Simple Ways To Strengthen The Bond Between Your Older Child And Newborn Sibling

Managing a toddler and a newborn in the same household can feel like a delicate balancing act. Each age group requires different forms of stimulation, and the presence of a mobile toddler significantly impacts how engaged I need to be with either child at any moment. “Hold my ‘cold’ coffee” has become my daily parenting mantra. In the midst of this juggling, I’ve discovered that utilizing mom hacks has turned into a necessity, especially when there are multiple kids to consider.

Initially, I struggled with the concept of time management between my children. My favorite mom hacks often center around ‘sharing’ time. When the hack facilitates a connection between the older child and the newborn, it’s a win-win for both me and the kids. Recently, I stumbled upon a hack from Leah Turk (@theptparent) on Instagram. As a mom and pediatric physical therapist, she expressed her concerns about making each child feel “special and connected” while awaiting the arrival of her second child. Her charming viral video perfectly addresses this issue. Turk claims that the hack can foster a sibling bond, and it’s no surprise that the video has been viewed over 900,000 times, accumulated over 21,000 likes, and been shared more than 25,000 times. If you have an older child and a newborn, be sure to save this tip as I did.

The Viral Sibling Bonding Activity

Turk’s viral hack is so straightforward that I’ve incorporated it into our morning routine ever since I discovered it. An Instagram user, @1_rubina, concurred, stating, “This is the first time a post says easy activity and it is actually easy lol.”

The video displays Turk’s baby engaged with a DIY black-and-white high-contrast photo during tummy time. The talented artist behind the creation? Her adorable toddler. You can see the toddler doodling with a black, washable marker on multiple sheets of paper. Turk suggests having your toddler create contrast cards for the baby to look at during tummy time. If you decide to give it a try, the supplies are simple and likely already in your home: white paper and black markers, crayons, or paint. Once your toddler completes their artwork, they can proudly present their charming creation to their newborn sibling. How precious is it that your toddler plays a role in fostering their sibling’s brain development?

Parents are Exploring the Sibling Bonding Hack with Their Newborns

I’m not alone in recognizing the brilliance of this hack. An Instagram user, @rell_ja, commented, “Love this! Instead of buying cards, just create 🙌.” My toddler enjoys drawing and likes to assist me with his little brother at times. Watching his face brighten when the baby coos and smiles at his creations not only warms my heart but his as well. Turk also shared that her toddler, Charlotte, said, “She likes it!” while watching a video where Willow gazed at a card she had made, and expressed a desire to create another picture for Willow 🥹😂💗.

The Benefits of High-Contrast Cards for Newborns

Snuggling with my newborn was my favorite way to pass the time during those long, early days, but my son’s pediatrician also recommended engaging playtime activities during his alert periods. Initially, I wondered, “How can you ‘play’ with a newborn?”

One effective way to stimulate your newborn is to present them with high-contrast images. Turk has already demonstrated this in her video, but why specifically black-and-white drawings? The simple answer is that newborns do not perceive color until they’re around four to five months old. Most of what they see is fuzzy. Those high-contrast baby toys you may have added to your baby registry are ideal since they allow infants to see the images more clearly. Exposure to high-contrast visuals enhances their visual and cognitive development.

Additional Playtime Activities for Your Newborn

Tummy Time

Merely showing your infant black-and-white images is not the only…

One effective approach to assist babies in achieving their developmental milestones is tummy time. This activity is beneficial as it “helps babies develop the muscles in their back, neck, and trunk,” enabling them to support their bodies and heads independently. According to Pathways, it is recommended to distribute tummy time sessions throughout the day, “adding up to an hour.”

Engage in conversation with your baby

While your little one may not be able to articulate words just yet, you might hear them cooing or babbling. Help Me Grow MN emphasizes that speaking to your baby “promotes communication and language development.”

Infant massages

One of my favorite techniques for soothing my baby is through infant massages. These gentle rubdowns can aid in better sleep, promote calmness, enhance digestion, and alleviate colic symptoms. It’s wise to consult your healthcare provider for proper techniques.

Sing and play music

Have you ever considered why your baby drifts off to the sound of gentle lullabies? Dr. Renee A. Alli explains that music aids infants in “connecting, communicating, moving, relaxing, coordinating, and feeling pleasure.” Honestly, I would be remiss if I didn’t admit to occasionally falling asleep to my baby’s soothing lullaby collection.

Sometimes, my toddler’s artwork consists of lines and squiggles, but this morning’s creation is particularly special to me. He is a huge fan of Blue’s Clues and excitedly identified it as Blue, Josh, and Magenta. I might transform these drawings into a board book to cherish and share later. When they grow up, I’ll have tangible evidence of their adorable sibling bond.