How to Help Your Toddler Adjust to a New Baby

When you find out that you are expecting a baby, many feelings flood your senses. There may be excitement, anticipation, anxiety or even fear. One thing is for sure: if you already have a child at home, you are concerned about how he or she will adjust to having a younger sibling. If your child is older, he will be able to partially understand the changes that a new baby will bring to your family. He can talk openly about the implications and ask questions. However, if your older child is still a toddler, it is hard to explain what a new baby will mean for him. Often, it is difficult to even partially prepare a toddler ahead of time. Instead, the child has to learn from first-hand experience how having a new sibling will upset his lifestyle and routine. Here are a few tips for how to make the transition as smooth as possible for your older child:

1. Talk about the baby frequently during your pregnancy. Tell your toddler, though he may not understand you, about his soon-coming brother or sister. Talk to your tummy around your toddler to try and help him connect the roundness of your stomach with a new person.

2. Encourage your child to talk about the new baby and ask questions if he has them. As the due date arrives, point out babies when you are in public. Explain that soon a person like that little baby will be coming to live at your house.

3. Point out all of the advantages of being an older brother or sister. Even if you think your child is too young to understand, tell him how he will be able to play with the new baby. Tell him that his new sibling will be a good friend and that they will have much fun together. Talk about the fun activities they will be able to do together.

4. Don't make the picture look too rosy. Explain that when the new baby comes, you will have to spend much time with him. You will have to feed him, hold him and change him. Explain that babies are helpless and can't do things for themselves that big boys (or girls) can. Tell him that you are excited that he will get to be your number one helper.