Toddler

10 Tips For Preparing Toddler For New Baby

Tips for preparing toddler for new baby

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.

Tips for preparing toddler for new babyTalk 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. 

Tips for preparing toddler for new baby

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. 

Tips for preparing toddler for new baby

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. 

Tips for preparing toddler for new baby

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. 

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8 Comments

  • Reply
    Vashti (veepeejay.com)
    April 23, 2015 at 11:45 AM

    Aww, this post made my heart swell so big! Zoe is going to an awesome big sister! <3

    • Reply
      M J
      April 28, 2015 at 11:51 AM

      From 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.

  • Reply
    Laila (@FrontRowMama)
    April 24, 2015 at 7:57 PM

    These 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!

    • Reply
      M J
      April 28, 2015 at 11:50 AM

      Thank 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.

  • Reply
    Kara (Kay's Ways)
    April 27, 2015 at 3:40 AM

    Great 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!

    • Reply
      M J
      April 28, 2015 at 11:47 AM

      Oh 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.

  • Reply
    Christine @MomsNCharge
    April 27, 2015 at 6:45 AM

    Super 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 🙂

    • Reply
      M J
      April 28, 2015 at 11:45 AM

      Thanks 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.

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