How To Prepare Your Toddler For a New Baby

Worried. Anxious. Stressed. Restless. Unsure. I remember those feelings dwelling in the back of my mind as my due date approached with my second baby.

My son had just turned two. Even though this pregnancy was planned, I wasn’t sure how I was going to tackle taking care of two kids that depended on me so much. How was I going to shower, cook dinner, or even go to the bathroom? Was my son going to like his new baby sister? I felt so conflicted because I was so excited and eager to welcome our newest baby into our family. Yet, worry raced through my mind.

Sound familiar?

Looking back now, I laugh at the unnecessary stress that filled my head during the last few weeks of my pregnancy. Although, the transition from one to two kids was so far the hardest adjustment, it clearly didn’t break me because we have had another three children since then.

So my greatest advice for you is to first, take a deep breath. Now, you can move on to reading how to prepare your toddler for a new baby.

Bring Your Toddler to Your Appointments

The best thing you can do for yourself is find a doctors office that welcomes your children at your appointments. My kids loved going on adventures to the hospital knowing we were going to check on the new baby. They were able to see the ultrasounds and listen to the doppler. All of it made my pregnancy seem a little more real to them.

I also downloaded The Bump-Pregnancy Tracker app on my phone. It gives weekly updates on baby’s development and has a 3D interactive visualization of what’s going on inside of mom’s bump. They would ask to see what the baby looked like and how big the baby is getting.

Here is The Bump-Pregnancy Tracker app for Iphones and Androids.

Help Them Care For Their Own Baby Doll

Chances are, your toddler will already know how to care for a baby since they have been watching such a good example. Together, practice changing diapers, offering a pacifier, feeding and burping the baby doll. Buying a baby doll now will also help give your child one to take care of when the real baby is born. If your toddler is anything like mine, they will be so happy to help. Even if you don’t need it.

Let Them Help

My two year old insists on placing her hand on the top of my breast while I’m nursing. This is her way of helping feed her baby sister. It is so dang cute!

Other ways for a toddler to help might be to get the diaper and wipes, pick out the baby’s outfit, or get the bottle. But, I’m warning you now, after your baby is born, your toddler will suddenly look so big! So prepare your heart for that moment.

Coordinate Special Time For Just Your Toddler

This doesn’t have to be anything crazy. A simple trip to the grocery store where they get to pick a piece of candy at the checkout line, a walk around the block, or an hour at the park with just Mom is so special. The change of scenery will do you some good and the fresh air will renew your mind and soul.

Expect a Challenging Transition

As I said before, the transition from one to two kids was pretty challenging for me. But at the time, my husband was working 14 hour days at his job. At the beginning, it felt like I was thrown into a shark tank. Sink or swim, right?

But, I promise, you will find your rhythm. I always feel like the first six weeks is the hardest. After that, it begins to get easier. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your spouse, family, friends, or neighbors. It seriously takes a village!

Remember, You’ve Got This

The newborn phase can feel so isolating sometimes. Don’t let this overwhelming phase of two kids shake you. Some days are going to be really hard. You may even question whether or not you can handle this (although it’s too late now to second guess yourself.) But it will amaze you what you are capable of and how easy it is to love two children so much. So hang in there, mama, you’re doing a great job!

Don’t forget to check out my other post,10 Essential Items for a New Baby, too.