Welcoming a new baby into the house is a joyous occasion, but for a toddler, it could be an overwhelming experience. It’s crucial to prepare your toddler for this major change to successfully smooth the transition. In this blog, I will try and offer some important tips and guidance on how to ready your toddler for a new sibling.
‘Preparing your toddler for a new baby’ might not sound as crucial, yet it is an incredibly significant task and one which, if done properly, ensures a harmonious adaptation for both toddler and baby. Lack of proper preparation could make the toddler feel anxious, ignored, or replaced. On the other hand, readiness can help your toddler feel included as a part of the process and even establish an early bond with their new sibling.
How early should you tell a toddler about a new sibling? When is the appropriate time to start preparing your toddler for a new baby? The primary consideration is your child’s understanding and perception of time. Toddlers generally have a limited understanding of time duration. An overly premature announcement might make the wait seem too long. Therefore, it’s recommended to begin preparations for the toddler around three months before the baby’s due arrival. That’s why my book; Let’s Talk to Mummy’s Tummy, starts at week twelve.
Preparing kids for a significant change requires us to communicate effectively and consistently. Since having quality conversations with toddlers can be challenging, the use of books becomes an effective tool. Books about new babies for toddlers serve dual functions. They entertain toddlers and educate them about the changes a new baby can bring to their lives. These books introduce them to new concepts and scenarios in a simple, empathetic manner. The period before bedtime, when you’re snuggling up for a story, can be an ideal opportunity to introduce these books. Use this time to talk about the upcoming changes and ensure that your child is emotionally ready for their new sibling.
Post the arrival of the new baby, it’s essential to help your toddler adjust to their new role as an older sibling. You can achieve this by allowing the older sibling to help with the baby’s care in simple ways, according to their age and abilities. Let them be a part of your daily routine with the baby while ensuring they’re aware that a baby requires extra attention and care.
The process of preparing slightly older children for a new baby isn’t radically different from preparing a two-year-old. However, they are generally more aware of changes in their environment and more capable of expressing their feelings. Hence, ensure to validate their emotions, answer their questions, and involve them as much as possible.
Welcoming a new baby to a family is indeed exciting, but let’s not forget the little ones who are transitioning from being an only child to an older sibling. By incorporating my books into a toddlers routine, explaining to them, involving them, and ensuring that they are emotionally ready, you can help your little one adjust to this significant change with ease. Remember, it’s a journey for them as well and providing them assurance, love and involving them will ensure a smooth transition and create a loving environment for the new baby.
Here’s a little bit of info on my set of three books, all to help and prepare little one for the new arrival.
Snuggle together each week with this book to find out what is happening inside mummy’s tummy this week and how much baby has grown!
This pregnancy companion will help existing children to bond with the unborn baby and to feel prepared for its arrival. With each page that turns, another week of pregnancy passes and the changes that are happening within Mummy’s tummy are described. The book also addresses potential concerns or questions that a child may have all in a child-focussed manner.
• Why is Mummy tired?
• How much longer do we have to wait?
• Where will the baby sleep?
The baby in the book talks directly to the child who is having the book read to them which will help to create a bond between the child and the new baby before it’s even born. With interactive elements including stickers, tasks and a special ‘flip effect’ through the pages that brings the baby to life, this book is the perfect way to help a child to understand pregnancy and what to expect when the baby arrives.
This companion activity book suggests more ways for children to establish a strong bond with their sibling before he or she is born. Count down the weeks to Baby’s arrival with these fun activities, tick lists and exciting facts about the development of the new family member. There are plenty of opportunities for children to express themselves and raise any concerns or questions they may
have, so they feel involved in this life-changing process every step of the way. Beautifully illustrated, this is a must-have activity book for any young child expecting a new sibling.
A sibling’s guide to the next 24 months with their new baby. This beautiful book covers the developmental milestones, for the next 2 years with child and baby. It will help little one visualise all the happy times they will share growing up together. A lovely present for a big brother or big sister!
Three very special books for a very special time.
