Introducing Your Newborn to Your Older Child

Building Bonds

Introducing your Newborn at home to your toddler is a joyful milestone — but also a time of great change, especially for your firstborn. While parents may be eagerly awaiting the new arrival, toddlers often face big emotions as their world shifts.

In this blog, you’ll find gentle strategies to help ease your toddler into their new role as an older sibling and foster a strong, loving sibling bond from the very start.

A Whirlwind of Feelings: What Your Toddler Might Be Experiencing

For a young child, a new baby can trigger a mix of curiosity, excitement, confusion, and even jealousy. Behavioral shifts — like increased clinginess, tantrums, or regression — are not only normal but expected.

The key? Acknowledge these feelings with patience and empathy. Try not to “fix” the behavior right away — simply holding space for your child’s emotions can be the most healing response

The Power of Predictability: Why Routines Matter Even More Now for your toddler

Toddlers thrive on structure. During times of transition, familiar routines offer comfort and security. While it’s tempting to loosen boundaries out of guilt or sympathy, consistent expectations actually help your child feel safer and more grounded.

Stick to regular bedtimes, mealtimes, and rituals where possible. A predictable rhythm brings a sense of stability — something both you and your child will benefit from.

Delay Big Transitions while introducing your newborn

If your toddler is about to transition out of diapers, into a new bed, or start preschool, consider holding off until a few weeks or months after baby’s arrival. Too much change at once can feel overwhelming.

Let your child first adjust to the new family dynamic before layering on other milestones. One big life change at a time is usually more manageable for everyone.

This also means that the “older sibling” may be allowed to keep his or her crib and that the new arrival should have his or her own new crib.

Regression Is Not Failure — It’s a Cry for Connection

Is your potty-trained toddler suddenly having accidents? Asking to use a bottle again? Wanting to be carried like a baby?

Don’t panic — these behaviors are common. Your child is seeking reassurance and reconnection. Stay calm, reinforce routines, and offer plenty of loving attention. The more secure they feel, the faster they’ll move forward again.

One-on-One Time: Make Room for Connection

Your toddler needs to know that their place in your heart hasn’t changed. Even 10–15 minutes of focused, one-on-one time a day can go a long way.

Whether it’s reading a favorite book, going for a walk, or building blocks — these little pockets of undivided attention can help your older child feel seen, valued, and secure.

Bedtime Teamwork: Creating Calm Evenings

Bedtime can be one of the most challenging parts of the day when you’re juggling two little ones. If possible, have one parent focus on the toddler’s bedtime routine while the other handles the baby.

If you’re solo, consider quiet baby-wearing or placing the baby nearby during the bedtime story, so your toddler still feels like the star of the show.

Growing Together: From Transition to Transformation

Bringing home a new baby changes the family dynamic, but it also brings opportunities for deeper connection and emotional growth — for everyone involved.

With kindness, consistency, and lots of cuddles, your toddler will not only adjust, but will likely step into their new role with pride, love, and joy.

💜 As a mom of three, I can wholeheartedly recommend our newborn sleep advice. With our help, you will develop good (sleep) routines and a healthy breastfeeding/bottle feeding routine so that your newborn has plenty of structure that you and your sibling can rely on. This makes it 180 degrees easier.

➡️ If you are thinking about having a sleep consultation for your toddler, I would recommend allowing at least 6-8 weeks for the birth of the new sibling.