How to Help Your Older Child Welcome a Newborn
Welcoming your second child has two blessings because you get to welcome a new baby and your older child becomes a big brother!
This is a big transition for your whole family, but there are some things you can do to help your child with this transition. As a mom of four, I’ve gone through this wonderful transition three times. I wanted to offer my best tips on how to help your older child prepare for the new baby.
Show Your Child Baby Photos
Snuggle up and look through your child’s baby album together. This will help them see what a baby looks like and allow you to bond over their growth. You can point to different photos and remember things about your child during that phase while teaching your child what they can expect from the new baby. You can say, “Look at your sweet little yawn. Your baby sibling will yawn too!”
Get a Baby Doll For Practice
You can get a baby doll so your child can practice what having a baby sibling is like! Depending on their age and abilities, they could practice holding the baby and being gentle with the baby. You can also use the baby doll to walk through different things with the baby, like what a diaper change will look like or a feeding.
Find Some Books or Episodes About Welcoming a Sibling
There are so many great books and episodes about welcoming a new sibling. Definitely check out the Daniel Tiger’s episode on welcoming his baby sister. There are lots of books about becoming a big brother or big sister. Shop local or check out your local library.
Have Your Child Choose a Gift for the Baby
Have your child choose a gift for the new baby. Make a big deal about the whole process and how they’re already doing a great job as a big sibling. This will build his confidence as his excitement grows.
Have the Baby Give Your Child a Gift
Have your baby give your child a gift as well. It could be a special toy or book that your child will love. They will feel excited about the gift and ready to meet their new sibling.
Create a Special Toy or Activity Bin During Feeds
Put together a special toy or activity bin that only comes out during feeding times. This way, your older child will have something to look forward to when you need to focus on feeding the baby. And don’t stress over some extra screen time during this time as well.
Niagara Newborn Photographer
I’ve been lucky enough to photograph clients’ second, third, fourth, and even fifth babies, so I get a front-row seat to watching your child become a big sibling. It’s so very sweet, and I love that I can capture the initial bond between your children during your full-service newborn portrait session. If you’re interested in scheduling a session with me, please send me a message here.
Please reach out to me with any questions at all.