How to Prepare a Sibling for the Arrival of a New Baby!
How to Prepare a Sibling for the Arrival of a New Baby!
You might be excited about the thought of having another baby to complete your family, however, your first born little darling may not quite feel comfortable with the concept of having a sibling! The spotlight that was on her all these years is about to shift and she might feel threatened and confused. To help her make the transition as smooth as possible, let her enjoy and be involved in the whole experience of having a little brother/sister.
It is essential to prepare a sibling for the arrival of a brand-new baby as much in advance as you can. Inform him he is soon going to have a buddy as soon as you start to show. Address the baby as his little 'sister' or 'brother'. Include him in all choice making about the brand-new baby. You can even take him along to the doctor on your antenatal visits (if you have the energy!) so that he can listen to your child's heart beats. Be prepared to have a bombardment of questions thrown at you about the baby in your belly.
Be prepared to have a bombardment of questions thrown at you about the baby in your belly.
How will the baby come out?
How did the baby get there? Good luck with that one!
Why is your belly so big?
Can I see it now?
When will it come?
Do I have to give it my toys?
Discuss his favourite child names to christen his sibling. Involve him in decorating the nursery or take him shopping for a few of baby's first clothing items. Ask him to select a toy for his brand-new sister/brother.
If your toddler is still sleeping in your bedroom, and you intend to make the shift to his own room, do so sooner rather than later. By doing this before the new baby's arrival, your toddler will not feel like he is being displaced to make room for the new baby. Patience please!
Do not be alarmed at the volley of concerns your little one fires at you when you break the news to him. Tackle his issue with patience and understanding.
Read books about pregnancy, birth and children to him. Look through your photo albums together of him when he was a baby and compare his baby photos and explain how small he was and how much he's changed. He is growing into a BIG BOY.
I want some attention!
Even if she appears excited about the new baby, it is normal for an older sibling to feel overlooked after a new baby arrives. It might be a rude awakening for her not to see the perfect playmate she was expecting, but instead to be presented with an infant that only sleeps, cries, feeds and pees all the time.
Even if you do your best to prepare a sibling for the arrival of a brand-new baby adequately, do not be shocked if she gets back to thumb-sucking, throws a tantrum, goes back to baby-talk or starts bed wetting.
If she opts to ignore the child, do not force her to do otherwise. Let her take her own time to get used to this other human being.
It might be a good idea to buy a small present for your toddler from the new baby and give it to them when they come to visit the hospital.
We are a family
Try to involve her in activities like bath time, feeding and rocking the baby. Even the simplest of things like fetching the wet wipes or nappy from the changing bag will help her feel involved and never forget to give praise her for her efforts.
Spare some time on a daily basis to be alone with your toddler. Do make an effort to talk about something else besides the baby.
With a little assistance from you, soon you will be surprised to see big brother smothering his little sis with all his love and affection.