A children's psychologist has identified a common error parents make when introducing their older child to a newborn. Dr Becky, founder of Good Inside, suggests that having the baby in the room during the first meeting can make the toddler feel like an outsider.
Speaking on the podcast 'Two Parents & A Podcast', Dr Becky advised parents to keep the newborn in the nurse's station or a separate room when the older sibling arrives. This allows the toddler to focus on reconnecting with the parent first, then choose to meet the baby on their own terms.
Dr Becky explained: 'If Tate comes in and it's the two of you and the new baby, in some ways she's walking into someone else's family.' By having the baby out of sight initially, the toddler feels more in control and less displaced.
However, the advice has sparked debate on social media. Some commenters argued that removing the baby from the room is impractical, especially in non-hospital settings. Others supported the approach, saying involving the toddler early and making them feel included—like calling the baby 'theirs'—can ease the transition.
Dr Becky acknowledged that not all toddlers will want to see the baby immediately, and that's fine. The key is to let the child lead the interaction, ensuring they feel like a protagonist in the new family dynamic.
