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Introducing the New Baby to your Older Children

Bringing a new baby into the world is a wonderful experience. It can also be trying and difficult if you have other children at home. As you prepare for the birth of your new baby, here are some things you should keep in mind about introducing the new baby.

Equal Treatment - It is hard not to constantly dote on the new baby once you’re home. Be cautious about spending so much time with the new baby that you inadvertently ignore your other children. Try to set aside special time with each child. Talk about their day at school, or extracurricular activities they are involved in. Spend your special time focusing only on that particular child.

Reminisce - Now would be the perfect time to get out the picture albums and baby books from your older children. Set aside a special day just to go through the books. Talk about how you felt when each child was born. Share funny stories with them. Recollecting fond memories will bring your family closer and will show your other children that they are just as special as the newborn.

Get Them Involved - Let your children be involved in the caretaking of your new baby. Give each child a special responsibility. One child might be in charge of gathering the diaper-changing necessities, while another is in charge of warming the bottle. Your older children can take turns feeding the baby. Let your children be involved; however, don’t force them to participate if they don’t want to at first. Sometimes it takes a few days for children to “warm up” to the idea of a new baby being in the house.

Be Patient – Some children don’t take too well to a new sibling but be patient and know that you are doing the right things and that your older child will soon come around. Eventually your children may even be such good friends that you won’t even remember this time.