Managing a new baby and caring for a toddler or older children can be challenging.
Before the new baby arrives
It's important to prepare your older child for the arrival of your new baby.
Prepare your child
Have several chats with your toddler or older children about the arrival of the new baby. It's normal for them to feel a little worried about what the new addition to the family will mean for them.
Reassure them that while you will be spending time with the new baby, you will also have time for them.
Find a book with illustrations of breastfeeding mothers. This will help to explain the changes ahead. This is particularly useful for children who have never seen other mothers breastfeeding.
Use a doll or teddy to show a younger child how babies need to be cared for.
In your last few weeks of pregnancy, try going to a local breastfeeding support group. You can bring your toddler with you. If they have never seen someone breastfeeding this can be a nice relaxed environment for you and your toddler to go after the baby is born.
Preparing older children for a new sibling
Parenting advice and getting support
When the new baby arrives
In the early days, concentrate on getting breastfeeding off to a good start with your new baby. Spend some quality time with your toddler or older children in between your newborn's feeds.
Get help with:
- housework
- shopping
- cooking
- changing nappies
- bathing your baby
- winding and burping your baby
Ask our breastfeeding experts
Involve your older child
Have a little activity box ready with your older child's favourite book and soft toy.
When you're sitting down to feed your baby, ask your toddler or older child to join you and have a cuddle. They can sing to the new baby and use the activity box when they're bored.
As your baby grows
Below are some tips for taking care of older children as your newborn baby grows.
Morning time
Breastfeed and change your baby in bed in the morning.
When your baby is fed and content, it's easier to get dressed and help your other children get ready.
Night time
Night time breastfeeds are important for your growing young baby.
Make a plan for how you and your partner can care for your newborn and older child safely during the night.
Do not share a bed with your newborn, partner or older child. It can increase your baby’s risk of suffocation and cot death.
Mealtimes
Make meals that will suit everyone’s needs and ages. One-pot meals, such as stews and casseroles, are a great time saver when you're breastfeeding.
You can add a little salt or spice to your food when the children’s portions are dished out.
Sample meal plans for children age 1 to 4
Getting outside
Breastfed babies are easy to travel with. All you need to bring are nappies and wipes.
A baby sling is also a good option for getting out of the house. Always follow safety advice if you plan to breastfeed while using a baby carrier or sling.
If your baby falls asleep, remove them from the sling or baby carrier as soon as possible. Sleeping in a baby carrier or sling could block your child’s nose and mouth. This can make it harder for them to breathe.
Place them on their back to sleep. This is the safest way for your baby to sleep.
Feeding your baby in public
Feel free to feed your baby wherever you have to be with the other children.
For example, you can feed them in a:
- shopping centre
- swimming pool changing area
- parked car at an older kid's football match
You are legally entitled to breastfeed in public places.
You can bring a packed lunch for your other children to eat when you are breastfeeding.
Visiting family and friends will give you time to enjoy some adult conversation. You can also find help and support at your local breastfeeding support group.