How to prepare your first born for a new baby

Welcoming a new baby at home is not an easy job for your child. First off, your child is likely to be envious of the baby who takes away all the attention from him. Secondly, as a parent, you will be completely focussed on your new born and your child will start feeling neglected. The best way to counter this is to prepare your child for the arrival of the new kid in the house.

Let your child know that he or she is going to have a kid brother or sister before the baby is born. Do not share the news early on for then your child will feel like the wait is too long. Do not say things like ‘the new baby’, for this takes away the attention from your child. Instead make him a participant, where he is the elder one and is responsible for the newcomer. Let your child help you prepare the nursery or pack your belongings when you are going to the hospital. This was your child will look forward to the arrival of the second baby.

Talk to him about his role in the new scheme of things and how he gets to be the baby’s caretaker and playmate. Last of all, do ensure that once your newborn comes home, you are still there for your first born, to hug him and hold him while you continue to look after the newborn. It lets your first born know that he has nothing to worry about.

Related posts:

1. Ask Yourself these Questions when you Prepare a Birth Plan
2. What does the baby feel during Labor? – Part 1
3. What does the baby feel during Labor? – Part 2
4. How can a Pregnancy Prep School Help You? – Part 2
5. Emergency Home Birth
6. Managing Premature Births
7. What Should You Expect Inside the Delivery Room after a Normal Delivery?
8. The Real Picture of Due Dates
9. How can a Pregnancy Prep School Help You? – Part 1
10. When is the Right Time to go to the Hospital