Helping Toddler Adjust to Arrival of New Baby

Talk about all the things that big sisters get to do that the baby can't. Let her know that she is still your little girl and that you love her more than ever now that she will be a big sister.

Allow your daughter to pick out some things for the baby, like a blanket or a teddy, that match one that she picks out for herself. Let her be a part of preparing the baby's room rather than making it off-limits. If she claims baby things or the room as her own, let her express those feelings—try not to get upset with her or discipline her. It can be a scary idea to think that another child is coming to live in your home, and she'll need to work through those feelings at times.

Talk about ways that your daughter will be able to help with the baby when he or she arrives and how much you will count on her to be a helper. Young children love to help, whether it's handing diapers to you or folding the baby's washcloths. This should cut down on potential feelings of sibling rivalry.

When planning for your hospital stay, try to make it a special time for your daughter. When my second daughter was born, I purchased a special ice cream cake that said "Big Sister" on it for my older daughter to share with her grandmother. She was 3 and still remembers that time with "Nana" as special. She also remembers getting to hold her new baby sister.