Preparing Your First Child for the Arrival of the New Baby

A lot of parents are interested in having another child to provide their first child with a brother or sister. However, the first child does not always seem as delighted with this decision and in some cases it can take a few months for the older child to adjust to the new situation in home. The adults will have to prepare themselves to the new family member and children will also have to learn and be ready to have an additional child in the home.

The older child’s schedule will be different and so will that child’s place in the family. The mother and father are not going to be able to drop everything in a moments notice to see to the wants and requests of the first child. It is important the parents learn how to handle the emotional and physical needs of the first born as well as the needs of the newborn.

Explaining Pregnancy to a First Child
How accepting and tolerant a first child will be to receiving a new baby brother or sister in the home will largely depend on the first child’s age. Toddlers will most likely have a harder time accepting and understanding what is going on if all these changes are made in their life as soon as the newborn arrives.

One thing that you should remember is that if you are going to change the toddler’s room, or if he or she is going to be placed in a toddler bed, this should be done months ahead of the new baby’s birth. You should consider also taking your child with you to the prenatal visits, as this will help him or her get an understanding of what is going on and feel like he or she is part of what is going on and is in on it. You can also ask your child to help you pick out names for the new baby.

Don’t be surprised if you notice your child starts behaving in an unusual way or starts trying to do things to get your attention or becomes very dependent of you. Older children may also feel offended or resentful of a new baby. Children over four years of age may feel that they are being replaced with the new baby. Make sure to talk to your child or children about what is going on in the home as the arrangements are being made for the new baby. There are also a lot of websites available and these, which you can read to your children about pregnancy and new brothers and sisters.

Older toddlers and children should be asked to lend a hand and take part in the planning for the new baby. One thing you can do is ask your children to help you pick out clothing, blankets, and other things, which will be needing when the baby arrives.

Another option is to take your child or children to classes for siblings. These classes can do a great deal to motivate and prepare a child for a new baby in the home.