Charlie loves to help out with his brother! We try to make him feel as though we need his help, but don’t pressure him into helping. Make sure not to rush your toddler while they are helping or they might resent you or the baby. From the beginning, we made sure Charlie knew that Owen loved him and loves when Charlie helps. Though toddlers might not be able to completely do a task on their own yet, they can certainly get involved and feel important in taking care of their new baby sibling.
- pick out outfits
- “read” to baby
- bring diaper supplies
- throw the dirty diaper away
- wipe baby’s mouth after spit-up
- sing baby a song
- hold a bottle
- show baby how to play with toys
- hold baby (with supervision of course)
- help wash baby during bath time
These are just some of the ways a toddler can help with a new baby. How did your children help when their new sibling arrived?
Robin Rue says
When my oldest was a toddler, he definitley helped with his new baby brother. He was my diaper getter, so anytime I needed a new diaper, he knew his services were needed.
Aimee Fauci says
I have a home daycare and my toddler that I care is ALWAYS caring for the little one… I should really pay her! She makes him laugh, tell me if he is doing naughty, gets him toys and etc..
♡ Toodies Momma ♡ says
These are wonderful ways for toddlers to spend time and help with a new baby. I think it’s so important to allow them to step in and be a part of the process. It gives them a chance to bond and to create a special relationship with their sibling.
Saving Said Simply says
Peek a boo was a good one 🙂
traceynicole says
Great tips and advice. It’s nice to get the toddlers involved too
jaimemckee says
We don’t have a second child, but I could totally see my toddler helping “read” to a baby. His daycare provider gets him involved with helping with babies there.
redheadbabymama says
Good tips. I can tell that you have your hands full.
Amy @ Marvelous Mommy says
My oldest was (and still is) always great about wanting to help! She still brings me diapers!
Karen Koblan says
This is so sweet! I only have one but I could see how helpful this could be!
Jenni E. says
Those are all great ways to let big brother or sister help with the baby. Not only super helpful for momma, but to make them feel like they’re really helping!
brett says
my oldest LOVED helping with bathtime. she also really liked choosing diapers (we did cloth) and helping to fasten diapers
homemakinghacks says
These are such great ideas! Such a good idea on so many levels. Wonderful for building relationships and bonding as well as building self esteem. Love it!
jbuggica says
I think it’s so cute when older siblings help with new babies. I remember doing the same with my brother.
valmg says
I love the idea of a child singing to their baby brother or sister!
Jenn @ The Rebel Chick says
it’s great when little ones help! Helping read to a baby would be fun, bonding and help reinforce learning skills.
Veronica Solomon says
I used to be scared to death to have my daughter hold my son, and they were like 5 years apart. It always so sweet seeing how much they want to help out
Krissy Higgins says
I will have to share this with my sister – her and her husband are working on baby #2, and my nephew is 3. He is quite a Mama’s boy, so I think these tips would help him transition into ‘big boy’ and be a helper.
Keikilani Jackson says
This is a good list. Including your children in taking care of the new baby is such a good way to let them know they aren’t excluded.
Teresa McCluskey says
Good ideas! My daughters are only 18 months apart but my oldest tries to play mommy!
Virginia @thatbaldchick says
Great ideas. My 6 yo loves to read to his baby sister.
Amanda says
Great ideas! Toddlers love to help out around the house!
Debra Rutt says
Great ideas to keep siblings involved. Makes them feel like they are helping and not “forgotten.”
Dina Demarest says
aww toddlers do love to help don’t they. Having them sing to baby is a great idea.
mail4rosey says
Toddlers LOVE to help w/baby too!! Very nice! 🙂
Krystal says
What a sweet post. My son would love to read to a little brother or sister… if we ever decide to have one! 😉
Janel C. says
This is a great list for older siblings to get involved with the newest addition of their family. Thanks for sharing!
passaskat says
Alice is designated foot bather. It makes her love bathtime.
SippyCupMom says
GREAT tips! My son has been a huge help with my twins. He likes being an awesome big bro.
Chrysa Duran says
These are some great ideas. It’s so good for toddlers to feel a part of caring for baby!
Desiree Morris says
Leo loves to try to feed his sister, and helps me with diaper changes. I love it when he helps me.
Erica says
Gosh where was this post 13 years ago?! My kids are 25 months apart. This would have been a great list back then!
Cassie Tucker says
My niece was 3 when my nephew was born and my sister-in-law was always looking for little ways for her to help. My niece’s favorite way was that she would sing him Disney songs to fall asleep to.