Have you just witnessed another pregnancy moment & discovered that you are expecting your second baby? Indeed, it has made you happy but the first thought that has crossed your mind would be having a second baby with a toddler. Undoubtedly, preparing a toddler for a new baby is one of the most primary tasks you would think of. So, having butterflies in the stomach for the second time with constant nervousness in mind is definite.
All of the time until you see good bonding, you will try to create cohesiveness between the two. But, the thought struggles are consistent until you find the appropriate way out. Momma Just Chill! Here’s the guide on how to prepare your 1-year-old toddler for the new baby.
How To Set Foundations For Welcoming A New Baby With An Older Sibling?-
Every child is different & will obviously react in different ways. Moreover, their age is another factor that contributes to their behavior toward the new family member coming. Indeed, there will be numerous questions in your mind like will the elder child be jealous of the younger one? What are the special things to do with a toddler before the new baby comes? How will I prepare my toddler for the new baby? Well, that’s a long process & here are efforts to ease you out.
Start with the time of your pregnancy announcement-
- Now, that you found out about your pregnancy, it is important to present this good news to your toddler. But, keep in mind their behavioral understanding & contemplate telling them in a soft and attentive way.
- During the whole trimester, be gentle to them while informing them at each stage with some or the other means for the second pregnancy. Ask them to touch your belly, feel the growing life & let them know they were too a baby.
- Involve them in your tasks. For instance, if you are searching for some utility product online, ask their advice if it’s good. Say, you are going to the hospital for pre-booking then make them witness that the new one will arrive here just the way they did. In addition, if you are going for an ultrasound & if there are allowed then show them the baby on the screen.
- Accept their mood swings & anger sometimes. Indeed, the introduction & familiarizing process might irritate them & rage their jealousy factor at times.
- Communicate with them about them taking responsibility. Certainly, it is highly crucial to ask them how they will be as an elder sibling to know their interest more comprehensively. Talk to them about what role as a caregiver they wish to take responsibly for after the baby is born.
- One of the important things to consider while talking to them is letting them know their part in delivery, childbirth, and after-pregnancy months. Also, let them know why your attention will derive to the newborn primarily for a couple of months & how they have to cope with it.
Time of Childbirth & In the Hospital-
- Don’t ignore them at the hospital. While you are just about to enter the hospital or may have been- it’s essential to always be in touch with them. Else, informing them about childbirth time, separation for a few days, and after childbirth things is vital.
- Make them feel as an elder after the baby is born. Certainly, the first person to enter your ward after childbirth would be your husband. So, ask them to take along the big sister or brother and let them carefully hold the baby under supervision.
- Celebrate their Elderhood when you shift to the ward. Get them a cake or present them with a gift that signifies their elderhood.
Coping Up at Home-
- Your child will feel insecure no matter how much you communicated with them prior to the occurring events. But, it’s essential for you to not get irritated & cope with their actions. For example, your 1-year-old toddler might ask you to take them to the washroom or need you only at times. In addition, take the help of your partner to handle each step.
- Take their help for little things to involve them. If you are wondering how to prepare your 5-year-old for a new baby, then involving them in the baby tasks is essential. For example, you ask them to take care when the little one is sleeping, pass you on something needed, handle them, etc.
- Try to focus on them alongside. Certainly, preparing your first child for a new baby might take up double efforts. Once you are home, ensure attending to your firstborn child as well & pay attention to them. Be gentle & soft-spoken to them so that they don’t feel ignored or alienated.
- Let them bond with their younger sibling. If your child is a 1-year-old or a 5-year-old toddler, allot them a special time to bond with the newborn baby.
To The Bottom Line-
Your second pregnancy will bring up a challenge for both; you & your husband. As parents, it is essential to construct positive relationships in both children & fill love for each other. While it might seem like a tough stone to crack but you will together do it.
Happy Parenting!
