How to Prepare Toddlers for a New Baby

A toddler with a sibling on the way will soon find his entire world changed. The more that toddler can be prepared for the arrival of a new baby, the easier the transition will be. Preparing a toddler for a new baby takes a steady stream of information about babies and how everyone's lives will change when it arrives.

Instructions

1. Let the toddler see what babies look like. Point out babies you see when out in public. If you have a friend with a baby, invite them over so that the toddler can see how small they are and what they look like.

2. Tell the toddler what babies are really like. Getting a toddler excited about playing with a fun new sibling is probably setting him up for disappointment. Toddlers should understand that babies cry often, they won't be able to play for awhile and that they sleep a lot. If they are prepared for what a new baby will be like, they will not be disappointed when the new baby gets there.

3. Include your toddler in the preparation for the baby. Even a young toddler can help set up the nursery for the new baby. He can help put some of the baby's clothes into the drawers, help choose a theme for the room and pick out a few decorations. Being a part of these decisions will likely remind him that the new baby is coming and get him excited about the new baby's arrival.

4. Have him draw pictures of the new baby. This will give you a little insight into what your toddler expects the new baby to be like. If he tells you that the picture is of the new baby playing basketball, you will have the opportunity to remind him that the baby won't be able to play anything at first.

5. Get a few toddler books that are about babies. There are a number of toddler books that have a new-sibling theme. They explain in simple terms what it will be like when the new baby arrives.