Preparing Your Child for a New Baby

Transitioning your child to becoming an older sibling is both exciting and challenging. While adding another child to the family provides your older child with a lifelong friend and playmate, the soon-to-be big sibling may feel reluctant to share their turf. Many parents worry about how their child will react to a new baby in the house and do their best to reassure their big kid that they are still very much loved and an important part of the family. There are some things you can do to make the transition easier for everyone. Here’s some simple do’s and don’ts for each stage of the process of adjusting to a newborn in the home.

Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, hospital procedures have changed, and siblings aren’t allowed to visit after the baby is born. You can still make introductions through a Facetime or video call. Prior to the birth, have the new big brother or sister choose a special gift for the baby that can be opened at the hospital.

During Pregnancy

What to expect: Your child may anticipate that a change is coming as they watch you prepare the nursery and get things in order. They may start to act up because they don’t fully understand what is going on and the idea of a new baby seems abstract.

Put off big changes like potty training or transitioning to a big kid bed
Get a baby doll for big brother or sister to practice baby care
Read books about families who add a new baby to the house
Spend extra time with your child and reassure them that you love them
Don’t blame your limitations on the baby or the pregnancy which can create negativity associated with the baby
Don’t promise an instant playmate

At Home

What to expect: It is normal for your child to feel left out and jealous. Your child may go out of their way to get extra attention in both positive and negative ways. It’s normal for your child to have a variety of emotions as they adjust – excitement, joy, and pride but also sadness, frustration, and jealousy. It takes time to adjust to a new family member.

Make a big deal about the baby and the new big sibling
Let them help with baby care (bring a diaper to mom, go get a clean blanket, sing a song to baby)
Set aside time to spend time alone with your big kid
Take lots of photos of the big sibling moments
Teach them the correct way to hold their new sibling without anxiety – the new baby won’t break!
Let them know baby loves them and looks up to them
Set up for distractions – have some books available to read while you are nursing or busy with baby care
Make baby wait while you help your big kid
Show them the benefits of being a big kid – big kids eat ice cream, play at the park, watch movies, and stay up later
Reassure them you love them
Don’t place expectations that are too high
Don’t expect things to be exactly the same as before. Whenever you add another person to the family, it is a big transition. Things will be different.
Don’t be surprised if your child has some behavior issues; try to be patient with their reaction to a new little one in the house

Adding another child to the family is a huge transition for any family. In time, things do fall into a routine and you will not remember when your newborn wasn’t part of the family. Your new big sibling will soon adjust to your growing family and develop a pride in their role as the older sibling.

– Sarah Lyons