Bringing home a new baby is a life-changing moment—not just for you, but for your toddler too. One minute they’re the centre of attention, and the next, they’re sharing your love, space, and time. It’s no surprise that this transition can feel confusing, exciting, or even overwhelming for little ones.
That’s where thoughtful sibling bonding activities come in. These gentle, everyday interactions help toddlers and newborns build trust, affection, and familiarity. Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your growing crew, these ideas can make the early days of siblinghood feel special—not stressful.
Start Small, Stay Close
You don’t need elaborate plans or Pinterest-perfect projects to help your toddler bond with their baby sibling. In fact, the most meaningful moments are often the smallest ones.
Involve your toddler in simple tasks that make them feel helpful and included. Ask them to bring over a burp cloth, choose a nappy, or softly sing to the baby during feed time. These little responsibilities give toddlers a sense of purpose and make them feel like an important part of the baby’s life.
Even creating a small morning ritual—like saying “Good morning, baby!”—can nurture familiarity and affection. And if you’re looking for a way to help them proudly embrace their new role, a fun gift like a big sister sunflower shirt can be a powerful visual cue. It tells your toddler, You matter. You have a special place here.
Make Room for Play (Even When They’re Not Quite Playing Together)
Your toddler may be ready to jump into games and toys, while your newborn is still adjusting to the world. The good news? They don’t have to play together in the traditional sense to build a connection.
Set up safe, parallel play opportunities. Let your toddler play with blocks while the baby relaxes nearby in a bouncer. Encourage them to “read” a board book aloud, show toys to their sibling, or imitate grown-up behaviour with doll care or pretend feeding.
These types of toddler and baby bonding activities help your toddler become more comfortable around the baby and encourage empathy. They're also a great way to promote gentle, supervised interaction. Even imaginative dress-up games—where your toddler plays “super big sister” in a themed shirt—can turn into sweet bonding moments.
Routines That Build Connection Without Extra Effort
Sometimes, the most powerful sibling bonding happens during the simplest parts of your day.
Incorporate the baby into routines your toddler already knows. Invite them to say goodnight to the baby before bed, or let them help sing a lullaby. Have them place a soft toy next to the bassinet or “help” fold the baby’s onesies during laundry time.
These daily touchpoints encourage familiarity and shared experiences without putting pressure on either child. They also teach your toddler that the baby is part of the rhythm of life—not a disruption to it.
If you’re already building routine into their day, a subtle reinforcement like a personalised big sister shirt can help tie it all together—reminding your toddler that their new role is something to be proud of.
Celebrate Their New Role in a Tangible Way
Toddlers thrive on being seen, acknowledged, and celebrated. So when a new sibling enters the family, it helps to highlight how special and important their new role is.
You don’t need to go over the top. A small gift, like a storybook about being a big sibling or a cute big sister shirt, can go a long way. Take a photo together wearing matching or themed outfits, or make a big deal out of their first “big helper” moment, like fetching a nappy or singing a lullaby.
These tangible acknowledgements help toddlers emotionally process the change in the family dynamic and reduce feelings of jealousy. More importantly, they give your child a sense of pride—and that emotional confidence can be the foundation of a healthy sibling bond.
The Little Moments That Make a Big Difference
There’s no perfect formula for sibling bonding, but what matters most is showing up with intention, patience, and love. Whether your toddler is reading to the baby, helping with nappy changes, or simply wearing their “big sister” title with pride, each interaction adds a layer of trust and connection.
Start with small, consistent moments. Let your toddler grow into their role at their own pace. These gentle interactions not only build connection but also go a long way in supporting your toddler’s transition to big sibling life.
Looking for thoughtful ways to welcome your toddler into their new role? Explore our curated collection of sibling-themed pieces, including big sister shirts that help make growing families feel closer.