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Welcoming a New Baby: Tips to Prepare Yourself and Your Child

A new addition to your home.

Bringing home a new baby is an exciting event for the entire family. However, it requires a lot of preparation and is also a time for adjustment for both you and your older child. While a sibling is a very special gift that your child will treasure throughout their life, in addition to the excitement, the older sib may feel ignored, jealous, or even angry at times. A good way to imagine what your child is going through is by imaging how you would feel if someone told you that because they love you so much, they want another person just like you. While preparing your home for the arrival of the new baby, it is important that you also prepare your older child.

How to help your family adjust

Keep your older child in the loop. It is important that you tell your child early about the new baby. Not only do they need time to adjust, but you also do not want them to hear it from someone else first. Include them from the start, especially if they are older, by bringing them to doctor's appointments, letting them hear the baby's heartbeat, and assisting in any preparations. Involve them in some decision-making so they realize the importance of their role as an older sibling. Most importantly, make sure they know what to expect when the big moment arrives by letting them know things like how long you will be gone and where they will stay. Some hospitals have classes for siblings as well as parents that you should ask about.

Keep your eyes and ears open. Be sure to listen to and observe your child throughout the pregnancy. Ask them often how they feel about the new baby. There are many children's books you can read to them about have a baby and becoming a sibling. Try and visit a friend with a new baby with your child, and use a doll to practice holding a baby. Share with them stories and pictures from when they were a baby. Your child may not be interested in talking about the new baby, and that is normal. While they may regress or need a little extra TLC, do not bend the rules.

Set aside some one-on-one time. After the arrival of the new baby, make sure you set aside some one-on-one time with your child. Make them feel like the important older sibling. Include them in a certain errand or task that just you two share. Be the one to tuck them in, give a bath, or read an extra story at bedtime. You might also arrange for some one-on-one dad time or time with another relative to make them feel special.

Take care, of your own needs. You will be even more exhausted the second time around because you now have multiple children to care for. There are several ways in which you can get organized before the baby comes including stocking up on easy meals, lining up some help, arranging for child care and taking time out for yourself or spending time with another adult.

Some Recommended Parenting Books

• How To Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk
  by Faber and Mazlish
  
  
• Siblings without Rivalry
  by Faber and Mazlish
  
  
• Boundaries with Kids
  by Cloud and Townsend
  
  
• Parenting with Love and Logic
  by Cline and Fay
  
  
• Teen Proofing: Fostering Responsible Decision Making in Your Teenager
  by Rosemond
  
  
• The Shelter of Each Other
  by Pipher