We are just a few weeks shy of Baby E’s arrival. Here are 10 Tips For Preparing Toddler For New Baby we are doing with Sugar Plum Z. I’m nervous because at almost 2 1/2 years old all she knows is mommy and daddy are focused on her. She is the baby. Well for a few more weeks.
Talk About The Baby
Engage your toddler in conversations about the baby. We pray for Baby E, give him hugs and kisses and read to him daily. I ask “Where is Baby Brother?” and Sugar Plum knows exactly where to point. We have also started referring to baby brother by his real name. No it’s not Baby E. LOL
Baby Brother or Sister Doll
Sugar Plum received a baby boy cabbage patch kid for Christmas. This was the perfect gift. We call him Baby Brother. She shares lots of hugs and kisses with him. He even has a diaper that we practice changing.
Shop for a Gift Together
We will include a gift for Baby E as well as a gift for Sugar Plum Z from Baby E in our hospital bag. Sugar Plum was excited to pick out her brother’s first gift from her.
Pregnancy Pictures
Take pictures throughout your pregnancy that include your toddler. Talk about the pictures. Also share pictures of when you were pregnant with your toddler. Make a mini album showing pregnancy, sonogram, newborn and more. Explain that the same thing is happening with baby brother (or sister) who is growing in mommy’s tummy right now.
Big Brother/ Big Sister Books
Purchase a Big Brother/Big Sister Book. A customizable one is even better. I also started writing mini Haiku’s all about being a big sister for Sugar Plum Z.
Pack Baby’s Hospital Bag Together
Sugar Plum will be picking out her baby brother’s outfit to come home in with some guidance from mama of course. I mean really, suppose she picks out something crazy? LOL. We will pack all his essentials and include his gift from her in the bag.
Art Project
Sibling Handprints are a great art project. Big Z & Little Z will each do their handprints in paint or trace and then color. Once baby E arrives, we will add his handprints to the project. We will create one for each of their rooms and frame it.
Prep Baby Items Together
Laundry, bottles, breastfeeding supplies, diapers and so much more need to be prepped and organized before baby comes home. Let your toddler help. Sure you may have to make adjustments behind them but letting them help is a good way to show them their thoughts matter too.
Toddler Me Time
Mommy or daddy and me time. Make sure your toddler has activities and time with mommy and daddy that is just for them. We attend classes, Z goes to a morning out program and we continue to go on adventures to the park and playdates. These activities won’t stop when Baby E arrives. We will get creative with our schedules and make it happen. No one wants to feel like life has totally changed. Especially a toddler.
Be Flexible
I have no idea if any of this will work but I am prepared to be flexible, supportive and understanding. Many toddlers are use to being the center of attention so they may regress or even act out. Be there and through it all try to keep smiling. Oh and please pray for me! I’m scared.
Do you have any tips to share? if so leave them in the comments. Trust me I am open to suggestions.
8 Comments
Vashti (veepeejay.com)
April 23, 2015 at 11:45 AMAww, this post made my heart swell so big! Zoe is going to an awesome big sister! <3
M J
April 28, 2015 at 11:51 AMFrom your lips to God’s ears! I think she will be awesome and I hope it’s an easy adjustment for all of us. I am already feeling guilty for moving her up the ranks. Sigh and LOL at the same time.
Laila (@FrontRowMama)
April 24, 2015 at 7:57 PMThese are great tips for helping your child welcome their new sibling. I especially like including your toddler in maternity photos and putting together stuff for their sibling. I always wonder how my son would do with being a big sibling! So excited for your family!
M J
April 28, 2015 at 11:50 AMThank you Laila. We just took some great pics together this weekend. I plan to share them soon. We are all excited. I am sure your son will make an awesome big brother.
Kara (Kay's Ways)
April 27, 2015 at 3:40 AMGreat preparation tips! My oldest was 9 so it was an easier transition for him to prepare for his siblings. I also had a big brother book that we read with my toddler. You’re in the home stretch, I know baby Z can’t wait to see her little brother!
M J
April 28, 2015 at 11:47 AMOh Kara, I do wish they were a little further apart in age but I am going to make it happen for all of us. Little Z is excited and I sure hope she stays that way.
Christine @MomsNCharge
April 27, 2015 at 6:45 AMSuper excited for you MJ! These are great tips! I think adding a big extra scoop of patience should be at the top lol. Both of my first two were potty trained before the next one came but we experience regression with both. And not just in potty training but also in their behavior. So your patience will definitely be tested, but you will be fine. We moms, just have the instinct to know what’s right and which direction to move 🙂
M J
April 28, 2015 at 11:45 AMThanks Christine. And thanks for mentioning the regression. I can already spot certain things in Zoe’s behavior that lets me know she is experiencing some feelings. Ugh these pampers! She is not fully trained. We are getting there so we will see how it goes as far as that issue when the baby arrives. Pray for me.