How to Prepare Your Toddler for the Arrival of a New Baby

Welcoming a new baby is a big moment for your family, and an even bigger change for your toddler.

While excitement is part of the journey, toddlers often experience uncertainty, jealousy, curiosity, and big emotions all at once.

The good news? A little preparation can go a long way in helping your toddler feel safe, included, and loved as your family grows.

Here are simple, gentle ways to support your toddler before (and after) the new baby arrives.

Start the Conversation Early

Talking about the baby before they arrive helps your toddler feel included and informed, not surprised.

Use simple, age-appropriate language and talk about the baby often. Don’t worry about getting the “perfect” explanation. Toddlers benefit from repetition, so answering the same questions again and again is completely normal.

If they ask something unexpected, answer honestly but simply. You’re building trust and helping them understand that change is coming and that they’re safe within it.

Read and Play Together

Books and play are powerful tools for toddlers. Reading stories about babies and new siblings helps them see what’s coming in a way that feels familiar and comforting.

You can also use dolls, stuffed animals, or toys to act out caring for a baby,  rocking, feeding, being gentle. This kind of pretend play gives toddlers a sense of control and helps them process new roles at their own pace.

Involve Them in the Process

Inclusion builds confidence and excitement.

Let your toddler help choose baby clothes, toys, or nursery items. Offer small, manageable choices so they feel involved without feeling overwhelmed.

When toddlers feel like part of the process, they’re more likely to feel connected, not replaced, when the baby arrives.

Set Realistic Expectations

Toddlers often imagine babies as instant playmates, so it’s helpful to gently explain what babies are really like.

Talk about the basics: babies cry, sleep a lot, and need extra help. Let your toddler know that the baby won’t be able to play right away and that this is normal.

Setting realistic expectations early can reduce confusion and frustration later.

Make Space for Big Feelings

It’s completely normal for toddlers to feel excited and jealous at the same time.

Instead of trying to “fix” or rush past these emotions, name them. Saying things like, “It’s okay to feel upset” or “This is a big change” helps toddlers feel understood.

Offer extra reassurance, physical comfort, and patience. Big feelings don’t mean something is wrong they mean your toddler is adjusting.

Protect One-on-One Time After the Baby Arrives

When the baby comes home, one of the most important things you can do is protect intentional one-on-one time with your toddler.

This doesn’t have to be long or elaborate. Even 10 minutes of fully present time, without distractions, can remind your toddler: “I still matter.”

Build these moments into your routine when possible. They help strengthen your bond and provide a sense of stability during a time of change.

Preparing your toddler for a new baby isn’t about eliminating big feelings, it’s about helping them feel secure through change.

With early conversations, play, inclusion, realistic expectations, and protected connection, you’re laying the foundation for a healthy sibling relationship and a confident, supported toddler.

Love doesn’t divide when a family grows.
It multiplies