Hello, baby number two

Getting used to a new sibling is tough for your toddler. Ann Richardson tells you how you can ease the transition

MOST TODDLERS THINK they are the centre of the universe, so they actually have no real concept of what having a new sibling really means.

Depending on the age of your toddler, she doesn’t need to be involved in the pregnancy other than to know that there will soon be a new baby in the family.

However, it’s when you bring the new baby home that the real work starts. We asked the author of Toddler Sense, Ann Richardson, for a few tips on how to introduce your toddler to the new baby.

WHEN YOU GET HOME

When you return home with the new baby, present her with a gift from her new sibling. A doll or something your child will like playing with is always a good idea.

SEEKING ATTENTION

Your toddler will play up and demand your attention just when you can’t give it, so expect her demands to intensify, especially if you have just sat down to feed the baby! To the best of your ability always attend to her needs first – this will make her feel secure.

STORYBOOKS

Have a pile of storybooks handy, and place one of her little chairs alongside your feeding chair, so that she can sit with you and read a story while you feed the baby. This is a good habit to start, and she will start to look forward to this special time.

MAKE HER FEEL INCLUDED

When visitors arrive to see the new baby, let her show them to the nursery, and allow her to help open the baby’s gift. This way she will feel included.

NO TOUCHING

Avoid saying “Don’t touch the baby,” too much. She will continue to do it. If possible, ignore it (unless she is feeding the baby a sweet, or holding him upside down!) and never leave her alone with the new baby.

RESTING

Take the phone off the hook when you are resting, or at least invest in a portable phone to keep alongside you.

VISITORS

Limit visitors to a specific time of the day, so that you are not inundated all day. Visitors, while having your best interests at heart, can kill you with kindness!

ROUTINE

Stick to your toddler’s routine scrupulously. It will make the whole family feel more secure.

CHANGES IN BEHAVIOUR

Expect a regression in your toddler’s behaviour. She may demand a bottle or dummy again, or start wetting her bed. Keep calm, give her what she asks for, and know that it will pass with time.

QUALITY TIME

Try to spend some special time alone with your toddler every day, even if it means quiet time in the garden for 20 minutes or so.

YOUR RELATIONSHIP

Look after your relationship with your partner – remember that you are in this together.