Having your second child can be a lot different from having your first. When you’re pregnant with your second child, you have your first born to think about. For pregnant moms of toddlers, one of the most important things is making sure that their little one gets used to the idea of a new baby. For many kids who’re used to having their parents’ full and undivided attention, welcoming a new little brother or sister into the family can be a daunting experience that takes some adjusting to. We’ve put together some top tips to help you help your little one adjust to the idea of becoming a big sibling.
Involve Them
Involving your toddler in the plans and preparations for the new baby is a great way to get them excited about the whole idea and make sure that they’re used to the idea of having a little sibling long before the baby arrives. Taking your toddler to help you pick out clothes and bedding, see the ultrasound, or even do a boy or girl prediction test so that they can guess whether it’s a little sister or brother that they’ll be getting is a great way to help ease them into the idea of the family being extended.
Play Make-Believe
One of the best ways to get your little one used to having a new baby around the house is by playing make-believe games. With a doll, you can show your toddler exactly what they’re going to be able to expect when it comes to having a little brother or sister around. Having a doll there helps them to visualize having a baby in the house, making it less of a daunting experience for them when your little bundle of joy finally arrives.
Talk to Them
Toddlers can be more intelligent and understanding than you think in many situations. Many toddlers who are expecting a little brother or sister can get a little bit worried, especially if they are going through a clingy stage, and fear that mom and dad won’t have enough time for them once baby arrives. Because of this, it’s important to make sure that your toddler is kept in the loop and knows that even with the addition of a new family member, mom and dad will still have time to spend with them. Letting your toddler know exactly what having a new brother or sister means and how they’re going to be a big sibling, is important to make sure that they’re properly prepared.
Make Changes Early
Some parents find that it’s necessary to make changes to living arrangements once they have a new baby on the way. For example, if you have a toddler who sleeps in your room with you, you might have to move them into their own room to make way for the new-born. In this case, it’s always much easier to make changes as early on as possible and before the new baby is born.
Becoming a big brother or sister can be scary for a lot of toddlers, so make sure that your little one is ready!
