Introducing your Toddler to your New Baby

We at Kinder Buddies Oakville Child Care know adding a new baby to your family can be incredibly exciting and incredibly stressful at the same time; especially if you already have a toddler running around! Toddlers, small creatures of habit, can be unpredictable in the face of a new sibling. We go over some tips to turn your toddler and baby from just siblings into future best friends!

Before the Baby Comes

 

It’s important to start the introduction early! Ask for your toddlers help in preparing the babies room, especially if the baby will be sharing a room with or displacing your toddler. Take your toddler shopping when choosing new baby products. Start reading books about siblings/new family members; here are some of our favourites:

• Hello Baby by Lizzy Rockwell
• The Berenstain Bears’ New Baby
• The New Baby – Little Critter

 

First Meeting

 

Of course the children meeting for the first time is huge and emotional for everyone but it is important to do it right. Here are some things to remember for that first meeting:

• Your Toddler may change their mind: Your toddler may have been excited about their new sibling during your pregnancy but may end up being apprehensive after the baby is born. On the opposite side, a Toddler who may not have been thrilled during your pregnancy might be excited once they meet the baby. It’s important to not have too many expectations for the first meeting.
• Choose your Timing: When introducing the baby to your toddler make sure your toddler is in a good mood. Avoid introducing them when your toddler is tired/hungry/cranky, you want the first meeting to be as positive as possible.
• Let your Toddler Lead: Ask your toddler if they would like to meet their new sibling. If your child is reluctant allow them space, try again later.
• Choose the Place: If the meeting is at home or the hospital depends on your family and your toddler. Your child may not like hospitals, the timing may not be right, your toddler may be staying at a daycare or family for the first few days. You will know your family best!
• Toddlers can be Rough: If you are worried about your toddler being rough with the baby make sure all their interactions are supervised. Your toddler may surprise you in being super gentle with the baby! It’s important to remember that toddlers don’t mean to be rough, sometimes they just don’t have the co-ordination.

 

First few Weeks

 

While the first meeting went well that doesn’t mean the excitement won’t wear off. We have some tips to deal with the first few weeks when your toddler realises the realities of having a baby in the house.

• Keep your Toddlers Routines: Children do best in routine, it’s important to continue your toddlers routines as best as you can. If they are in daycare resist the urge to keep them home. It’s not to say routines won’t be changed, but keep what you can.
• Your Toddler may Regress: It’s hard to imagine your independent and quick learning toddler may regress, it is a possibility. Your toddler may become jealous of the amount of your time the baby takes from them. Your toddler may start asking for help with tasks they had no problem with before. This will eventually pass, know when to encourage them (good mood) or when to just move on and try another time.
• Communicate with your Toddler: Set aside quality alone time with your toddler when you can, even for ten minutes. Make sure to ask your toddler how they are feeling and actively listen. Showing your toddler they are still important and you are listening may prevent jealousy.
• Let your Toddler Help: Give your toddler special tasks to interact with the baby. Have them read to the baby or ask for them to help you choose the babies outfit. Even small tasks help your toddler become more accustom to new routines as a sibling.

 

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Kinder Buddies is a Quality First Daycare and Child Care facility in Oakville, Ontario. We take care of children from the age of 6 weeks to 5 1/2 providing nutritious meals and fun activities all day long.