How to Prepare Your Toddler for a Newborn Sibling or Cousin

When you have a little one any where from 1 to 2 years old and you are having another baby or a family member is having a baby there are some things that you may want to discuss with your toddler before the baby arrives. Even when a friend that is having a baby that will be around your toddler it can help to talk to your child about what you can and can't do with a new baby. Depending on how old your toddler is will determine if you can actually discuss the following things with them but if nothing else you will be able to look out for them.

Feeding the Baby

You should discuss that your child can not feed the new baby anything. That might be something that you look for, if your toddler is eating a cookie while watching you hold the baby they may want to share their cookie with the baby.

Quenching the Baby's Thirst

In addition to feeding the baby your child may want to give the new baby a sip of their sippy cup full of orange juice or water, so once again that is something to bring up to your child as well as watch out for.

Holding the Baby

It is unlikely that your toddler will be able to hold the baby, but if you hold your toddler in your lap and help them hold the baby they may like they are able to some what hold the baby. The thought of holding that baby may never enter their mind also, in that case you won't have to explain to them why they can't do it.

Touching the Baby

There is no reason that your toddler can't gently pat the baby, your son or daughter may see mom or dad gently rub the head of the baby. Your toddler may want to do the same but not realize that they have to worry about soft spots so that will be one of the main things that you want to discuss with them.

Grabbing the Baby

A quick jerk of the arm can be very hard on the baby and could happen if your toddler just wants to lift up there arm. This is something else to explain to your child about how careful you have to be around baby.

Giving the Baby Toys

Your toddler may want to share a toy with the new baby. This can be a harmless gesture but as long as the toy is not too heavy and motion is not too rough. You can encourage your child to share by just showing their toys to the baby.

Jumping and Walking Near the Baby

If you have the newborn laying on the bed and your toddler is also on the bed you will want to make sure that they know that they can not jump or walk close to the baby.

It is likely that the arrival of the new baby will be somewhat challenging for your toddler. In addition to adjusting to the new baby they will be learning what is acceptable to do with the new baby and what is not okay to do. It will be a hard process and that is why is important to explain ahead of time, if you can, what is okay to do around the baby.