HOW TO PREPARE YOUR TODDLER FOR A NEW BABY
How to prepare your toddler for a new baby – it’s a question on the lips of almost every second-time mum. Fortunately there are a few ways you can help your toddler prepare for their brand new role as a big sibling, so that they don’t experience anxiety and feelings of sibling jealousy. Read on for our top tips on preparing your toddler for a new baby.
1) HOW TO PREPARE YOUR TODDLER FOR A NEW BABY: INCLUDE YOUR CHILD IN THE PREGNANCY
A good way to do this is taking her with you to your doctor’s appointments and letting her hear the heartbeat. You can also show her ultrasound photos and let her feel baby kick.
2) HOW TO PREPARE YOUR TODDLER FOR A NEW BABY: READ BOOKS
At bedtime introduce a book about big brothers and big sisters. Then, while reading you can talk about how she is going to be like the big brother/sister in the book.
3) HOW TO PREPARE YOUR TODDLER FOR A NEW BABY: INTRODUCE HER CALMLY
When it’s time for your toddler to meet her new sibling, make sure it’s in a calm environment. Keep other visitors to a minimum so the focus can be on your toddler and the new baby. If she’s old enough, let her sit on the bed with you and hold her new little sibling and explain just how much bub is going to love her.
4) HOW TO PREPARE YOUR TODDLER FOR A NEW BABY: BUY A GIFT
A great way to smooth over the arrival of a new baby is to give your toddler a gift ‘from baby’. Pick something your toddler would really like (obviously!) and explain that bub looks up to her so much, and that’s why he brought a gift.
5) HOW TO PREPARE YOUR TODDLER FOR A NEW BABY: SAY WELL DONE
Give her lots of praise when she performs big sibling duties. Whenever you spot her being gentle, or if she hands you a nappy at changing time be sure to acknowledge it and say what a good big sis she is. The positive recognition will reinforce good behavior.
In addition to preparing your toddler, it’s also important that you are fully prepared for the postpartum experience. Do this by purchasing one of our many postpartum care kits.
