HAVING ONE CHILD IS GREAT, BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SECOND (OR EVEN THIRD) COMES INTO THE MIX? USE THESE TIPS TO HELP YOUR TODDLER FEEL LOVED AND INCLUDED WHEN A NEWBORN COMES HOME.

We know many parents at Claire’s are dealing with the difficulties of bringing child #2 home. Sometimes first born children can have a hard time understanding that they are no longer the only baby in the house. These small adjustments can really help make your child feel important when there’s a newborn around.

Use Nap Time As Bonding Time With Your Toddler

While the baby is down for a nap, use this time to give quality attention to your toddler! Read books with them, make crafts, play games, or just ask them what they would like to do. Giving them your attention without having to care for the baby will help them feel important and loved.

Take Your Toddler On “Dates”

When you can, have your spouse or a relative watch the baby for a short period of time to take your toddler on a special date. This can be anything from going to the ice cream store, taking a walk, visiting the park, or anything else they enjoy doing. They will feel special and included if you take this time, without the baby in tow. Even just 30 minutes will mean the world to them, and will increase the bond between you and your toddler!

Maintain A Bedtime / Morning Routine With Your Toddler

Before the baby came into the picture, you probably had a solid routine with your toddler throughout the day. It’s important to keep this routine going to make your toddler feel like they are still important to you. If you read before bedtime, keep the consistency. It may be easiest to take turns between you and your spouse to keep these things up. In the long run, it will create a bond between both parents and avoid your toddler feeling neglected.

Give Your Toddler Appropriate Baby Duties

Kids love to feel included. Find small tasks that your toddler is capable of doing that help out with the baby. For example, have them sing the baby a song at nap time, or help put the baby’s pacifier back in their mouth. Whatever it may be that works for you and your toddler is great! Remind them how helpful they are when they do these things and it will make them feel special.

Taking small measurements to spend time with your toddler with a newborn in the house makes all the difference in your relationship with your child and can help improve attitude and grown. Juggling multiple kids isn’t easy, we know! Using our services at Claire’s Day School can really help lighten your load and give you the time to tend to all of your children in the best way possible.