Chances are, your toddler is excited to meet their younger sibling. They will have a little brother or sister to play with, and how fun would that be?
Then the baby arrives and it might not be as fun as they first thought. This is a big transition for toddlers and how they react will depend on their temperament. So, we have put together a list of ten tips to help you to get your toddler to adjust to the new baby.
10 Tips For Toddlers
- Firstly, reassure your toddler with a big loving hug before introducing the new baby for the first time.
- If family and friends are bringing gifts for the new baby, suggest they also bring something small for your other children. This will help them feel included. Here is a great gift guide!
- Spend regular one-on-one time together. Try to give your toddler a bit of undivided attention, even if it’s just 10 to 20 minutes a day.
- Praise often. Reward your child with hugs and compliments for showing patience, cooperativeness & empathy.
- Try to stick to the usual routine. Doing your best to maintain a regular schedule will help your big kid feel less anxious and more reassured. Eg. regular bedtime, participating in their regular activities.
- Give him or her special jobs. Let your firstborn help out. Get them to hand you a nappy, or to help bath their new sibling.
- Ask their advice. Ask your toddler: "Do you think the baby would like to wear the blue shirt or the yellow shirt?" or "Do you want to help me tell a story?" Your toddler will enjoy the attention!
- Read stories about his or her new role. Reading stories about babies or about new siblings can help your toddler adjust to their new situation, and it’s a great way to spend one on one time together! Here are some great book ideas!
- Don’t add more big changes at the same time. Try not to introduce any other big changes for your toddler on top of bringing home a new baby. They might connect these big changes with the new baby and view it as a negative experience.
- Have baby bring a gift for older kids. When the baby comes home from hospital have a gift they can give to their older siblings. This will make it a positive experience for them and as such they will relate to the new baby in a more positive way.
Why Sprouts?
Sprouts In-home childcare educators form a strong bond with your little Sprouts. This enables them to help them to adjust to the big changes happening in their little lives. Our educators can acknowledge their feelings and behavioral changes and work with you through the transition. Feel free to contact us for more info on our educators.
