How to Prepare Your Toddler for a New Baby
Preparing your toddler for the arrival of a new baby can be challenging, especially if they are at a stage where they don't fully understand what's happening. They know that mummy has a bigger belly and daddy is even more doting than usual, but little do they know that the world as they have known it all this time is about to change! Trying to tell them what’s happening can help, but toddlers are so busy absorbing so much other information that it could literally be in one ear, and out of the other. Especially when it’s such an abstract concept.
So, how do you gently start to get your little ones prepared for another little one arriving?
Here are three tips to help ease the transition from one to two!
- Use the art of storytelling!
There are a few ways to engage your toddler in stories about the new baby that will be arriving shortly. One way is by reading them books with age appropriate illustrations and language. There are so many available, the hardest part is choosing which one your toddler will resonate with the most. You could choose one that features their favourite cartoon characters, or one that reflects the dynamics of your family set up.
If you can’t find any books that resonate with your little one, you can always create your own! By telling simple stories before bedtime and creating characters that are existing members of the family, you can gently introduce the concept that a new baby will be joining you soon.
- Include them in the preparation
If you’re setting up the new baby’s bedroom let your toddler help! They can choose a new rug, decorate with toys and even draw them a picture that you could frame and hang in the baby’s room.
If you choose to give birth in hospital, they could also help to pack your bag, allowing you to explain the concept of you going away for a few days and how you will be coming home with the new arrival.
- Maintain routines and reassurance
Although you may need to evolve your routine when the baby comes home, toddlers thrive on knowing what to expect and when. Try and keep their daily routine as consistent as possible and perhaps introduce some very light changes to help to gently guide how aspects might be altered when baby comes home.
You'd be surprised how small steps to routine can provide stability. Which ultimately helps your toddler to feel secure and confident when their life changes.