How to Help Your Older Child Welcome a Newborn

MotherhoodNiagara PhotographerHelpful ArticlesNewbornStudio Photography

Dec 19

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.

Studio newborn portrait session with older child in Niagara

big brother kissing his newborn baby brother during portrait session

black and white image of mom and dad holding their newborn baby boy

parents holding their sweet newborn baby during photoshoot

black and white image of family enjoying time together during portrait newborn session

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!”

big brother taking a picture of his newborn baby brother during portrait session

happy family of four during newborn portrait session

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.

sweet newborn boy sleeping during newborn portrait session

black and white image of father holding his newborn son during photoshoot

safe and snug in daddy's arms during newborn portrait session

newborn baby boy during baby-led portrait session

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.

newborn photoshoot in cozy, clean Grimsby studio

close up of sweet newborn baby boy during portrait session

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.

toddler and newborn baby brother during photoshoot

big brother giving newborn baby brother a kiss during newborn portrait session

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.

black and white image of mother and newborn son during photoshoot

mom enjoying a special moment with her newborn baby boy

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.

capturing all the sweet details of a newborn

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.