Preparing for baby’s arrival involves the entire family!
Congratulations, you’re expecting baby number 2! Building a family brings on so much joy. However, there can sometimes be obstacles – mainly with your first born showing resistance to your new family expansion. Below, I’ve outlined some simple tips to help prepare your toddler for a new baby.
When my husband and I found out we were pregnant with baby number 2, we were over the moon with excitement. It felt like such a blessing to be able to expand our family, giving our oldest the forever friend he deserved.
When I’d talk about my pregnancy in the early stages, my toddler would resist joining the conversation. We knew we had to do something about it. We didn’t want jealousy to build up at an early stage. Here are some of the ways we prepared our little guy for his new role as “big brother”:
How to Prepare Your Toddler for a New Baby
Teach them What it Means to be an Older Sibling
Early on in my pregnancy, we really put the role of “older sibling” on a pedestal. We constantly reminded my son that being an older brother meant that he’d be bigger, stronger, and a big help for the new baby. Every time he completed a task/chore, we praised him. With that praising, came the affirmation of how great of a role model he’d be, and how he was going to be such a great big brother.
These daily affirmations not only helps build confidence, but gets your toddler excited for his/her new “big sibling” role.
Read Books About Becoming a Sibling
There are TONS of books out there that talk about becoming a brother or sister. Be sure to stock up on them! They can be a part of your toddler’s bedtime routine.
Get Your Toddler Involved with the Pregnancy
Ultrasounds, baby kicks, home prep/nesting – these are some of the most exciting aspects of pregnancy. To help prepare toddler for new baby’s arrival, get him/her involved!
When I received my first ultrasound, I showed the photos to my son and explained what they were. Afterwards, we looked at his baby album. We talked about how he was once a baby in my belly, too!
Whenever baby is kicking, I ask my son and husband to give my belly a touch. Now, my son touches my belly on his own initiative, waiting for his little sibling to kick or nudge.
Play Make Believe!
We use one of my son’s stuffed animals to pretend it’s a baby. He carries the “baby” gently, changes diapers, and even swaddles it.
Lots of parents do this with baby dolls. The stuffed animal worked for us because it was something my son is already familiar with. He had tons of fun with our imaginative play.
Are you a mama to multiple babes already? How did you get your oldest prepared in becoming a sibling?
A huge thank you to our family photographer, Laurie-Anne Thuot for capturing these gorgeous photos!
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