Introducing your toddler to the new baby

Now that I've got a 2 year old and a 3 month old to worry about at the same time, I understand that its very overwhelming to introduce a toddler to the family's new addition. Here are some tips that helped me (and continue to help me as my toddler becomes acquainted with his sibling) when I brought Jiro home from the hospital to meet Tachi, his big brother. I hope these tips are helpful for you!

1.   Prepare your toddler during your pregnancy by talking about the new baby and playing "baby" with stuffed animals or dolls. Pretend to rock the baby, burp the baby, change the baby. Talk to your toddler about how he/she is going to be a big brother or sister and how they are going to be Mommy's helper. 
2. When you are in the early stages of introducing your toddler to their sibling, encourage him/her to be involved in caring for the baby. Don't be disappointed if they are completely uninterested in their new sibling for the first week or so. This is when you need to set aside time to pay special attention to your toddler. 
3. When relatives/friends come to meet the new baby, make sure they visit with your toddler first so that he/she feels important and loves. Include your toddler, and refer to them by their name instead of "big brother" or "big sister." 
4. Talk to your toddler as you do things for the new baby. Explain to them what you are doing and why. Tell them about the baby and practice saying the baby's name. Let your toddler pet, kiss and cuddle the baby. Use words like "gentle," "easy," and "nice." Praise them for showing affection to the baby and tell them how good of a sibling they are.
5. If your toddler shows interest (and if they are able to), let them hold the bottle for the baby. Ask them to grab a pacifier or to bring you a diaper. Be sure to thank them for their help. (My toddler loves to throw the dirty diapers in the trash for me and brings the bottle to me when it is out of reach. He is very helpful)
6. Include everyone when its "tummy time" for your new baby. Mommy, toddler and baby can all have tummy time while playing with small toys together. Baby will lift his/her head up to watch the toys. As your toddler gets more adjusted, encourage them to share toys and interact with their growing sibling.
7. If your toddler goes through a phase where they want to be "babied," that's okay. Baby them occasionally. My toddler wanted me to hold his sippy cup for him like a bottle, and that's okay if you don't make a habit of it. Cuddle and show affection to your toddler as often as possible. Remind them that they are your baby, too.
8. Last but not least, RELAX. If you are anxious whenever your toddler gets near the new baby, your toddler will pick up on that and will adopt those feelings as their own. If you are relaxed and at ease, your toddler will know that you trust him/her around the baby and they will be less likely to act out in a negative way.  

Tachi helping me with feeding Jiro and playing with Jiro during tummy time.