How Young Siblings Can Help with a New Baby
Including toddler and preschooler siblings in a newborn’s care helps ease the transition to becoming a big sibling and supports many developmental skills.
From fetching diapers to giving goodnight kisses, there are plenty of age-appropriate ways for young kids to help care for Baby.
Keep it positive with praise, patience, and one-on-one time to make sure your little one feels seen and appreciated.
Bringing home a new baby is exciting, but it can also be a big adjustment for young siblings. One great way to help toddlers and preschoolers feel included? Give them special jobs to do with Baby! Feeling useful as a big brother or sister can boost their confidence and help ease the transition from “only child” to “older sibling.” Even better, it’s a great way to squeeze in some quality time with your older child while you’re balancing Baby’s needs.
These early experiences can lay the foundation for a loving sibling relationship—even if there are some tough feelings at first. Just be patient, meet your toddler where they are emotionally, and don’t worry if they’re not ready to help right away.
-heQIuP.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Why Letting Young Siblings Help with Baby Is Good for Their Development
Involving toddlers and preschoolers in a newborn’s daily routine can support their development in so many ways! These “little helper” moments can build key skills like:
Executive function skills: Following your directions and completing simple tasks reinforces these important life skills.
Communication skills: Watching how you talk and respond to Baby helps them learn about tone, gestures, and cues.
Social-emotional skills: Recognizing Baby’s emotions and needs teaches empathy and encourages nurturing behaviors.
Simple Ways to Involve Toddlers and Preschoolers in Baby’s Care
Here are some easy, age-appropriate activities young siblings can do to help with a newborn:
Have them fetch you a fresh diaper or distract Baby during diaper changes.
At bath time, show them how to gently wash Baby’s back with a washcloth.
Ask them what toys you should use for Tummy Time.
Tell them to sing or talk to Baby just like you do.
Show them Baby’s monitor (if you use one) and let them watch how Baby sleeps.
Have them choose a book to read for story time.
Do feeding time together; let them pick out a snack to eat while you feed Baby.
Have them play peek-a-boo or make silly faces at Baby during car rides.
Ask them to show Baby motor milestones like lifting up their head while on their tummy.
Let them try holding Baby’s bottle or “feed” a baby doll alongside you.
Tidy up Baby’s play area together—they can hand you toys or put them in bins.
Teach them how to carefully hold Baby on their lap while you sit with them to support Baby’s safety.
Let them decide what outfit Baby should wear for the day.
Ask them to show Baby their favorite activity.
Let them give Baby a kiss before they go down for a nap.
Keeping the Experience Positive for Your Tiny Helper
Helping with Baby should always feel like an invitation, not a requirement. Some days your toddler may jump at the chance to grab a diaper or choose a onesie. Other days, they may just want their own space. And that’s ok!
When they do help out, be sure to celebrate their efforts. Specific praise helps them feel proud and encourages future helping. And make sure to spend a little one-on-one time with them that’s all about them. Whether it’s reading their favorite book, playing a game they enjoy, or getting a treat together, these solo moments help remind them they’re still just as loved and important as ever.
