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Getting your child to help you change their baby brother or sister's nappy is a great chance to chat.
It also provides a great opportunity for them to bond with their younger sibling and with you at the same time.
Watch the video below to see how your little one can copy you during this task by using a baby doll.
What are the benefits of getting your little one involved with nappy changes?
- By explaining what you are doing and encouraging your child to copy you, you're helping them learn how to follow step-by-step instructions.
- Talking through each step of the process, allows them to hear and learn new vocabulary.
- Asking them to fetch items for you helps develop their attention and listening skills.
- Repeating this activity with them every day, will help them make connections between the words and actions.
- Involving your older child in tasks relating to their younger sibling will help them bond and give them a sense of purpose.
How to make the most of changing your baby's nappy with your child
Ask your child if they'd like to help you. Having this time together is a great chance to talk and for siblings to start forming a bond!
You could even encourage them to copy you by using their favourite doll or teddy.
Explain to your little one what items you need to change their little sibling's nappy. This could include:
- wipes
- water
- cream
- a nappy
When you need these items, you could ask your little one to fetch them for you. The more times you repeat this activity, the more complicated you could make your instructions, to see if they can remember and follow them.
You could ask your little one what order they think they need to do things. Then, as you change your baby's nappy, explain to your child what you are doing.
When you have finished changing the nappy, say thank you to your little one for helping you. This is a great moment to show your toddler warmth, praise and attention. You could say something like, "Lucy is very lucky to have you as a big sister 鈥 you鈥檙e so helpful".
This is great for your child's self esteem and to help them feel secure in the new family dynamic.
Helping toddlers and preschoolers feel positive about a new baby
A new baby is exciting news for your family but it also means lots of changes for the older brother or sister. Young children often feel excited but also left out, especially if they can't fully express their feelings yet.
There are lots of ways you can help to prepare them for a new sibling when you are expecting and then get them involved once the baby is born.
Here are some links that can provide you more information on this subject:
- How to prepare your toddler to meet a new baby shares tips for when you are pregnant.
- We spoke to speech and language therapist Francesca Ellis to learn all about how to involve brothers and sisters in babies' development.
- How siblings can help each other learn languages.
