8 Life-Changing Tips Before You Welcome Baby #2
It’s no secret adding a new baby to the family is a HUGE change- which will cause disruption in sleep.
If you have a toddler when bringing home a new baby, your toddler will likely go through a sleep regression at some point in the process. However, there are things we can do to ease the transition and lessen the sleep regression.
On top of being a pediatric sleep consultant- I am also a mom of three! So not only have I transitioned from 1 to 2 kids, but 2 to 3 kids. So, I’ve been there a couple of times.
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Tip #1: Prepare your toddler!
Of course, your toddler will see your belly grow, kiss and hug your belly to say hi to their new sibling- but that’s such an abstract concept and thought that your child might not know what you are talking about! How is there a human in your belly… did you eat someone?? So let’s take it a step further: read some books with your toddler, allow your toddler to help decorate the nursery, and bring your toddler to some checkup appointments if able to. Another way to make this transition fun is to allow your toddler to buy a present for the new baby!
Tip #2: Keep your routines consistent for your toddler
Of course, everything will change once a new baby arrives. Someone should be responsible for your toddler’s nighttime and morning routine, and you should have a conversation with your partner about this before the new baby arrives. Download my nighttime and morning routine cards to make it easy for you!
Tip #3: Have one on one time with your toddler
While your baby is sleeping, set aside quality time for you and your toddler. During this time, do anything you and your toddler enjoy together to ensure they feel loved and paid attention to!
Tip #4: Have big-kid activities while you are occupied with the baby
For example, while nursing my baby, I would have my toddler read her a book: is that not the sweetest, most precious thing?
This is also an excellent time for you to do sensory bins! You can allow your child to play with Play Dough, rice, water- anything that can’t be done around the baby. This is your big kid time!
Tip #5: Give your toddler special jobs
Sometimes when you are busy with all the responsibilities of a new baby, toddlers tend to get into shenanigans. To avoid this, give your toddler something very specific to do to help. For example, while changing a diaper, ask your child to bring you one diaper or two wipes.
Tip #6: Remember to call in reinforcements
If you have a mom, a sister, a cousin, a friend: ANYONE who can come hold the baby while you spend time with your toddler or take care of the baby while you take a much-needed nap- ask for help! This is one of my biggest regrets as a mom and something that took me so long to do: it can be hard to accept help. But remember, it really does take a village! Even if you don’t need help right now, thank them for the offer, and invite them just for some company. Do not push away your support!
Tip #7: Be prepared!
Make sure you have a toddler clock and reward system in place!
Watch this video here: https://youtu.be/2LuzUaFLF4Q
Tip #8: Have patience!
At first, there may be a honeymoon phase where maybe your toddler is excited about their new sibling, and you will assume the transition is over and went well.. and then perhaps three months go by, and your toddler is wondering when their new sibling will go back to the baby factory. You have to be patient and understand your child is going through a significant life change, just as you are.
