Expecting Baby #2? How to Support Yourself and Your Toddler Through the Transition
Bringing a second baby into your family is a joyful milestone — but if you’re already parenting a toddler or preschooler, that joy can come with exhaustion, worry, and guilt. Welcoming baby #2 often means navigating not just diapers and feedings, but also big feelings, toddler transitions, and your own mental health.
The truth is, preparing for a second baby is a mental, emotional, and logistical shift for the whole family — including you.
Your Mental Health Matters, Too
Pregnancy doesn’t hit the same when you already have a child to care for. Many parents find themselves running on empty: navigating prenatal fatigue while also managing tantrums, meal prep, or bedtime routines. If you’re not glowing — that’s okay. You’re growing a baby while raising one. That’s heroic.
Perinatal mental health support is essential — especially when you're juggling fatigue, emotions, and the daily demands of parenting a toddler. Consider:
Connecting with a perinatal therapist to process fears, expectations, or overwhelm as you navigate this transition
Building a small support circle — even one trusted friend, therapist, or postpartum doula can make a difference
Exploring parent coaching or support groups to feel less alone and more equipped
Giving yourself permission to do less — rest is preparation, too
Your child doesn’t need a perfect parent — just a present one.
How to Prepare Your Toddler or Preschooler for a New Sibling
Your little one might be excited, confused, or even resistant about a new baby. That’s developmentally normal. Toddlers and preschoolers thrive on consistency and connection — and a new sibling can feel like a major disruption.
Here are a few ways to help them feel secure and included:
Read big sibling books together
These open the door for conversations and help normalize big feelings. Here are a few we recommend:
Little Miss, Big Sis by Amy Krause Rosenthal & Peter H. Reynolds
Hello in There!: A Big Sister’s Book of Waiting by Jo Witek
It’s Big Brother Time! by Nandini Ahuja
You Are New by Lucy Knisley
Involve them in preparations
Let them help pick out a baby outfit, set up the nursery, or make a “welcome gift” for their new sibling.
Role-play caregiving
Use dolls or stuffed animals to model gentle hands, diaper changes, or feeding routines.
Talk about routines ahead of time
For example: “When the baby comes, Mommy might be resting a little more, but Daddy will do bedtime stories with you.”
Prep Yourself for the Transition
It’s easy to focus on the baby checklist — but this season is about you, too.
Sleep routines now = smoother transitions later. Try gradually shifting your toddler’s bedtime if needed, or introducing independent play so you can rest more post-birth.
Have a flexible care plan. Think about who can help with childcare, meals, or emotional check-ins after the baby arrives.
Plan connection time. Even 10 minutes of focused play with your older child each day after baby arrives can go a long way in preserving their sense of security.
You’re Still the Parent They Both Need
It’s normal to worry about how your love and energy will stretch — but children don’t need equal amounts of your time every day. They need to feel seen, safe, and loved. You’ve done this once. You’ll do it again — not perfectly, but beautifully.
Get Support for Your Growing Family
Welcoming a new baby is a major transition — not just for your child, but for you, too. At Early Childhood Partners in Practice, we understand the emotional and developmental changes that come with growing your family. Whether you’re looking for support in preparing an older sibling, creating a routine that works for everyone, or tending to your own mental health, we’re here to help.
Our team offers early childhood therapy, parent coaching, and perinatal mental health support tailored to your family’s unique needs. From sibling prep to emotional regulation to postpartum transitions, we walk alongside you every step of the way.
Ready to feel more confident and connected during this next chapter? Book a free phone consultation or visit www.ecpartnersinpractice.com to learn how we can support your growing family.
