How Can I Prepare My Toddler for a New Baby?
For a toddler, the arrival of a new sibling is nothing less than world-changing. I mean, think about itâall the sudden, theyâre not the center of their parentsâ universe. There's a new baby in the house and everything they knew as normal is turned side-ways because of it. Or at least that's what it seems like from their pint-sized point of view.Â
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One way to prepare your toddler for a new baby is by practicing with a baby doll. Show her how youâll breastfeed the babyâshe can practice that, tooâand how she can help with the diaper changes (or, at least, bring you a new diaper).
When you deliver the baby, you donât have to bring your toddler, but if you do, make sure to bring someone along with you to help take care of him. Tell him that the babyâs toes are his âSpecial Big Brother Spotâ to kiss and touch. That will help keep him from accidentally poking the baby in the eye. Itâs also fun to tape one of his little drawings onto the babyâs bassinet. And, bring a new, wrapped stuffed animal to give him as a giftâŚfrom his baby! Itâll help him feel loved and included.
Speaking of presents, make sure you have a few new trinkets around the house for when visitors bring the new baby presents. When you have a visitor stopping by, secretly pass along one of them to your guestâto give to your toddlerâas a âbig brotherâ gift.
In the Happiest Toddler On The Block, I share lotâs more fun tips to help keep the peace in your growing family! For example, one called âgossiping.â Say youâre in a room with your toddler and your husband, whisper loudly to your husband about how wonderful your toddler has been with his new sibling. (When you do this DO NOT look at your child or winkâŚthe idea is that you âdidnât mean to be overheard.â) Your tot will intercept this secret message and feel appreciated for his cooperation.
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