Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Toddler and the new baby

10-minute read

Key facts

  • There are many things you can do as parents to help prepare your toddler for the arrival of your new baby, and to encourage bonding between your toddler and the newborn.
  • The arrival of a new baby can be a challenge for a toddler, because they will need to learn to 'share' their parents with their new sibling.
  • Help your toddler to get used to the idea of a new baby in the family by talking about 'our baby'.
  • Arranging for your toddler to visit you and your new baby in hospital is a good idea.
  • Encourage your toddler to safely hold the baby, as it can make them feel important and responsible.

Your baby and your toddler

Having a second child is in some ways easier than the first — you may feel much more confident about your ability to take care of a baby, as you've done it before. But along with this confidence comes a new set of challenges.

As a second-time parent, you can't devote all of your time and energy to the new baby.

You might still be tired after the birth, trying to cope with the housework, missing sleep and settling the new baby into a routine, while at the same time, there is another small child who still needs your love and attention.

Keeping your toddler happy is a good start. That's why it's important to understand your toddler's reactions to your new baby.

A new baby can seem threatening to a toddler. From their perspective, their parents had more time to help, comfort or play with them. This changes with the arrival of a new sibling.

Now, all the attention seems focused on that noisy little bundle, and they are expected to be 'big'. It is normal for toddlers to blame the new baby for this change in their routine.

Sometimes, toddlers will regress and become more 'babyish' to attract your attention. They may seem to forget how to use a potty or how to feed themselves. They may cry as much as your new baby.

This happens because they are trying to show you that they are still small and still need your attention.

For parents, the new baby's needs are obvious, and it might seem reasonable to expect the older child to wait. But toddlers often won't agree to this, so parents of 2 or more children must be resourceful and find strategies to manage the different needs of their children.

What can I do to help my toddler cope with the arrival of a new baby?

There are many things you can do as parents to help prepare your toddler for the arrival of your new baby, as well as encourage your toddler to bond with your baby after the birth.

Prepare your toddler ahead of time

Planning ahead can prevent your toddler feeling 'replaced' by your new baby. If you plan to change your toddler's room or their furniture, try to do this early in your pregnancy. Explain that you're doing it because your toddler is growing bigger, not because the new baby will need their cot.

It's easier if your toddler is already potty trained and can feed and dress themselves without help before your new baby comes home, but don't worry if this isn't the case. Remember that your toddler may go back to old habits to attract your attention.

Encourage your toddler to socialise and play with other children, perhaps in a playgroup. This helps your child to develop the social skills they will need to have a good relationship with their new sibling.

Telling your toddler that you are having a baby

Toddlers may not understand that a new baby will bring changes to their life, but you can talk to them about the baby growing inside you to help them start to understand.

Here are some strategies you can use to help your toddler adjust to the idea of a sibling:

  • Tell your toddler about the new baby, but not too soon, as 9 months is a long time for them to wait. It's a good idea to tell them later in the pregnancy when they can see what is happening, as your body changes.
  • Help your toddler get used to the idea of a new baby in the family by talking about 'our baby' and looking at baby pictures in albums or magazines. Some parents take their toddlers to visit the maternity ward, or friends with newborns. You could help them to start a scrapbook about babies. There are also many good books available about becoming a big brother or sister.
  • Toddlers love to hear stories about themselves when they were small. Consider sharing stories and pictures of them when they were babies.
  • If you are having a hospital birth, start talking about going away to have 'our baby' a little before the due date. Explain what arrangements you've made for your toddler while you're in hospital. Children need time to adjust. It's very important that they feel secure about your return. When you go to hospital, you could ask them to look after something for you until you return, like a favourite book, a doll or soft toy.

When your toddler visits you in hospital

Arranging for your toddler to visit you and your new baby in hospital is a good idea.

Toddlers usually like to see newborns and may like to touch or hold them. When your toddler is leaving, you could give them a surprise envelope to open at home or in the car — this is a great way to avoid difficult goodbyes.

Helping your toddler feel secure

It's important that your toddler feels secure, not only so that your household is more peaceful, but also for their own wellbeing. Feeling good about themselves is the basis of their self-confidence later in life. Try not to let your toddler feel bad about themselves, or feel ignored or a nuisance around the baby.

Toddlers need to continue feeling loved, wanted and important, and there are many small ways to achieve this. Grandparents, aunts and uncles can be a great help in making toddlers feel special. It also helps if the parent who is not caring for the new baby can focus on the toddler.

Interacting with your toddler once you go home

If you're having a hospital or birth centre birth, make sure your toddler gets lots of your attention when you come home. Ask someone else to carry your baby while you give your toddler a hug. If your toddler is not enthusiastic, remember that they may be feeling hurt and replaced by someone new who seems to be the centre of attention most of the time.

