How to Help Your Child Adjust to Life with a New Baby

perspectives-sibling-newbaby.jpg
Add new comment Send to friend Print this article

A true pioneer in an emerging industry, Melissa Moog is one of America’s original baby planners as founder of Itsabelly, a national baby planning service guiding new and expectant parents through the process of parenthood. Melissa is also the leading authority and voice for baby planning with an eco-twist, and THE first baby planning business to secure Green America’s seal of approval. She also reviews baby products and shares parenting tips on her Itsabelly blog.

If you have a young child at home and you are expecting your second you're probably wondering how to help ease the transition into life with a new baby. Your toddler is used to having your undivided attention and now she has to share it with someone new. This transition phase can be challenging for both parents if they are not prepared. It's even harder on your toddler if you haven't spent quality time helping her understand how life will change. I will note that you can never completely take away the change and stress your first child will feel with a new baby but you can definitely help ease her transition by making her feel more secure and loved.

Here are some tips to help your child and you adjust:

Before Baby is Born

  • If your child is old enough take her to a sibling preparation class. This class is usually held at your local hospital or healthcare facility designed for children two years of age and older. It helps siblings prepare for the emotional and physical realities of the arrival of a newborn. Activities can include arts and crafts, role-playing, and a mini-tour of the nursery and maternity unit to see where mom will be spending the night.


  • Give her a baby doll to play with


  • Expose her to other babies and let her see you interact with a baby


  • Children's picture books can help your toddler visualize how life will change with a new baby


  • Have your child help you pick out gifts for the baby


  • Make sure to spend quality one on one time with your toddler helping her understand how things will change once baby is born


  • You can tell your preschool age child that you are going to have a baby by sharing the preparation activities and also showing her your growing belly


  • If your toddler will be transitioning out of her crib and giving it to the new baby make sure to do this a few months before the birth so the adjustment of losing her crib is not such a huge deal

After Baby is Born

Show full page

January 13, 2012
Note: This Perspectives Blog post is written by a Guest Blogger of DrGreene.com and is provided in order to offer a variety of thoughtful points of view. The opinions expressed on this Perspectives Blog post do not reflect the opinions of Dr. Greene or DrGreene.com. As such, Dr. Greene and DrGreene.com are not responsible for the accuracy of the information supplied. This post is used under Creative Commons License CC BY-ND 3.0.