CareNine Beyond:
How to prepare your child for a new sibling?

Welcoming a second baby is emotionally similar to the first one but now you also need to help your first child adjust with the baby. The arrival of a new sibling can be a big adjustment for a child. They may feel excited, anxious or even jealous. Preparing your child in advance can help them feel included and ready for the changes ahead.

1. Talk about the baby

• Early conversations: Start talking about the baby early in the pregnancy. Use simple language and age-appropriate words to explain that a new baby will join the family.
• Answer questions: Encourage your child to ask questions. Answer them honestly and reassure them about any concerns. Also address the fact that the mom will stay away for a while before the baby comes. Take their help in packing your hospital bag to keep things real.

2. Involve them in the process

• Include in preparations: Let your child help with baby preparations. They can assist in setting up the nursery, choosing baby clothes or packing the hospital bag.
• Prenatal visits: If you’re comfortable, take your firstborn to prenatal visits and let them listen to the new baby’s heartbeats. If not, you can show them the ultrasound image to create curiosity and familiarity.

3. Read books on the topic

• Children’s books: Read books about new siblings together. Stories can help your child relate to the situation and understand their feelings.
• Discuss emotions: Talk about the characters in the books and how they feel. This can help your child express their own emotions.
• Use photographs: Bring out photos of the early days of your child. Tell them stories about their growing up, late-night tantrums and feeding dramas. This will help them associate the same patterns with the newborn too.

4. Maintain routines

• Consistency: Try to keep your child’s routine as consistent as possible. Familiar routines can provide a sense of security and stability. This will also help them not feel ignored once the baby arrives.

• Special time: Make time for one-on-one activities with your child. This reassures them that they are still important and loved. You will see a reduced case of sibling jealousy by simply allocating individual time to your firstborn.

5. Prepare for changes

• Realistic expectations: Explain how things might change when the baby arrives. Discuss how the baby will need a lot of attention but that this doesn’t mean your love for them will change.
• Practice care: Use a doll to show your child how to hold and care for a baby. This can make them feel more confident and involved. Once they feel their importance as a big kid, they’ll also feel more responsible for the baby.

6. Encourage bonding

• Sibling bond: Encourage your child to talk, sing or read to the baby. This helps them feel connected and fosters a bond from the beginning.
• Positive reinforcement: Praise your child for being gentle and helpful with the baby. Positive reinforcement encourages good behaviour and a loving relationship.

7. Address jealousy

• Acknowledge feelings: It’s normal for your child to feel jealous. Acknowledge their feelings and reassure them that it’s okay to feel that way. Keep reminding them that they are loved despite feeling negative emotions.
• Special roles: Give your child a special role in caring for the baby. Being a "big helper" can boost their confidence and reduce jealousy. This can also give you a new avenue to connect with your bigger baby.

Preparing your child for a new sibling is crucial for a smooth transition. By talking about the baby, involving your child in preparations and maintaining routines, you can help them adjust to the new family dynamics. Remember, a well-prepared child can lead to a harmonious and loving relationship between siblings.

Sources:
Cleveland Clinic
Mayo Clinic
Raising Children.net.auCordlife IndiaNarayana Health