Preparing Your Child for New Baby
Tips for Making a Smooth Transition From Hospital to Home
Bringing a new baby into your house is thrilling. Even your child may be excited about meeting his new baby brother or sister. Learn tips to prepare for the new baby.
Bringing in a new baby is both an exciting and scary time, no matter the age of your other children. This is especially true for younger children. Your child may wonder how the baby will change his life, and whether or not you will still love him. He may not understand that the baby will stay, as very young children may think the baby is only visiting. There are many things that you can do to help your child prepare for the new baby.
Read Books and Prepare
One of the best things you can do to make sure that your child adjusts to a new baby is to prepare well in advance. You may want to allow your child to help you decorate the new nursery by drawing pictures and hanging them on the baby’s wall. You can also take your child shopping with you and let him pick out the new bedding and clothing.
Prepare your child for the baby by reading books, too. There are many good books available that you can find to fit the age level of your child. Another fun idea is to help your child make a scrapbook that prepares for the baby. You can include pages that will help your child see that he was once a baby. These are all good visual aids to help your child adjust better once the baby arrives.
It is also a good idea to let your child know where he will go when you head off to the hospital, whether it is a friend’s home or to grandma’s. Let your child pack a bag beforehand so he knows that everything that he needs or wants is ready to go.
At the Hospital
Once you go to the hospital, hopefully your child is well prepared and knows that you are only leaving for a couple of days. Have the sitter bring your child to the hospital and make sure you pay plenty of attention to your older child during visitation. Some children will take to the new baby right away, but others will feel a little timid or scared. Reassure your child that the baby is special, but that nothing can replace the way you feel about him. Take cues from your child’s emotion. If your child is excited and wants to interact with the baby, allow this to happen. If your child looks scared or nervous, never force the baby on your older child. Their relationship will develop in time.
When You Get Home
Once you arrive home, you will need your rest, but you will also need to spend time with the older child, too. When the baby is napping, now is a great time to read, play games ,or just hang out with your child. He needs time and he may feel the baby is taking you over. An older sibling may want to help you care for the baby and that is great. Even a very young child can get diapers and wipes for you or help out with dressing the baby. You will certainly need to make sure you supervise your older child with the baby, but they also need time to bond as well.
Bringing a baby into your home is a wonderful experience for both you and your older child. Give your older child plenty of time and love and they will learn to love the baby the same way.
