Most toddlers find it very difficult coping with the arrival of a new baby. Some see it as having a rival in the home while some other toddlers might think that the love for them will be stopped or shared between them and the newborn.
Most toddlers are excited on hearing about the arrival of the new baby, but the truth is that most of them are not prepared for the unavoidable changes that will come with the newborn.
In situation where you are expecting a new baby, it will be wise if you help prepare your toddler for a new sibling — to help him deal with the challenges that may arise with the arrival of your new baby.
During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, it will be a wise decision to involve the toddler in the whole pregnancy process, like making him see when the baby kicks, making him understand the process the mother is going through the pregnancy stages. This will help the toddler get acquainted with the whole process even before the baby is born, and it will also help create a bond of affection between the toddler and the expected baby.
Before Delivery
It is imperative that parents make adequate preparation before the arrival of the new baby. The first preparation is to make the toddler know about the fact that you are all expecting a new baby. Explain this to him in the most exciting way and make him understand that this is a great gift to him and every member of the family. This will help the child understand and relate well with what is about to happen and prevent any shock that he may encounter when the new baby finally comes.
After Delivery
When the baby finally comes home, it is the duty of the parents to ensure that the toddler does not feel cheated in terms of care and attention that is shared among him and the new baby. Much attention should be paid to the new baby and the toddler by you and any visitor who will be paying you visit. This will help give the toddler a sense of belonging and help him relate well with the new baby.
The toddler should be made to participate in the up keep of the new baby as this will bring him closer to the baby and build a brotherly affection between them.
The toddler should be encouraged as much as possible to gradually adjust to the changes that the new baby has brought on the home. He should not be expected to understand these new changes and should therefore not be forced to adapt to the changes immediately. Adaptation should be a gradual process and it is expected that the parents understand this and assist the toddler in this gradual learning process of adapting to the changes brought by the new baby.
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