As I’ve mentioned in previous posts one of my biggest concerns with bringing home a newborn was how our toddler would react. Dan and I figured the best way to ease the transition would be to make it as fun as possible for Aiden. While I was still pregnant Aiden and I started planning our little guy’s “birthday party”. This post is all about introducing your toddler to your newborn baby for the first time.
I wanted Aiden to look forward to his little brother’s arrival. Several weeks before my due date Aiden and I went to Target to find party supplies. We found a banner of streamers and a “Welcome” banner. I added them to my hospital bag so I wouldn’t forget them when the big day arrived.
Next, we put together a gift from Nolan to give to his big brother. We included a cute personalized book about their future adventures together, a camera, and a big brother shirt. You can read all the details here.
When Nolan came we planned for Aiden to visit with his grandparents the next morning. Dan decorated the hospital bassinet with the two banners and we made sure Nolan was in the bassinet so that Aiden wouldn’t feel jealous or left out when he arrived. We put the gift from Nolan on a chair next to the bassinet.
When Aiden arrived we let him come in first to meet his new little brother while his grandparents stayed outside. I will never forget his little face and his excitement when he ran in to meet his little brother for the first time. His grandparents took him to Target before coming to the hospital to get a small gift for Nolan too which he was very proud of.
Next, we had him go out (with Dan) to get his grandparents to introduce them to his brother. His parents brought a birthday lunch for us all to eat in celebration (yay for real food!).
Our party was short and sweet, but overall I think a successful introduction for Aiden and Nolan. When we were released from the hospital we picked up Aiden from his grandparents’ house (a somewhat neutral location) before going home so that he wouldn’t feel like the baby was taking over his space.
So far, our toddler’s adjustment to big brother seems to be going as well as can be expected. It’s definitely difficult for him to get used to sharing our attention but I think our plan to make being a big brother fun has been helpful and overall successful.
If you have more than one child how did you introduce your older ones to the new little ones? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
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If you liked these tips for introducing a toddler to your newborn, check out 15 Hospital Bag Essentials to Pack and Be Prepared and Birth Prep Online Birth Classes: An Interview with Creator Mandy Roberson.
