How to Prepare Your Child for a New Baby

Preparing your child for a new baby will make the baby’s arrival much easier and more exciting. Newborns require a lot of attention which means less attention for their older siblings. Preparing your child will help with the transition. Here are some tips on how to prepare your child for a new baby.

• Share your excitement about having a baby.
• Read them books about how babies are born
• Read them books about having a new brother or sister
• Invite them to help you shop for the new baby by letting them pick out clothes, toys, etc.
• Invite them to help you arrange and decorate the baby’s room
• Explain that babies need a lot of help and invite them to help. This will include your child in the process and give them time spent with you.
• If your child is interested invite them to a few doctor’s visits
• Prepare your child for when you go to the hospital
• If allowed, let your child visit you and the baby at the hospital
• Point out babies when out and about especially ones that are with their older sibling. This will give them a sense of being a big brother or sister.
• Visit friends with babies and point what is involved in caring for the baby
• Set aside time for you and your child without the baby
• Ask family and friends to spend time with your older child when they visit the baby
• Increase the dad time so your child doesn’t feel neglected
• Be patient with your older child as a new baby is a big change

If the transition is difficult for your older child, discuss it with your pediatrician at your next visit.