I have done so much chatting with the motherhood community when it comes to making this big transition. Getting ourselves ready for baby #2 is one thing, but how should we be getting Lydia ready as well? Generally, Lydia acts excited to be a big sister. However, I do worry that sharing her parents, especially her dad, may come as a shock to her.

There are definitely no right or wrong answers on how to prep little ones for this change. Every family and every child is different, so we are customizing our plan according to Lydia’s personality. Lydia does not have a competitive personality. However, even with her nurturing personality we’re still expecting a bit of jealousy. So, below are a few things we are doing to help alleviate the shock of introducing a little sister into Lydia’s life!

5 Ways We Are Getting Lydia Ready for Baby #2

1. Playing with baby dolls. This is something (luckily) Lydia has enjoyed without us making a big deal about it. She has shown real motherly qualities when it comes to caring for her dolls, so we play that up. When I see her softly talking to her dolls, wrapping them in blankets, putting them down for naps, etc – I make it a point to let her know that those are excellent big sister qualities. Every once in awhile I will ask her if she plans to do those things with her baby sister and for the most part the response has been positive! I think this has been a great way to let her know that she will have a roll to fill once her sister arrives.

2. Taking her around other babies. Lydia is a daycare kid. There is an infant side where her teachers let her interact with babies, so she is used to being around them. However, Eric and I have enjoyed watching her interact with friends’ new babies. It gives us a chance to guide her behavior around little ones so that it is not a surprise when we bring our new baby home.

3. Reinforcing the importance of sharing. I’m not actually talking about toys here. Lydia is completely attached to her dad right now. When they are playing or snuggling, I will ask her if she is going to share her daddy with her sister. We have never received a resounding “NO”, but once reality hits I would hate to see Eric stuck in the middle. He has been great about telling Lydia that there is always “room for two.” Fingers crossed that the positive reinforcement helps her maintain a positive attitude once the sharing actually has to happen!

4. Having her interact with my belly. This has been one of my favorite parts of being pregnant. She loves to talk to the baby. She will ask if the baby can come with when we travel, she kisses the belly and she even feeds the belly with a spoon! I have never been real pushy to get her to recognize that the baby is in fact in my stomach. Instead, I will ask her if she would like to read or sing to the baby and let her decide. When she gets to make the decision she lights up, but I don’t ever want to make her like I am forcing it on her.

5. Creating excitement. It has also been fun to include Lydia during our prep for the baby. She has helped me get the nursery ready by picking out paint colors and sorting through clothes and toys. She also received a “big girl bed” in exchange for her crib and helped us move it into the nursery. I am hoping that including her in making these changes is easing her into her roll as a big sister.

What have you guys done to help your kiddos out while transitioning from only child to becoming a sibling? Please comment below!