Ways To Prepare Your Child For A New Baby Sibling

Nothing is more exciting and joyous than the arrival of a new baby. The entire family starts preparations to welcome the newborn. From decorating the room to preparing your family members psychologically, a family has to adapt to many changes. But it’s all easy for mature adults. Have you ever thought about how a newborn could affect your elder child? 

Well, there may be a lot of insecurity, tantrums, and attention seeking at the end of your elder child. It’s better to prepare them psychologically and emotionally as an elder sibling! 

To save you from all these complicated situations, we have brought some tips for preparing a toddler for a sibling.

The Great Expectations 

You should never forget that a person’s behavior changes according to age, and preparing a toddler for a new baby is arduous. Therefore, children of different ages will react differently to a new baby. Knowing exactly what to expect from each age group will simplify picking up the correct method of prepping your child to accept the changes happening to your family. It will also help you to understand the define child personality types. Here’s how children from each age group react and how you can tackle them. 

A. 1 To 2-Years-Old Toddlers

Children of this age are pretty young to understand what it means or what it is like to have a new brother or sister. Therefore, you have to be more cautious while handling them. Talk to them and show them your excitement about the new baby. Let them know that both of them are equally precious to you.

B. 2 To 4-Years-Old Preschoolers

During this age, your child still feels very attached to you and isn’t yet able to share you with others. The child may be empathetic and insecure about the change and may feel intimidated by the idea of a new baby in the family who will grab all the attention and love. 

C. Ages 5 And Above – School-Going Children

Children older than five are pretty mature and are relaxed about the idea of a new family member. They accept the change quickly and share your excitement of having a new baby added to your family. However, sometimes they may lose track of everything and crave your attention more than anything else. As parents, you and your partner must be extra patient with this ardent kid. 

Now that you are aware of the behavioral patterns of the kids of different age groups let’s dive into how you can prepare them for the arrival of a new family member. 

Explain The Anatomy Of The Newborn

Your elder child will probably find the new sibling strange-looking and wrinkled. Therefore,  it is your responsibility to make sure that both the siblings will go stay together and love each other.  These are some of the good parenting skills that every parent must have in them. Show your toddler photos of herself as a baby and explain the differences between infants and toddlers to help manage expectations. Talk to them about – 

• The Umbilical Stump: Newborns have an umbilical stump attached to their belly button for a few weeks after birth.
• Scrunched-Up Legs: All that time they spent tucked inside Mommy’s tummy has scrunched up their legs.
• Dangling Necks: The bones of the newborn are still growing. The channel will be floppy and dangling, and it’ll take some time before it can support its head. 
• Delicate Spots: Newborns have delicate soft spots in their skulls. Hence, everyone has to be extra gentle with their heads. 

Teach your child everything in advance to make them accustomed to caring for their new brother or sister. 

A. Wordless Communication

Let your superhero know that the side-kick they will be getting is too young to talk. A new baby can’t express what it’s feeling to anyone. It cries if it’s hungry, sad, in pain, or just when bored, and let them know that crying is ok. It’s the way how newborns communicate. 

As an activity, you and your elder child can come up with lists of things that a newborn may ask you for so that your child gets the hang of things, and it won’t be challenging to explain the constant crying of a baby.

B. Activities For Quiet Time

Infants sleep 22 hours daily, and a toddler can hardly stay quiet for a minute! Therefore, it’s crucial to explain to your toddler how important it is for the new baby to sleep to grow fully and be able to play with them. Once your elder child understands the gravity of the matter, it’s most probable they will be patient with their brand new sibling. 

Find some quiet time and new baby activities for siblings to keep your firstborn engaged so they won’t disturb the newborn. 

C. Explain Why You Need To Hold A Baby Constantly

Preparing your child to make him understand that you will be cuddling, holding, and rocking the newborn constantly is essential. If this isn’t done, the firstborn may feel unloved and unwanted and might react in unexpected ways. This can also harm their mental well-being because it’s going to be tough for them to see someone else in your arms all the time. 

Therefore, you need to sit and explain to your child that the newborn isn’t accustomed to being out of the comfort and safety of the womb. The baby gets frightened, and the rocking motion reminds them about being inside your womb. Assure your elder child that they will be much loved and will get plenty of hugs and kisses even after the new baby’s arrival.

D. Ground-Run Trial

Practicing things make you and your child more confident about being capable of taking care of a new baby. It also helps your child understand how much mommy will have to work. Therefore, while practicing, ask your elder child to bring diapers, towels, and milk bottles for you so that they understand where to find the things and how to help their busy moms. 

You can also read “12 Moral Values You Must Instil In Your Child“.

Conclusion

Always remember that as a parent of two kids, you won’t be able to meet all the ends alone. You will have to involve your partner, friends, and relatives in this process to maintain your sanity and to save yourself from getting worked up.