Last Updated on October 28, 2021 by
I have always heard that time flies when you have kids. Until we had Levi, I never really understood the true meaning of those words. The time really does fly! We have a two year old and another baby on the way in just a few short months! It seems like yesterday we were bringing Levi home from the hospital. Having a toddler can be difficult some days, they go through so many various phases and have so many big emotions going on. Prepping for a new baby with a toddler? It can be really difficult! We have implemented a few things since finding out I was pregnant to help prepare Levi for the big change that our family is about to experience. If you’ve been through this transition, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Talk to them, even if you don’t think they understand. Levi is at the age where he understands way more than he can communicate. He does great at helping with chores and following commands, but isn’t fully versed in the English language yet. At times, this can be frustrating. I’ve learned though, that the more I explain things to him (where we are going, what we are doing, etc.), the less he gets frustrated and overwhelmed. I’m putting this same theory into practice with the new baby. I talk about her often and tell him he will be a great big brother. We point to my belly and talk about ‘baby’ and we also talk about her when I purchase or bring new things home for her.
Let Them Know They Are Still Important. During pregnancy, it can be easy to get caught up in well, pregnancy. Not feeling well, preparing for the new baby, the excitement surrounding the new addition- these can all be overwhelming for parents- even when it’s your second time around. Reminding your toddler that they are still important and taking time daily for them is key to helping your toddler understand what’s going on. While you don’t want to spoil them or take away their independent play time, it’s important to spend time with them daily reading books, playing and letting them know that you are still focused on them and love them just as much as before.
Let Them Help. Levi loves helping with chores around the house. He can do simple things such as throwing trash away, putting pillows on the bed, etc. I have a feeling that his love for helping will come in handy when the baby is here and will also help him feel included.
Have Them Practice. If your toddler has a favorite stuffed animal, that’s perfect to help them practice on for when baby is here! Levi has a lamb that is his favorite stuffed animal (as you can see in the photos, the lamb has been through it haha!). We recently put together Rebecca’s EveryWay soother from Graco and Levi not only “helped” Josh assemble it, he also loves putting his lamb in the soother and practicing with it!
The EveryWay Soother with Removable Rocker from Graco is one of the cutest pieces of baby gear that I have seen- it matches Rebecca’s room perfectly! Not only is it adorable, it’s also multi-functional which is huge for baby #2 – less pieces of baby gear to have to purchase and store! A few of my favorite features are:
- Eight ways to swing and two directions mean 16 soothing motions to comfort and soothe baby
- Eight ways to swing: arch, swing, bounce, figure 8, circle, wave, zig-zag and sway
- Multi-direction seat allows baby to enjoy either side-to-side or front-to-back swinging for more soothing options
- Baby swing seat conveniently doubles as a removable baby rocker to keep baby happy by your side throughout the home
- Six swing speeds allow Mom to adjust to baby’s preference, helping ensure a soothing pace
