Welcoming a New Baby!

Welcoming a New Baby: 6 Ways to Help Children Prepare for a Sibling

Welcoming a new baby to your family comes with many changes. Different sleeping patterns, new feeding schedules, and more laundry — so much laundry. If you already have little ones at home, they will certainly feel the large impact of a new sibling on the family dynamics. It’s normal for toddlers and young children to be unsure or hesitant.

You may be wondering, “How do I prepare my older child for the new baby?” or “What can I do to ease the transition?” We’re glad you asked! In this blog, we’ll discuss age-appropriate ways to guide children as they become a big brother or sister. Here are six ways to help children prepare for a new baby in the home.

Talk About the Baby

There’s no particular time during your pregnancy when you have to let your children know about the baby. But it’s crucial to have these conversations and begin to explain what it means to have a new family member. For toddlers and preschoolers, it’s often better to wait until there's something visible — like your growing belly or an ultrasound photo — to discuss. Typically, school-age children can understand pregnancy earlier, so if you want to broach the subject in the first trimester, go for it.

In return, really listen to your child’s response. They might not have a lot to say, or they may be full of questions, such as, “Where will the baby sleep?” or “Can I play with the baby?” As the idea of a new sibling begins to take root, your little one might incorporate the baby into their play. You can encourage this by giving them a baby doll, “playing house” together, and drawing pictures of your expanding family.

Read Books

Stories are such a wonderful way to introduce youngsters to all sorts of concepts, and it’s no different when it comes to pregnancy, birth, and being a big sibling. Plus, there are books for kids of all ages to explain the subject! You can explore books together — while browsing online, in bookstores, and at the library. For younger children, picture books are often helpful, so they can see some of the changes that are coming in the near future. It’s also great if the books you choose include words like “sibling,” “brother,” and “sister.”

In addition, books can provide a gentle approach to explaining some of the challenges that will likely come with a new baby in the house. These include newborn crying and fussing, the time and attention a new baby requires, and how the lack of sleep affects everyone in the family.

Involve Siblings in Planning

Giving young children an opportunity to assist with planning for the new baby’s arrival can go a long way in helping them feel loved and needed. When you go shopping for baby supplies, allow your little one to choose a new outfit or blanket. Encourage them to make their new sibling’s space cozy and inviting.

If you’re buying disposable diapers, point out the various sizes and styles in the store. And if you’re relying on cloth diapers, you can show them those supplies, too. Whether you plan to use disposable or cloth diapers, you can reminisce with your child about when they were an infant and needed such tiny accessories. Remember to praise your child for assisting you, which will foster a sense of responsibility as they consider their new role as a helpful big sibling.

Discuss Birth

Many folks in our culture fear birth and believe it’s something that’s not for children to learn about. At Roots, we love to normalize birth, and preparing children with information is part of that narrative. Most youngsters are curious and will ask questions like, “How does the baby come out?” or “Does it hurt?” This is normal, and it’s important to answer honestly in an age-appropriate way.

If your child expresses interest in attending the birth and you want them to be present, it’s essential that you explain the sights and sounds that come with this intense experience. Try to give them a general timeline of how labor and birth progress: Contractions at home, contractions at the birth center, water breaking (usually at some point during labor), pushing, and the baby being born. Be sure to designate someone as your child’s caregiver while you’re in labor at the birth center.

In addition, we welcome children at prenatal appointments, so feel free to bring them along to one of your visits. Seeing the birth center is helpful, and the midwives can also answer their questions!

Prepare for Time Away

If your child does not want to be at the birth, you’ll have to explain that you’ll be going to the birth center for a few hours when it’s time for the baby to be born. Review who will be staying with them and if they’ll be going to someone else’s house. This plan can be flexible depending on when you go into labor.

For home births, it’s best to assign someone the task of watching your older child. Whether planning a home or birth center delivery, discuss the possibility of the baby being born in the hospital in the event of a transfer. This does not mean birth has become an emergency. Just explain that some babies need a little help being born, and the hospital might become the safest place for birth.

Do Something Special

There are a few ways to make an older child feel special when their sibling is born. One unique tradition is to offer a small gift “from the baby” to the older child. You might also let your child choose a present for the baby, too.

Another wonderful way to help your older child feel loved is to plan a special outing with a grandparent, another family member, or trusted friend. This is especially helpful when you’re recovering during the immediate postpartum and overwhelmed with feeding, diapering, and sleep deprivation.

Finally, remember that the ordinary moments are often what children look back on fondly. Ask them how they want to be involved in the baby’s life and give them “jobs.” Most youngsters are eager to help by grabbing a clean diaper or patting the baby’s back at burping time. These tasks will empower them to feel connected to the new baby.

Are you interested in learning more about prenatal care and birthing services at Roots Community Birth Center? Call the front desk at 612-338-2784 or fill out our form!