6 Ways to Prepare Your Child for a New Baby

Becoming a big brother or sister is a huge responsibility for a child, especially if it’s just been them and you for a good few years. The idea of having to share their parent(s) with a new baby may be worrying or confusing. If you’re concerned about how they’ll feel about a new baby or handle the change, give them the encouragement and confidence to be excited about the addition, their new best friend.

1. Let Them Feel the Bump

Start the interaction between your child and your baby early, when your baby is still a bump in the womb. Just as it helps your bond with the baby, it will help your child’s bond too. Let your child rub Mummy’s tummy, put their ear to the belly and speak to the baby so they become familiar with their new brother or sister and witness the bump grow. Tell them how they were also in Mummy’s tummy.

2. Include Them in Getting Baby’s Room Ready

Let them put things away in the baby’s room, decorate the house and choose what colour blanket you buy for the baby. Involving them in the practical preparations will make your child feel helpful, needed and part of the excitement.

3. Encourage Them to Talk and Ask Questions

Ensure your child feels heard and that they can ask questions about the arrival of their new sibling. If your child seems quieter than usual, encourage them to open up. After you tell them they’ll be getting a little brother or sister, ask them if they understand and have any questions. Comfort them and focus on the positives.

4. Give Them Lots of Love

Shower your child with cuddles and kisses to show that you love them and that a new baby won’t change that. It may be difficult, but continuing this after the baby is born is important. Give your older child extra attention when it matters most, such as tucking them in at bedtime or doing an activity that they enjoy.

5. Give Them a Baby Doll to Look After

If your child is quite young, give them a baby doll of their own to look after. You can use the doll to show them how to treat a baby - to be gentle and caring. Once your baby comes along, they can experience ‘parenthood’ with you, already with the understanding of the responsibility involved.

6. Spend Time With Newborns and Other Young Children

If your child is used to being around other children and babies, then it will be less of a shock to them when there’s another little human being around. This will also give them more experience with sharing - whether it’s your time, attention or toys.

Get your child involved in making a BabyCube for your new arrival.