I was super excited that JC Toys was on board with sending me a doll to support us in preparing Miss M for her new baby sister! All opinions are my own.
One of the things that I have been doing to prepare for our second bundle of joy is reading up on how do we prepare our toddler for a new baby. I have read some great tips that I plan to implement like doing a family hospital tour and having a gift for the toddler from the baby when they visit the hospital. But what I have read most often is mimic having a baby around. That can be spending time in the church nursery, holding friends babies or playing with one at home.
That is why I wanted to get a realistic newborn doll from JC Toys for us to have at home. A way for us to play and interact daily with a baby. I liked the Newborn Soft Body Baby Doll because it came with some accessories and feels more realistic rather than an all plastic doll. Once we received the doll I was impressed with the quality of clothes and blanket it came with. It seems like it will be durable even with our busy toddler.
The day that we gave the doll to Miss M we spent some time playing with the doll and taking care of her. Miss M’s aunt gave us her Little Tikes Crib from when she was a kid so we also have a special bed for the doll as well.
Although we decided not to use pacifiers with Miss M she knew exactly what to do with it. She knew the baby needed it in her mouth. After a few tries she was able to get it into the baby’s mouth on her own.
She also knew what to do with the bottle. She pretended to go to the fridge and fill it with milk for the baby. Since we plan to nurse again with baby number two I am not really sure how to explain or prep for that. Do I start acting like I am nursing the baby?! ha! (Thoughts in comments below appreciated!)
As she got a little more comfortable and confident she transitioned to holding the baby by herself. She started walking around with her in one hand and moving the baby’s legs so the baby could sit on her hip.
That day at nap time she insisted on doing the nap routine we do with her with the baby. She “fed” the baby yogurt, read her stories, sang her songs and finished up with hugs and kisses. Very sweet to witness! She is going to be a great big sister!
One of the things that caught Miss M’s attention the most was the fact that the baby had a tongue. It was one of the first things she noticed! That goes to show just how realistic and detailed these babies are from JC Toys.
If you have a toddler and are expecting a new baby I recommend you getting a newborn doll from JC Toys to help prepare them! Miss M has been really enjoying this baby and learning about being gentle, kind and caring which all will be great skill sets for when the real baby comes!
What have you thought about doing to prepare your toddler for the new baby?
Until Next Time- Truly Love,
Cassie
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