Bringing Baby Home - How to Help Your Child Adjust to Life with a Newborn

Melissa Moog

I appear as a guest on our local AM Northwest TV program on channel 2 once a month and this morning I shared the information below. You can also click on the link highlighted above to watch the video.

If you have a toddler at home and you are expecting your second child you're probably wondering how to help ease the transition into life with a newborn. Your toddler is used to having your undivided attention and now she has to share it with someone new. This transition phase can be challenging for both parents if they are not prepared. It's even harder on your toddler if you haven't spent quality time helping her understand how life will change. I will note that you can never completely take away the change and stress your first child will feel with a new baby but you can definitely help ease her transition by making her feel more secure and loved.

Here are some tips to help your child and you adjust:

Before Baby is Born

• If your child is old enough take her to a sibling preparation class. This class is usually held at your local hospital or healthcare facility designed for children two years of age and older. It helps siblings prepare for the emotional and physical realities of the arrival of a newborn. Activities can include arts and crafts, role-playing, and a mini-tour of the nursery and maternity unit to see where mom will be spending the night.

• Give her a baby doll to play with.

• Expose her to other babies and let her see you interact with a baby.

• Children's picture books can help your toddler visualize how life will change with a new baby .

• Have your child help you pick out gifts for the baby.

• Make sure to spend quality one on one time with your toddler helping her understand how things will change once baby is born.

• You can tell your preschool age child that you are going to have a baby by sharing the preparation activities and also showing her your growing belly.

• If your toddler will be transitioning out of her crib and giving it to the new baby make sure to do this a few months before the birth so the adjustment of losing her crib is not such a huge deal

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