Toddlers and Their Older Siblings

Have you heard stories about elder siblings trying to kill their younger siblings or hitting and pinching them? Getting your children ready for a new baby in the house can be challenging. But if not done properly you could be faced with problems for no real reason but jealousy from the older sibling. Begin taking proactive measures with your spouse to help you ease the pangs of envy your toddler could feel when you bring your new baby home. You can prepare your toddler to accept the new baby in the house with love and co-operation rather then jealousy.

Do explain to your toddler that the new baby will cry and sleep a lot and that it is natural. Explain to him crying is the babies way of talking. If you see a baby crying when you go out with your toddler talk to him/her about it. Say that the baby could be hungry and that your baby will also do the same.

Try to borrow a baby from a friend or relative close to the delivery date. Arrange for them to leave the baby home with you and go out so that you can talk with your toddler about the baby alone. Talk to your toddler about what he does, how he eats, why he cries, and finally that you will have one baby like this at home before long. Get your toddler involved  in preparing the nursery room to make him/her feel involved.

Teach your child to be gentle, through showing him by touch and word and action. It will help you not get too freaked out when your toddler goes near your baby whether to he/she will act rough. Even if he does, try not to ‘freak out’ as this will make your older toddler feel alienated.

With the entire do list, there are many don’t to be remembered. For example don’t make the mistake of telling your child that you love him so much you are getting another one. Think about how you would feel if your spouse said something in this line to you.

Though it is common, don’t tell your toddler that he will have a baby sister or brother to play with. You know in reality it will take a long time before your new baby can play with your older toddlers. Your toddlers will get disappointed when this happens, if you raise their expectations.

Do any changes to your toddler’s routine or food  before the baby comes. If you leave them till the baby comes your toddler will link the baby to the new changes and this won’t help to build a good relationship between the toddler and baby.

Remember always to try to get your toddler feel included when the baby comes home, whether it’s bringing a diaper or a wipe it will help boost his morale and help him adapt to the new baby.