10/15/2024
Bringing home your second child while having a toddler can be a little nerve wracking sometimes 🧑🧑🧒🤰 And sometimes, parents don’t even think about it until close to their due date! Here are a few things that could help your toddler understand what’s going on and teach them a little about their new sibling before they arrive.
🧸 Buy them a baby doll - No matter if you have a little girl or a little boy, buy them a baby doll! First introducing a baby doll can help them understand what’s their baby brother or sister will look like. Teach them to be careful, use a bottle maybe, how to hold the baby, etc. with the baby doll. Most children work better with visuals just like adults.
🤰 Let them feel your belly- Especially when baby is being active and kicking! It can help them put two and two together when you tell them there is a baby in mommy’s tummy.
🖼️ 📕Pictures & Books - Show your toddler your ultrasound pictures or get them a book! Going back to the visuals with pictures and books! Amazon has a great selection of books for your toddler about being a big brother or big sister.
👧🧒 Emphasize their new role - Besides telling them they’re going to be a big brother or big sister, tell them how exciting it will be! Focus on how exciting and special it will be. Use positive reinforcement with them and you can use the baby doll as well to help with this. Showing them how they can or will be included in daily tasks with helping with the new baby can help make them excited!
🗣️ Be honest - Answer their questions honestly. No matter your parenting style and how open you want to be with your child, be honest with your answers to their questions. It’s their first time just like it’s yours!
Remember, you’re going to do great mom! Be patient with yourself just like you are with your child💖