How to Introduce a New Baby to your Child

• Depending on the age of the child, it’s easier for them to understand when you start showing a baby bump. Regardless of the age of the child, experts agree it’s best to wait until after your 1st trimester.
• Encourage them to pat your belly and say hello to their sibling
• It may be a good idea to take them to one of your appointments so that they can see the baby and to let them hear the heartbeat
• Look at the child’s baby photos and discuss how the child was as a newborn, for example, they slept all the time in the beginning.
• Visit with friends who have a newborn, explain that soon they will have a little brother or sister
• Include your child in as much of the preparation for the baby as allowable. They can help with decorating the room and the shopping. Allow them to pick out a gift for the new arrival.
• Read books about baby’s arrival and address fears.
• Give your child lots of care and attention. Remind then that things may get real busy once the baby is born. Reassure them of your love and let them know it may be some time before they can play with their new sibling.
• Be cautious of extreme shifts in the child’s environment in the months leading up to the birth and for a year afterward. If they are moving rooms, make it exciting and have it completed way before the birth.
• Once the baby is born and it is time for the big introduction, reassure your child and hold their hand while introducing the new arrival.
• You will receive lots of gifts from family and friends, ask a couple of them to bring a small gift for your other child as well.
• Once the baby comes home, spend the time to explain what you are doing (changing a diaper, making a bottle) and tell your child that you did the same for them when they were that age.
• Most children become instantly attached and protective of their new sibling. It is normal for them to experience jealousy. Be firm in they must never harm the baby, but respond with understanding of how much time the baby takes and react by spending some alone time with the child doing their favorite activity.

And the best advice is to react positively to the new arrival and so will your child.