Preparing Your Toddler for a New Baby- Insights from a Speech-Language Pathologist

Getting prepared for a new baby is such an exciting time! From shopping for new clothes and picking out supplies to decorating a nursery, there is so much joy in the preparation process.

We have a new baby joining us very soon! One new concept I am focusing on this time around is how to best ready my 16-month-old for the arrival of a new baby. As I prepare for this exciting transition, I am thinking with the mindset of a speech-language pathologist and how I can best help her understand what is to come. Here is how I am helping to ease her into her new role as a big sister!

Introducing the Concept of a Baby

At 16 months, my daughter is at a stage where her understanding and language skills are rapidly expanding. To introduce the concept of a new baby, I use simple, clear language modeling. We talk about “baby” in everyday conversations, pointing to pictures in books or showing her baby dolls. I use phrases like “Baby is in Mommy’s tummy” and “You’re going to be a big sister.” I also ask her to show me where the baby is. On a few occasions, she will give my belly an unexpected hug or kiss, which absolutely melts my mama heart.

Reading Books About Babies

Books are a fantastic way to introduce new concepts to young children. I’ve gathered a collection of age-appropriate books about becoming a sibling. Stories with short phrases and engaging pictures help hold her attention and reinforce the idea of a new baby. Reading together not only boosts her language skills but also provides a natural way to discuss and anticipate the baby’s arrival. We like to label the "big sis" in the stories using my daughter's name and, similarly, label the baby. The books provide insight into all of the ways that we will take care of the new baby including diaper changes, bottles, nap time, bathtime, and more.

Making Real-Life Connections

When we encounter babies in our daily lives, whether at the park or the grocery store, I take the opportunity to point them out and talk about them. This real-life exposure helps my daughter see that babies are part of the world around her. I encourage gentle interactions, like waving or saying “hi” to the baby, fostering a sense of connection and familiarity.

Involving Her in the Preparations

I have been trying to involve my daughter in the preparations for the new baby as much as I can. Simple tasks like picking out clothes and setting up the nursery can be engaging for her. I use these activities as opportunities to expand her vocabulary, describing items and actions as we go along. For example, “This is a shirt for the baby” or “Let’s put the diapers in the basket.” We went through an old bin of her toys to pick out age-appropriate toys for the baby to play with and talked about how we will be sharing these with the baby upon arrival. I've also let her choose a decoration while shopping for the baby's nursery, which she was excited to put in the new room.

Modeling Pretend Play with Her Baby Dolls

Another way I have been showing her what we do with a baby is through pretend play. I have modeled things like a baby crying, giving the baby a bottle, pushing the baby in a stroller, burping the baby, rocking and holding the baby, changing their diaper, etc. She now engages in these pretend play tasks on her own. She makes the baby cry then gives it a bottle and burps afterwards. I even observed her "reading" to her baby doll one afternoon.

Modeling Positive Social Interaction

I model gentle and positive interactions with baby dolls and use them to role-play common scenarios she might encounter. For example, we practice gentle touches, feeding the baby, and even changing diapers. This not only prepares her for the practical aspects of having a sibling but also promotes nurturing behaviors and empathy.

Talking About Emotions

I have been introducing emotions to my daughter lately in a natural context. This pragmatic language skill is foundational for understanding feelings, expressing ourselves when we're feeling big emotions, and understanding how others are feeling. By labeling her emotions in the moment, I am introducing what it means to feel sad, angry, or happy. I am giving her the language tools she needs to begin to tell me how she is feeling, especially with a new sibling on the way.

We cannot wait for our baby to arrive soon! My daughter seems so excited to play with her baby dolls and read her "Big Sis" book. I hope all the preparations we've been making will help ease the transition.

What steps have you taken to prepare your little one for becoming a big sibling?

Below are some of our favorite books about becoming a big sister and some other choices that I found! All of these come with the opposite gender as well. (Affiliate links)