Preparing Siblings for New Baby

From LoveToKnow Baby

Preparing siblings for a new baby is important for family harmony. When the arrival of a new baby is imminent, the family dynamics can't help but change somewhat. When there are other children in the house, even more preparation must be made. While you and your spouse may be ecstatic over the news that you are pregnant, your older child may not react in quite the same manner.

Preparing Siblings for New Baby

Is there a right and wrong way to tell your child about your pregnancy? The age of your child should dictate to some degree when and how you tell about the impending arrival of her new brother or sister. Keep the following points in mind.

Unless your child is quite a bit older, you may want to wait until your pregnancy is showing before you tell her.
If you have an older child, however, you will need to tell him as soon as you are telling others. The news should come from you, not someone else.
The manner in which you speak to your child should relate to your child's age. In other words, don't use large, unfamiliar words to describe the pregnancy and birth of the new baby. Instead, keep things simple. Since your child may not have much concept of time, you may want to link the baby's due date to a specific season or event, such as summer or Halloween.
Sometimes it may help a small child understand more of what you are saying if you have some type of visuals to aid you in your discussion. These could include photo albums of your older child when she was a baby, children's videos that center around the birth of a new baby, a friend or family member who has had a baby recently, etc.

Involve Your Older Child

It is natural that your child may feel insecure and jealous at the attention this unborn child is already receiving. As you talk about the baby with friends and family, decorate the nursery, and receive gifts from others, your child may be having doubts as to whether he wants a new sibling. Try to involve your child as much as possible.

Let your child help you pick out nursery decorations and layette items.
Help your child choose a gift to give the new baby once she is born.
Invite your child to attend your baby shower, and let her open the presents.
Since you'll be receiving lots of baby gifts, plan on purchasing a few inexpensive items, which you can wrap and give to your child periodically.
Once baby has arrived, continue to let your older child help you as often as possible, even though it might take a little extra effort and patience on your part.

Communication

Sometimes preparing siblings for a new baby means simply talking to your child and anticipating her doubts, anxieties, and questions can ease her concerns.

Let her know what will happen when the due date nears. She should know where she will be staying while you are giving birth.
Talk to her about how long you'll be gone to the hospital.
Let her brainstorm with you and your spouse over possible names for the new baby.
Pack your hospital bag, and place a favorite picture of your child in it. Let her see what you've packed.
If there are sibling birth classes available in your area, you might want to enroll your child.

Finally, just remember that you won't be able to alleviate all of your child's fears. Still, with your love and patience, eventually your child and your new baby will become the best of friends!