What makes a toddler with a new baby sibling happy?

Just keep him included .. I pretend my baby gives his big brother hugs and he loves it lol he’s always asking for hugs or giving his little brother kisses .. I let him pick out babies clothes too or throw the diapers away 😆

Quality time/attention, and inclusion as @Sarah said

Our newborn gave her sister a big sister book

This will be my life next month. I’ve been told quality time with just you is important, helping is great but some toddlers can see the baby as a burden or a job helping mum all the time. I’ve been told by older mums to make time just for her, when baby is asleep it’s all about us two and trying to do little things like leave baby with dad and take toddler to the park. They miss that one on one with mum x

@Sarah thank you! I like the idea of him picking out clothes. How cute!!

@Mei 👍

This was me a few months back and toddler was just about to turn 3. Definitely give the choice of inclusion but don’t push it or guilt trip into doing things. Also because baby is so new you might have the urge to say no to things but try to avoid as much as possible eg when they ask to hold. When they both need you at the same time make sure it’s not always baby you put first and when you do, try to explain. My son also likes when I set up activities for him or play with him, anything that shows you still have time for them. We also got a gift basket for him and 4 months later he still remembers which items his sister got for him and will talk about it. Also as hard as it may be, patience and grace for the tantrums toddler might experience.

@Natisha I love these ideas so much. You are the best. Thank you. ❤️ how did you frame the gift basket idea?

I just bought little items like cars, colouring book, story etc (things I thought he could do next to me while in bed with baby) and after I got out of hospital, I left it on table for him to find and told him it was from baby, she wanted to get him a present for being the best big brother and she can’t wait to watch him play with the stuff etc. Thankfully he didn’t ask anything like how did she get it 😂

Idk mine was just sweet and happy to have him from the beginning. Never had any issues. I think I just commented on another one of your posts. One thing he really likes is when he talks to his baby brother and I talk back for him like the baby is talking: like a puppet or something 😆 we do it with his little stuffed animals too so he asked me to talk for his brother and he loves it lol. I got in the habit of not saying “I can’t im taking care of baby right now” instead I will say “I will totally do that right after this bottle for brother!” Maybe even, “can you help me make the bottle first?”

@Cassie I love the puppet idea 🤣 yes, you did comment! Can you tell I’m nervous? Lol. Crowd sourcing like crazy 😅