddler
When you have a new baby, it's easy to focus all your attention on them. But what about the toddler? So how do you introduce your new baby to your toddler?
The answer is simple: one step at a time. Introducing a new baby to a toddler can be a little bit tricky, but it's important to remember that both the new baby and the toddler are part of the family.
Here are a few tips for making the transition go smoothly.
Plan ahead for a smooth transition at home.
Tell your child that they'll be getting a new baby brother or sister soon. This can be as simple as saying, "Mommy and Daddy are having another baby." Make sure your toddler understands that this means there will be two children in the family now, but that he or she won't have to share your love or attention—you're still going to want them around just as much as you did before!
Be sensitive to your toddler's feelings
Validate your toddler’s feelings. Acknowledge how they are feeling and address those immediately. Let your child watch you when you are pregnant (if possible), so they know what's happening and how excited everyone is about the new addition. If this isn't possible for some reason, try putting together an album with photos from throughout the pregnancy so they can see how big Mommy got!
Schedule alone time with your toddler. Before and after the baby arrives.
Your toddler is probably already aware of the presence of this new person in their lives. They may have heard you talking about it and seen you preparing for the baby.
But you'll want to ensure that you prepare them for what comes next: the arrival of a new little brother or sister.You can do this by spending some quality time together, making sure they understand that they won't be getting any less attention from you just because there is another child in the family. You can also help them prepare by giving them some tips on how to interact with their new sibling.
Make sure that you're setting aside time
Spend with both of them at the same time. This will help them get used to each other and make the transition easier. When you do this, though, don't make it a competition—just give them both equal amounts of attention. Try not to compare the two or compare what they're capable of doing (even if they're different ages). It won't help anyone get along better!
Involve the whole family
When it comes time for the birth itself, make sure there are plenty of adults around who can keep an eye on both babies while they adjust. It's time to introduce your new baby to your toddler.
Try some more activities
Play "Peekaboo" with your toddler and make sure he can see where the baby is hiding during each round. This will help your toddler get used to seeing something behind their hands. Additionally, it will help them get used to seeing something smaller than themselves move around freely without being held tightly by someone else's hands!
Involve your toddler
Have your toddler give his input on names for your new little one (don't worry—you don't have to take his suggestions). It will make him feel like he has some control over this new arrival
And finally
Establish some ground rules for behavior as soon as possible so that everyone knows what is expected of them when interacting with one another!
Follow me on Instagram & Tiktok
Book your free sleep assessment today.
For the love of sleep...
Divya