Are you expecting a second child? Then you must be concerned about how to prepare your first child about the new baby. Thinking about ways for the introduction of the new baby to the older one is not going to help. You should be taking practical steps for that. What steps should you take? In order to address this question, we are writing this article. It can provide you with some general tips that you can customise to fit it according to your family.
The new child is going to be part of your family, so you must try your best to make some space for him/her before she joins the family. At the same time, you must also make sure that your older child doesn’t feel excluded. Here are some tips to help with this transition.
1. Tell the older child about the sibling before arrival
Even if your older child is not too big, you must tell him/her about the new baby. You don’t necessarily have to guide them about the process and all. Creating an urge to have a sibling would do. Try to tell them the benefits that they would get if they have a smaller baby at home. This will not only mentally prepare for a new family member to be coming to the family but would also increase the acceptance level.
2. Give them a present
You should make sure to make a point of interaction between the two siblings pleasant. It could be done by giving your older kid a gift for becoming an elder child. This will create positive vibes and increase the chances of acceptance of the baby.
3. Give them attention
Don’t let your older kid assume that the little one is getting more attention. Make sure to express your emotions in the form of hugs, kisses, and even spending some alone time together with the kid, when your younger one would be sleeping. This will help your child know that no one is taking his/her place, and he/she still holds an important position in the family.
4. Listen to your kid
You might be thinking that everything is fine if your older kid adjusts to the new situation. But it necessarily is not. You need to talk things out. Let your elder child speak out and share his/her thinking. This will help you in knowing what they are thinking, and you’ll be able to adjust your efforts in a better way.
5. Include the elder kid to take care of the younger one
Don’t exclude your elder kid while taking care of the younger one. You can get a helping hand from them. For example, you can ask them to soothe a baby while crying for help in making the feeder. This will create a better bond between the siblings, and you’ll also get some help.
6. Read stories about babies
Reading books can provide answers to some common questions and debunk myths inside our little one’s head.
These are some common titles to introduce a new baby sibling.
7. Give them a baby doll to look after
For your child to understand some of the responsibilities of a parent, you can provide your child with a baby doll. You can teach them activities that they need to do to look after a baby. For example, putting on clothes, making sure they have a blanket on when they are cold, feeding them and bathing them.
When the baby arrives, this method can also help occupy them when you need to attend to your newborn. For example, if you are bathing the newborn, you can get your firstborn to wash their baby.
These are some of the tips that you can try. However, these tips are general in nature. You might need to adjust them a bit depending upon your family situation including, age difference between the siblings, parental responsibilities, expectations and culture.