Bringing home a new baby can bring out so many different emotions – excitement, joy, nervousness, exhaustion, anxiety, etc. All of these feelings are completely NORMAL and while you may be feeling some of these things, there’s a good chance if you have other children, they are feeling many of these same emotions as well. Transitioning to being a big brother or sister is a big deal and some siblings handle it better or worse than others and that is OK. Keep reading below for my tips to make this adjustment as smooth as possible.

My toddler adjusting to the new baby

After bringing our second daughter, Margot, home from the hospital, Delaney (who just turned 3) was so excited to be a big sister. She was so helpful, patient and kind to Margot. Then fast forward 2 weeks later when all of the visitors left, the excitement went away and the “this is forever” feeling started to settle in.

I always thought the difficult part about having 2 children would be the exhaustion from the constant feedings and nighttime wakings but in my personal experience- it was the toddler emotions that had me an emotional mess and not sure how I was going to make it through. I was always comparing my older child to how some of my friends’ kids were adjusting to their older siblings and I just couldn’t understand what I was doing wrong?

That was my first mistake- never compare your children to anyone else’s children because they are all so individual and unique in the way they feel, act, process change, etc. If this is something you’re going through right now or preparing to go through sometime in the near future here are my best tips/advice for helping your older sibling transition after bringing the new baby home.

5 Tips for bringing home a new baby to older siblings:

1. Make time for the older sibling

Even if it’s just 10 minutes per day. This seems like such a short amount of time but it can make a huge difference in the way your toddler feels. Put your phone away, turn off the tv and eliminate all other distractions. Try to do this while the baby is napping or when someone else is available to watch them so you can have your full attention with your older child. Sit on the floor and simply play, read books, sing songs or just snuggle with your toddler.

Another great idea is to include your older child in simple errands you need to run outside of the house such as dropping off mail to the mail box or picking up groceries. I found that those 10 minutes or quick errands I would set aside for her for us to do together would make her feel so special and help reduce the amount of tantrums, outburst, or cries for attention.

2. Have your older child help with simple tasks

If your child is old enough, have them help with simple tasks to make them feel included, needed and helpful. This helps keep them busy but also makes them feel like they play an important role in caring for the baby. Simple tasks can include bringing you a diaper or wipes, singing to the baby, helping with tummy time, brushing the baby’s hair, helping with a sponge bath, or giving the baby a pacifier.

3. Make sure your older child knows that they are still a priority to you

Ergobaby doll carrier – have your little one practice carrying his/her doll/stuffed animal when you’re carrying your new baby in a carrier
Instapic camera – have older sibling take their own photos of your new baby!
Matching cuddle + kind dolls – these cuddle + kind dolls come in a big and little size so your older sibling and the baby can have matching ones (made for boys too!) **for every doll purchased, 10 meals are provided to children in need.
Matching jammies – we love these little sleepie jammies because they’re super soft, come in so many colors/prints and have a zipper! They have sizes for newborns through kids!
I’m a big sister/I’m a big brother book – this little gift set comes with a stuffed animal and book for big sisters and brothers!