Welcoming a new baby in the family is not an easy job, especially if the baby is not your first child as it can be stressful for your first child. Some children look forward happily for new sibling while others feel stressed or concerned. To make things easy, follow these steps.
• Tell the child that a new baby is coming and do it as soon as possible. Talk about baby’s birth. Tell them that a little baby is growing in mummy’s tummy. This may help the child to adjust with your physical change. He/she will understand that you need more rest and may not be able to do certain things that you previously used to do with him / her (like carrying him / her).
• Include the child’s participation in preparation of new born’s clothing, necessary equipment etc. Ask the child to give his / her input. This way he will also excitedly wait for the child to come.
• Show them their baby picture to show how you cared for him when he / she was a baby. This will help him understand that baby needs more attention. Make him feel important. Let him feel that you love him more, but a little baby needs attention at first.
• Accompany him/her to the hospital when you visit for your routine check up. There he will find mothers like you. He will be able to accept your condition easily. He will be excited to welcome a little person around.
• Once the baby arrives, set your time accordingly, so that the older baby is not neglected in spite of your busy schedule. Even if the new born is taking most of your time, do not forget to hug the elder one quite often, play a game or read a book, at least once a day. Take your husbands help to fulfill this responsibility. Let him take care of the new born for some time, so that you can give your attention to the elder one as well.
• Involve them in taking care of the new born. Take their help while bathing the baby. This will develop a sense of responsibility in them. Give the role of big brother or sister by allowing them to handle this new task. Award them for their help as well.
• The whole family should spend time together. Have family meals together, so that the child can understand the importance of family. It will help to encourage the bonding between siblings.
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