Sanity Savers: 5 tips to help your toddler beat sibling rivalry

Adding a new addition to the family can upset a toddler’s word at first, so here are some helpful tips to help your toddler accept the new baby

By askamum

Bringing a new baby home can be tough on your toddler, they are used to your sole attention and can feel jealous and resentful when a newborn comes in. So here are some tips to help your tot adjust.

1. Prepare your toddler for the new arrival
Before the baby is born, make sure you are open with your toddler about the new baby and how things are going to change. Be sure to put a positive spin on it to make the new arrival an exciting thing for your toddler.

2. Buy a present from the baby for your toddler
When the baby arrives home bring a present from the baby for his big brother. Make it something he has wanted for a long time and explain that the baby has bought it just for him.

3. Get your toddler involved
From the day your newborn comes home, get your toddler involved in what’s happening. Treating your toddler like ‘your little helper’ will help them feel part of things and not excluded. Get them to pass you a nappy, cream or a dummy and reward them with plenty of praise.

4. Quality time
Even though time is of the essence with a toddler and newborn, make sure you make some one-on-one time for your toddler. Even if it’s reading their bedtime story or when you have visitors, let them coo over the new baby and you set up an activity for you and your toddler.

5. Explain things clearly
If your toddler does show signs of jealousy, or tries to take something from the baby, be clear about why he shouldn’t do that. Explain that the baby is very young and delicate and as the big brother he should look out for his little brother. Explain that any toys the baby has he won’t have for long and how proud you are of him for sharing so nicely.

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