What To Do and Say When Your Toddler Wakes the Newborn?

Managing Sibling Dynamics During Nap And Bedtime

When you have one baby, naptime feels simple — just put them in their room, turn on the baby monitor, and go about your day.

But when baby number two arrives, everything changes. Now you’re balancing a busy toddler who needs attention and the newborn’s new rhythms.

Naptimes were the hardest for me. I had a newborn who barely slept, and a patient toddler who loved being the big sibling. But when naptime came, frustration often took over.

“You’re waking the baby!”
“I just got them to sleep!”
“Please be quiet!”
These words are easy to say — sometimes louder or angrier than we mean.

But What If We Said This Instead?

“Loud noises wake the baby.”
“Next naptime, let’s try a quieter voice, okay?”

Framing it as something you and your toddler do together, not something they caused, makes a big difference.

Remember, Toddlers Usually Don’t Mean to Wake the Baby

It might be:

• Excitement about their new sibling
• Jealousy or confusion about their place
• A need for extra attention due to changes

Reassure your toddler: “You are my baby too, and I love you so much.”
Include them in little baby tasks like choosing clothes or helping with diapers.
Give them some special one-on-one time, even if it’s just 10 minutes.

Parenting two (or more!) is a new rhythm for everyone — it’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes. If you say the wrong thing, it’s okay. We all do. The key is to soften it later, show how to say “I’m sorry,” and keep growing together.

Final Thought

The next time your toddler wakes the baby, take a deep breath, reconnect, and refocus. You’re learning alongside them, and that’s what matters most.

We know parenting isn’t always easy — especially with siblings and naptime battles. That’s why we create wholesome, ready-to-heat meals to give you one less thing to worry about. Focus on your family, and leave the mealtime stress to us.