CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Q&A: Will My Toddler Be Jealous?

Will my toddler be jealous when I breastfeed my new baby?
save article
profile picture of Erin van Vuuren
Updated January 30, 2017
Hero Image

Maybe. It’s normal for siblings (and moms) to go through a range of emotions when baby number two joins the family. Your toddler might be proud, curious, confused, excited…and, yes, jealous. Family dynamics change, and everyone has to do a little adjusting. Before baby arrives, it can be helpful to teach your toddler about babies, how they act and how they look, and let them know that they need to nurse a lot. If your child isn’t still nursing, explain it to her. Show her pictures, and let her be around breastfeeding babies. (If she is still breastfeeding, talk to her about tandem nursing.)

When baby arrives, let your toddler be a big helper when you are breastfeeding. (She can bring things to you, like the phone, remote, or a water bottle.) You can also give her attention while you nurse by reading with her, playing games (Simon Says works well), singing songs, or telling her stories about when she was a baby. Just strategically place a pillow or two so that you have a free hand.

It’s also okay to let your toddler do her own thing while you breastfeed. Set her up with activities that don’t require your help, and feel free to take time to focus in on baby (and mommy).

It’s normal to feel guilty for bringing big changes into your toddler’s life, but give yourself a break; baby and toddler will be a huge, wonderful part of each other’s lives.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

Big Brother Gifts
22 Best Big Brother Gifts to Get Him Excited About Baby
By Danielle Halibey
couple walking, expectant mom and partner with toddler
How to Prepare Your Toddler for Baby’s Arrival
By Christin Perry
Pregnant mom sitting on the couch with her son who is touching her belly.
Montessori-Based Tips for Preparing Your Child for Baby’s Arrival
By Simone Davies and Junnifa Uzodike
ADVERTISEMENT
mindy kaling in interview about being a new mom
Mindy Kaling on How She Kept Her Second Pregnancy Secret for So Long
By Nehal Aggarwal
13 Signs You’re Ready for Another Baby
13 Signs You’re Ready for Another Baby
By Sarah Yang
hilary duff walking outside in exercise clothes
Hilary Duff Opens Up About Having Mom Guilt During Second Pregnancy
By Nehal Aggarwal
Pregnant mom sits with her young daughter eating ice cream
7 Ways to Prep Your Child for Baby No. 2
By Jennifer L.W. Fink
ADVERTISEMENT
mom with her toddler next to her, both looking away
What It’s Like to Struggle Getting Pregnant With Baby No. 2
By Avani Modi Sarkar
3 Reasons Why Having a Second Child Is Much Easier Than Having Your First
3 Reasons Why Having a Second Child Is Much Easier Than Having Your First
By Jayne Heinrich
pregnant mom with her toddler toddler
10 Things You Need to Know When Gearing Up for a Second Pregnancy
By Rachel Morris
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman with her young child
Here's How Long You Should Really Wait Between Pregnancies, According to Research
By Stephanie Grassullo
Pregnant woman standing with her older child peering at her pregnant stomach.
Prepping for Baby No. 2
By Elena Donovan Mauer
older sibling happily holding her newborn sister
Why Motherhood Was Easier the Second Time Around
By Natalie Thomas
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman with husband and daughter outside on a dock
I Never Thought I’d Have a Second Child—Here’s What Changed My Mind
By Natalie Thomas
daughter hugging pregnant mom
The Impossible Task of Preparing for Baby No. 2
By Leslie Bruce
Baked by Melissa headshot
How Baked by Melissa's Founder Is Preparing Her Daughter to Be a Big Sister
By Melissa Ben-Ishay
Big sister emotionally looking on in the delivery room as her baby sister is delivered
Big Sister Emotionally Helps Deliver Mom's Rainbow Baby
By Anisa Arsenault
ADVERTISEMENT
Little boy holding newborn baby brother
Big Brother Demands Career Plans From Newborn (Watch)
By Anisa Arsenault
family with three kids hanging out on couch.
Why I Don’t Need a ‘Logical’ Reason to Want Another Baby
By Mercedes R. Donis
Will I Love My Second Child as Much as I Love My First?
Will I Love My Second Child as Much as I Love My First?
By Danielle Koubaro
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List