If your friends or relatives visit, you could ask them to pay attention to your toddler too. Spending time with your toddler is far more important than keeping up with housework. Play with your toddler, and share games with them and get down to their level — for example, on hands and knees to build blocks, or on your tummy, to draw with them.

Remember that all the care in the world will not prevent an older child having strong reactions towards the baby now and then. But if you plan ahead, you can help minimise any negative feelings and disruptive behaviour.

Helping your toddler accept your new baby

Toddlers feel important and responsible when they're allowed to hold a baby. You can make your toddler feel special and 'grown up' by making a fuss of them, especially while they are being careful not to hurt the baby. Encourage yours to hold the baby, while you help them so they don't accidentally squash or drop the baby. Holding the toddler on your lap while they hold the baby is safest. Show your toddler how to stroke your baby gently with their palm to prevent accidental poking or scratching.

Involve your child in caring for the new baby with you. This might include bringing you a nappy or tissues when the baby needs a nappy change. This lets you spend time interacting with your toddler, while at the same time and encourages them to see themselves as a big sister or brother with responsibilities.

Safety for your new baby

Never leave a toddler alone with a baby. They may be tempted to share their food, which could choke the baby, or rock the pram to stop the crying which may overturn it.

It helps to have locks and catches high up on doors to keep doors closed when you need to. Door barriers are useful too — you can see over them and the baby can get used to household noise, but they keep the toddler out of the baby's room.

How can I manage my toddler during baby feed times?

Feed times can be particularly difficult as it's hard to watch over toddlers while also paying attention to the baby. Toddlers may also feel jealous or frightened and act out by hitting or pulling at the baby. They might also demand attention by grizzling, wetting their pants or wanting you to bring them things.

Do a 'toddler check' before starting a feed:

  • Is your toddler busy playing or sleeping?
  • Are they in a safe place?
  • Is the gate fastened?
  • Is the potty handy?
  • Is there a drink or snack within easy reach?

If your toddler likes to stay with you while you're feeding your baby, cuddling them or reading them a story at the same time could make feeding time a highlight for them too.

You could also use feed time props like dolls, which some toddlers like to look after as their own 'baby', while you feed the new baby.

An bag with some old clothes can also be a fun distraction for toddlers who like to dress up. Many toddlers will be happy drawing or playing with blocks near you while you feed the baby.

Try turning on the radio or playing music to make your baby's mealtime a relaxing experience for all of you.

Making sure that your toddler doesn't feel rejected is important, but so is your need for peace and quiet to feed your baby. Find the simplest way that works for you to have relaxing feeding times.

Resources and support

The Australian Breastfeeding association provides advice on preparing your toddler for the new baby, including how to manage breastfeeds with your toddler around.

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: May 2023


Back To Top

Need more information?

Managing a toddler and a baby - Ngala

Pregnancy and the birth of a new baby can stir up many different feelings for parents and other family members

Read more on Ngala website

New baby: helping toddlers & preschoolers | Raising Children Network

When a new baby arrives, children might feel excited but also a bit left out. Giving children plenty of attention and involving them in baby care can help.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Preparing your toddler for the new baby | Australian Breastfeeding Association

There’s no right way to prepare your toddler, but here are a few things to think about.

Read more on Australian Breastfeeding Association website

New baby: preparing your other children | Raising Children Network

If you’re having a new baby, your other children might be excited and a bit anxious. It’s good to start preparing them at least 3-4 months before the birth.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Blended families & stepfamilies: having a new baby | Raising Children Network

A new baby in a blended family or stepfamily can be exciting for everyone. But other children can also feel insecure. Get ideas to help you all adjust.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Toddler sleep: what to expect | Raising Children Network

Toddlers need 11-14 hours of sleep in 24 hours, usually 10-12 hours at night and 1-2 hours in the day. Bedtime routines can help with toddler sleep problems.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Pregnancy: preparing for a baby | Raising Children Network

Pregnant? Here’s all you need to know to prepare your family, home and work life before your new baby arrives.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Encouraging good behaviour

You can encourage more positive behaviour in your toddler by being specific and clear in your praise and your approach to discipline.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Pets in the family

Find out how to prepare your pet for a new baby and how to teach your child to look after your pet. Learn about pet allergies and illnesses.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Moving from cot to bed: tips and ideas | Raising Children Network

Moving from cot to bed is exciting, but there’s no hurry. Safe options include a toddler bed, a mattress on the floor away from walls, or rails on the bed.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.