.png)
👶🎉 Welcoming a new member into the family is an exciting journey for everyone, but it can also be a bit challenging. Here are some tips to help your older sibling smoothly transition into their new role:
Before the Baby Arrives:
1. Quality Time Together: Spend a special day with your child, letting them choose the activities.
2. Reminisce: Look at baby and family pictures, discussing how your child was once a baby too.
3. Story Time: Read books about becoming a sibling and encourage your child to express their feelings. Check out our recommended book list below.
4. Discuss Care Arrangements: Talk about who will be caring for them while you're in the hospital.
5. Involve Them in Prep: Encourage your child to help with baby preparations, fostering a sense of involvement.
6. Avoid Major Changes: Try not to implement significant changes around the time of the baby's arrival.
7. Attend Appointments: Bring your child to a doctor or midwife appointment to involve them in the process.
8. Big Brother/Sister Gear: Get a "big brother" or "big sister" t-shirt to make them feel special.
9. Role Play: Let your child practice with a doll or stuffed animal, mimicking diaper changes and clothing adjustments.
10. Hygiene Habits: Practice good handwashing habits together.
Recommended Books:
- The New Baby by Fred Rogers
- I Am a Big Sister/Brother by Caroline Jayne Church
- Babies Don't Eat Pizza by Dianne Danzi
- All Families Are Special by Norma Simon (for blended families)
- Just Right Family by Silvia Lopez (for adoption)
TV Shows to Watch:
- Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood (Season 5)
- Arthur (Season 1, Episode 11)
- Little Baby Bum (Season 2, Episode 192, "New Sibling Song")
- Caillou (Season 1, Episode 6)
- Peppa Pig (Season 4, Episode 10)
- Good Luck Charlie (Season 3, Episode 7 and 8)
During Hospital Stay:
- Leave Notes: Write notes for your child.
- Video Chat: Stay connected through video calls.
- Gift from Baby: Have a small gift from the baby to give to the sibling.
- Short Visit: Keep the visit short, around 30 minutes.
After Baby Arrives:
- Involve Them: Allow your child to help with baby care, if they're interested.
- One-on-One Time: Schedule one-on-one time with your child.
- Special Activities: Have special activities for when the baby needs to be fed.
- Gifts for Siblings: Have small gifts for the sibling when visitors bring gifts for the baby.
- Visitor Etiquette: Ask visitors to greet and pay attention to the sibling before the baby.
Expectations:
- Behavior Changes: Expect some acting out or regressive behavior, reassure them that it's normal.
- Mixed Feelings: They may have mixed feelings, and it will take time to adjust.
- Reassurance: Reassure them that you love them, and the new baby is not replacing them.
Remember, these tips are meant to make the transition smoother, and every child is unique. Happy parenting! 🌈💕
Download Free Coloring Pages: