Introducing a new baby into your family can be both exciting and challenging. It’s important to make sure that your older child feels loved and secure during these times of transition and change. Here are a few tips and tricks to introduce the new baby into your family and make your older child feel like an important part of the process:
- Prepare your older child: Start early! Experts recommend starting to talk about the new baby as soon as mom starts to show. Depending on the age of your older child, this could look a little different for everyone. Younger children might not fully grasp the concept, whereas older children may be inquisitive and ask questions. If your family is adopting or using surrogacy, it can be more difficult for your kiddo to understand as there aren’t the typical physical signs of pregnancy. Try your best to use positive language when speaking about the new baby — you want your older kiddo to feel excited to meet their new sibling!
- Special gifts: One way to make your older child feel included is to get them a small gift “from" the new baby. First impressions are everything! If your older kiddo feels appreciated during this transition time and thinks that the new baby is giving them a fun present, they’re more likely to remember the process positively. Older siblings can sometimes feel forgotten as mom and dad are focused on the health and well-being of the mother and baby during and following the birth process.
- One-on-one time: Dedicate specific one-on-one time to spend with your older child after the baby arrives. It can be challenging to prioritize and manage so many things with your newborn at home. Setting aside dedicated time with your older child shows them that they’re still valued and loved even if they may not be receiving the same amount of attention as they were previously. One-on-one time can be as simple as reading a book together or going on a short walk!
- Encourage involvement: Involve your older child in caring for the new baby in an age-appropriate way. Simple tasks like helping pick out the baby’s clothes or bringing up new diapers during changing times will make them feel more included in the process. If you’re experiencing a traditional pregnancy, your older child can start involvement early by talking to the new baby via the mother’s bump. If they’re old enough, they can read stories or even sing songs to the new baby before they’re born! This is a great way to get your older kiddo excited about the baby’s arrival.
- Address regression: Even the most prepared kids may start to act younger when the new baby arrives. It’s common for a toilet-trained toddler to start having accidents or to ask for a bottle. Be patient and understanding if your child exhibits any of these regressive behaviors. Often younger children don’t have a developmental sense of fairness and equality yet, so it can be difficult for them to comprehend why the new baby is receiving so much extra attention.
- Celebrate milestones: Continue to acknowledge and celebrate your older child’s milestones so they understand that you’re present. Whether it’s potty-training success, learning to ride a bike or getting good grades, praise can go a long way during this time of transition. The celebration itself is up to you! Sometimes verbal acknowledgement is all your kiddo needs to feel valued but sometimes they may get a small reward to celebrate their achievements.
With these tips and tricks in mind, introducing your new baby into your family should be a little less stressful. Your new baby will be integrated into your family before you know it. Your older kiddos will learn to love their new sibling in due time — especially when they’re old enough to play together!