A toddler needs attention and it can be a difficult phase for him to accept a new sibling. Caring for a toddler and a newborn is challenging for most moms as they have to manage two little ones at the same time. And a toddler might go through a myriad of emotions when a new baby comes home.
Both kids may seek love and comfort from their moms at the same time. You may have to meet the needs of both children and have to devote time for both, leaving little room for peace and harmony. Your older sibling may be jealous and defiant as he is undergoing the greatest brain development of his life. Then there’s the baby that needs feeding, sleeping, comforting, bathing, and constant care.
Often, a toddler may feel jealous, displaced, or lonely once he sees a new addition to the family. Moms have to skillfully adjust from one-on-one to zone parenting. There are solutions that can help you to cope with common parenting challenges while coping with the toddler and the newborn. Here are some of the answers to the problems:
Introducing A Toddler To The Newborn May Not Be Easy
Toddlers are overwhelmed when a newborn comes into the family. They see their mom and all the family members hobnobbing around their little one and diverting their attention to the new baby.
At this phase, it is hard for the toddler to accept the new born. It is a difficult transition as he is unable to cope with a new addition at home. Your toddler may start to behave like a baby and try to regain your love and attention.
As a mom, you can spend 15-30 minutes daily to play with the toddler especially when the baby is napping or when your spouse is around to look after the baby. At that time, you could cuddle him, rock him, play toys with him or feed your toddler. The emotional connection will help him to curb his insecurities and help him to behave more maturely at home and in public.
Your Toddler is Jealous Towards Newborn
Often, a toddler acts defiantly as soon as a newborn baby enters the house. His whole world changes and he might often start to act aggressively towards the newborn. A toddler realizes that he has to share all his things, including mom. He feels jealous towards his sibling. At that time, as a mom, you could soothe your child’s jealousy by interacting peacefully with your toddler.
Your toddler’s behaviour is related to intense emotions around the change. Being an active listener helps. You can listen calmly to his complaints and pacify him. You can be an empathetic parent and empathize with your child’s situation and help him feel heard.
You can also encourage your toddler to make a choice if he is annoyed. You can point to an object that is safe to bite or hit. You could also help your child to throw pillows or kick a toy. That way you would help to pass on his anger or frustration and help him let loose of all his irritations and manage to keep kids secure.
Ask For Help From Your Toddler
You can involve your toddler in the daily routine surrounding the baby. For instance, you can ask your toddler to bring a diaper, rattle or a burp cloth for the tot. At night, both of you can sing songs or lullabies to the baby. You can encourage your child to sing rhymes or songs to distract the baby when crying.
Involve your toddler in small tasks. Your toddler can gently caress the newborn dry after a bath or he can pick outfit for your baby.
Including your toddler in daily chores will make him feel happy and useful. Your toddler begins to feel competent and starts to accept the newborn baby with love and affection. As he grows, it helps to create a bond between the two siblings.
Make Your Toddler Feel Special
Make your toddler feel special and prepare him for the new transition. You can enroll your child in a preschool that could provide him with age-appropriate activities. It would help to assuage the feelings of jealousy towards his sibling.
As the new baby comes into the house, you can prioritize some quality time with your toddler. Play some games with him when the newborn is asleep. Read out to him or take him out to public parks. This would reassure your love for him which would help your toddler feel secure and emotionally stable.
Teaching The Value Of Safety To Your Toddler
Toddlers are inquisitive by nature and like to explore things. After you bring the baby home, your toddler may attempt to play or rock the baby and hurt him unknowingly. At this time, as a mom, you have to be careful in handling both the babies.
You can teach your toddler not to push or shove the baby roughly. You can inculcate in your toddler the value of love and care towards the new sibling.
A good idea is to set up a toddler area for your older child. It would help your toddler play independently without interfering with the newborn. Your toddler can choose toys that he loves to play the most. As your newborn naps peacefully, you can complete your pending chores. Your baby is safe while your toddler plays assuredly in his zone.
I hope the above tips would be helpful for moms to manage the demands of their toddler and newborn simultaneously. Handling two little ones may not be easy but with patience and love, your toddler will gradually learn to accept the new baby, and before long build a strong emotional bonding with him!
Leave a Reply