 According to the U.S. Census Bureau, mothers deliver more babies in July than almost any other month. And for many families this will not be their first child, as an estimated 60 percent of pregnant women are not first-time moms. Families experience an enormous amount of change after the arrival of a new child. Perhaps no one will experience this change more than an older sibling. Because of this I'd like to share a few tips about how to ease the transition of a new family member for their older siblings. Before the New Baby's Arrival: Begin discussing your pregnancy once it becomes evident to your child, or as soon as you feel comfortable. Waiting to discuss the baby's arrival with your older child often leads to increased jealousy. - Have a "baby talk:" Talk to your child about the baby, encouraging him or her to touch your belly and ask questions. If you know the baby's gender and name, begin calling the baby by this name to help your child understand that the baby is growing inside you.
- Get your older child involved: Involve your older child in preparing the baby's room. Allow your child to choose certain things for the nursery such as the room's color or a new toy for the baby. Make sure your child feels included in preparing for the baby.
In the Hospital: When your first-born comes to visit you in the hospital after the baby is born, there is potential for the situation to overwhelm him or her. Help your child feel at ease by having a plan for making him or her continue to feel special.
- Be hands-free at the hospital: When your older child arrives, have another person hold the newborn. With your hands free, you'll be able to greet your older child. Remember, your older child is there to visit you, and seeing you with the new baby right away could cause confusion and anger.
- Remind guests to visit with the older child: Ask friends and family to greet your older child first before lining up to see the newborn. Also, have them talk about how fortunate the newborn is to have your older child as a big brother or sister.
At Home: Once you bring your newborn home, make efforts to be sensitive to your older child as he or she experiences and adapts to the changes in the family. - Ask for help: Encourage your older child to help you care for the new baby. Ask him or her to choose the baby's clothes or help you with diapers when needed.
- Encourage interaction: Allow your older child to interact with the baby, playing with the baby's feet and hands instead of sensitive body parts such as the head. If your child is old enough, have him or her hold the baby while sitting down and with adult supervision.
- Dedicate special time: Spend special time with your older child without the baby. Have a friend or family member care for the newborn while your older child chooses an activity for you to do together.
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