Tips for Introducing a New Baby to Your Toddler

Bringing home a new baby when you have a toddler at home can be a difficult process that is both confusing to the parent and the toddler. When dealing with children between the ages of 2 and 4 there are never any guarantees on how the process will go, there are some steps you can take to get them used to the idea and to help them understand they are getting a new brother or sister but they are still as important as ever.

To begin with it is probably best to wait to tell a toddler you are expecting a new baby till you are past the 12 week mark. Telling them any sooner might confuse them. Some parents opt to wait till the mom is showing so they can tell their toddler there is a baby in "mommy's belly". A two year old is likely to not pay as much attention when you first tell them but a three or four year old may have more to say on the matter and may ask a lot of questions. By simply explaining that the baby has to grow a bit more and in a few months they will come home is usually sufficient enough. Encourage your toddler to kiss mommy's belly, give it pats and hugs and talk to their new baby brother or sister. If the parents know the gender they really help the toddler get to know their new baby even call the baby by their name if they already have one picked out.

As you get near the end of your pregnancy parents should be sure to try and include their toddler in preparing for the baby as much as possible. You can ask them to help you pick out a special outfit for the baby, get them matching stuffed animals or read them books about other kids who also welcome home a new baby. The Berenstain Bears' New Baby is a great book to read to toddlers to help them understand a little of what will happen. Another step you can try is actually purchasing your toddler a baby doll. Showing them the baby doll and how to hold it and explaining they have to be "gentle" can really help the process go smoother.

Once the mom goes to the hospital or gives birth it is important for both parents to have extra patience. While some toddlers seem enthused with having a new baby many may feel threatened and will act out. Parents should not feed into these negative actions and should try and keep the routine as normal as possible. Parents should be sure to give the toddler extra attention and hugs. Taking turns holding the toddler and the newborn can help as well. It is very important that the toddler understand they are loved just as much as before. Encourage your toddler to give the baby light pats on the hand or even small kisses. Another great way to help them feel important is to let them 'help". They can do things such as hand the parent a diaper or a blanket. Not only will these small things help them feel important but it will help them bond with their new brother or sister.