Excellent Tips For Preparing Your Toddler For a New Baby's Arrival

There's nothing more exciting than expecting a new baby. But for a toddler, a new sibling means a lot of unwelcome changes. To the toddler, who is probably used to being the center of attention most of the time, it seems like everyone has focused on this new baby and has forgotten about her. In most cases, she doesn't even fully grasp the idea that a new baby is coming, much less what it will mean to her. All she understands is that Mom, Dad, Grandma, and everyone else who used to give her lots of attention are now focused on the "baby". If you want to keep sanity in your home when the new baby arrives, it's critical that you begin preparing toddler for a new baby's arrival. And the sooner you begin, the better.

Start preparing your toddler for a new baby's arrival from the time you discover that you are going to have another child. Toddlers love stories, especially stories about themselves, and one of the best ways you can do this is by sharing stories of when you were expecting them, and when they were little babies. Whenever a new milestone in the pregnancy is reached, point it out to the toddler. Remember that this is all a new and fascinating experience for him. When Mommy's tummy begins to show, when the baby begins to move, even things like cravings can be an opportunity to share with your toddler about his new brother or sister. Have fun with it. Let your little one feel the baby kick, tell them any weird food cravings you may be having. Laugh about the new baby together. Remember that while Mom's body is experiencing changes and everyone is hustling around to get things ready for the baby, your toddler will need an extra helping of special attention.

Another way of preparing toddler for a baby's arrival is to invite friends over who have babies, the younger the better. Even if you don't have friends with babies, it's important to explain as best you can what to expect from the new baby. Tell your toddler that babies really mostly cry and sleep when they first come home. Tell him that you will often need his help by being very quiet so the baby can sleep. Say things like, "the baby will need lots of sleep so she can grow up to be as strong and smart as you are." Of course, if you invite friends with babies over, let your toddler observe the baby as much as possible. This will help her have an idea of what to expect from a baby.

And once the baby arrives, make sure that you use some of those times when the baby is asleep to give your toddler lots of special attention. Help him to focus on all the things that he can do that the baby can't yet. This will help him feel proud of himself, and may help lessen the feeling that the baby is getting all of his attention. And don't rush off every time the baby cries if you are doing something with your toddler. It won't hurt the baby if she cries for a minute or two, and it will affirm to your toddler that you love her, too.

Lastly, a word of encouragement...it can be exhausting raising young children. But it doesn't last forever. They do grow up. Enjoy them while they're little, even when they wear you out. All too soon, they will be grown up and you will be giving someone else advice on toddlers and babies as you look back over these precious days.