Making your toddler get along with a new baby

Getting a toddler used to his/her younger sibling, a newborn cannot be an easy transition and none of us can promise ourselves that they would be the best of friends. However there are some tricks that could ease the coming of a second child into their daily lives. I am sure all of you would be able to add more tricks as a comment in my comment section.

Ways to help a toddler to get along with a new baby:Get your toddler a baby doll to create a loving sense for babies both before and after the sibling arrives. Let your toddler hold, sway and sing to the doll, include the doll in bedtime story routines and be in charge of his/her baby. He/she could hold his/her baby when you hold yours; this would give the toddler important lessons in loving and nurturing a newborn.

 You need to create special toys that the toddler can play with during quiet times when you have to look after the newborn when he/she cries or is hungry. Your toddler can engage oneself during that time. Create a special bin of toys and books for these times and call it by a funny name; it could help your toddler pull something special out during quiet times.It is normal and OK for your toddler to want to be a baby again just to attract your attention; he/she may want to drink from a bottle, be held more and be carried all the time. You can eventually get him to talk about how nice it is to be big and do things big kids do like going on swings, skipping, racing, sledding and choosing books.  You might just have to accept two babies for a little while.Set aside at least 10 minutes on a daily basis for a one to one time with your toddler. Spend time doing an activity or play he/she likes; this time is best allotted when the newborn is napping or when your spouse or helper is around. Since your toddler has you alone, it will keep him/her from acting out.Give your toddler, the older sibling fun jobs to do to help him/her to feel in control of all the change and attention the new baby is causing. Let your older sibling pick out the baby’s outfit, throwing out the dirty diaper, choosing a book to read or singing him/her to sleep.Make some adjustments much before the arrival of the baby; if you plan on moving the toddler/elder sibling out of her room or crib, or change from day care to a nanny, or make big changes as potty training; do it as far in advance as possible and prevent association with the arrival of the baby. This would avoid accidents while on errands. I hope all these tricks would help make your toddler get along with the newborn baby.