How to prepare your child for the new baby

But what always remains constant is love – our child must feel that no matter what, there is plenty of love for all children, and for himself of course. This is not going to change.

So give him space to express all his feelings and thoughts about the arrival of the new baby and if you notice signs of regression, that the child is suddenly displaying a babyish behavior, let him express it and embrace it without fighting it. It is his way of communicating to you that he does not want to lose his place and your devotion when his little brother arrives.

Help him bond with the other parent as much as you can, since with the arrival of the new baby, they will need to spend more time together anyway.

When you talk about the baby, you can say “our baby” or even “your” baby. The more the child feels that the baby “belongs” to him, the less jealous he will be.

Let him help prepare the family for the new member – such as decorating the room, choosing the equipment he may need, even preparing the hospital bag, in which you can put a photo of your child inside.

Take him with you to the doctor to listen to the baby’s heartbeat.

Read books about birth together.

Until now, he was the baby, now he will be the older sibling. Let him know how valuable he is to you with words of gratitude: “you make me so happy”, or “I loved it when you helped me with the shopping at the supermarket!” This way you will strengthen his belief that he is still a worthy member of the family and that his contribution to it is invaluable to everyone. He will know that he simply has another role in the family, that of the big brother.

Look at photos together from the time that he was a baby and tell him what a wonderful baby he was and how much he has “blossomed” growing up and has become an amazing child.

Explain to him that babies cannot play as soon as they come out of the womb and that it will take time before he can do this. Until then, you should be patient together and help him as much as you can.

If possible, it is best if the birth of the baby does not coincide with important milestones in your child’s life, such as weaning, toilet training, or starting school. The child may associate these challenges in their life with the arrival of the baby and attribute them to it.

Discuss with them who will be at home when you are in the hospital. It is very helpful for them to know what to expect, even if it is difficult for them.

Arrange for your child to be the first to visit you in the hospital as soon as you can. Tell them how happy you are to see them and let them hold the baby carefully. Remember that the more you let them do this, the better their relationship will likely be.

Subtly communicate to friends and acquaintances that if they bring gifts, you would like them to bring something not just for the new baby, but for both, (or for all three, four..) children.