How to Help Your Toddler Adjust to a New Sibling
Bringing a new baby into the family is an exciting time, but it can also be a big adjustment for your older child. If you already have a toddler, you might notice changes in their behaviour as they adapt to having a new sibling. From sleep regression to sudden mood swings, these reactions are normal, but there are ways you can help make the transition smoother.
Common Changes in Your Toddler’s Behaviour
It’s completely natural for a toddler to feel a mix of emotions when a new sibling arrives. Here are some behavioral changes you might notice:
Regression in Toilet Training: Your toddler may start wetting the bed again or asking for nappies after being potty trained. This can be a response to the shift in attention or stress from the new family dynamics.
Sleep Regression: A toddler who previously slept well might suddenly have trouble sleeping through the night. They may wake up more often, resist bedtime, or want to sleep with their parents.
Acting Out or Increased Tantrums: Your older child may seek more attention by misbehaving, throwing tantrums, or testing boundaries. This is often their way of expressing frustration or jealousy.
Loss of Appetite: Some children experience a decrease in appetite when a new baby arrives. They may refuse meals or become picky eaters as a way of asserting control.
Mixed Emotions: One moment, your toddler might be excited about their new sibling, and the next, they might be upset or clingy. This emotional rollercoaster is completely normal.
How to Help Your Toddler Adjust
While these changes can be challenging, there are plenty of ways to help your toddler feel secure and loved during this transition.
1. Involve Them in Baby Care
Encourage your toddler to be a ‘big helper’ by letting them fetch nappies, sing to the baby, or gently stroke their sibling’s hand. This helps them feel included rather than left out.
2. Maintain Their Routine
Keep mealtimes, bedtimes, and playtimes as consistent as possible. Familiar routines provide a sense of stability, even when other parts of their world are changing.
3. Give Them One-on-One Time
Set aside special time just for your toddler, even if it’s just 10–15 minutes a day. Read a book together, go for a short walk, or do an activity they enjoy to reassure them that they’re still important.
4. Acknowledge Their Feelings
Let your child know it’s okay to feel a range of emotions. If they seem upset, validate their feelings by saying things like, “It’s okay to feel sad. I know it’s a big change.”
5. Avoid Comparing Them to the Baby
Try not to say things like, “You’re a big boy now, not a baby.” Instead, celebrate their new role as an older sibling while still allowing them to be little.
6. Encourage Positive Interaction
Praise your toddler when they are gentle and kind to their new sibling. Reinforce positive behaviour by saying, “That was so sweet of you to give the baby a hug!”
7. Prepare Them Before the Baby Arrives
If your second child hasn’t arrived yet, talk to your toddler about what to expect. Read books about becoming a big sibling and let them feel involved in preparing the nursery.
Final Thoughts
The arrival of a new sibling can be an emotional experience for your toddler, but with patience, reassurance, and a little extra love, they will eventually adapt. Every child adjusts at their own pace, so be kind to yourself and your little one during this transition.
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