New
Baby On The Way? Preparing Your Toddler
You're pregnant - congratulations! But how should you prepare a toddler
for a new brother or sister?
Your toddler has been the centre of your attention
since the day she was born - how will your child feel when she has to
move over and share you? Prepare her in advance and help her adjust to
this major change - in her life, as well as yours.
Don't introduce the idea of the new baby
too soon
9 months may seem a short time to you
but it's eternity to a 3 yr-old! With the typical gap between siblings
somewhere between 24 and 42 months, a 'running-in' period of a week or
2 is enough. An older firstborn can cope with more advance warning. If your pregnancy is complicated and you may
be rushed to hospital at very short notice, tell your daughter sooner.
Most important, make sure she knows who will look after her while you
are in hospital.
Be
clear and honest
Prepare her in a matter-of-fact and honest way. Don't oversell the new
baby. The reality will be a noisy, smelly, demanding creature who can't
even talk, let alone be a playmate for her. Visit friends where there
is a new baby and tell your daughter she will be a big sister soon.
Explain that the new baby will take up your time
and that you may be tired when you come home from hospital. Tell her what
it was like when you were expecting her. Tell her how you prepared for
her birth and how thrilled you were when she arrived. Show her photographs
of herself as a baby.
Familiarity breeds contentment
Things that may seem trivial to you may be significant to 3 year-old. It's not a good time to move your toddler into their own bedroom nor to start at playgroup. Pay attention to the details as well as the big picture - don't give old baby toys or blankets to the new baby without asking your toddler first.
Let your toddler help!
Explain that a new person is coming into the family and everyone has to get ready. Let your toddler be part of the excitement. Let them feel the baby moving in your tummy. Even a small toddler can help you prepare a room, choose wallpaper, get the crib ready, buy the creams and lotions.
Having The Baby
When you go into hospital to have the baby, it's likely to be the longest period of time your toddler has ever been separated from you. Try to lessen the upheaval buy making sure your child will be looked after by someone who is already familiar, and who your toddler feels relaxed and comfortable with.
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