How to Prepare Your Toddler for the Arrival of a New Baby
The impending birth of a child brings much happiness and some levels of anxiety as well. Anxiety stems from various facts – bloating tummies, inability to sleep, general tension and the added stress of how your first-born will accept a new baby in the house.
Hitherto, the first born was the centre of attraction for parents and grandparents alike. In the absenceof a sibling, the first-born received 24 x 7 attention from his/her parents. But, with the birth of a new baby, this will change and it, thus, becomes necessary to pave the way for a smooth transition for the ‘only child’ to become an ‘older sibling’.
When to Tell the Child
There are numerous debates about when the only child should be told about the impending arrival. Should it be within the first few months of pregnancy or should the child be told only once the ‘mother starts showing’ (i.e. – after the 4th -5th month). The latter is a better option as by that time the first three precarious months of pregnancy are over.
Assuring the Child
The child must be assured that even though there will be an addition to the family, parental love for the child will continue to be the same, if not more. It is difficult for children to fathom exactly how and what will happen when the baby does arrive home. This is a scenario in the future that they may not be able to comprehend as they have not experienced it so far.
Explaining the ‘Baby in the Stomach’
The first born is bound to ask the question- “How did the baby get inside your stomach?’. Depending on the age of the child, suitable explanations need to be given to the child.
Explaining the Hospital Stay
Several toddlers may never have stayed away from their mothers. It becomes necessary that the father/grandparent gets involved in all activities of the toddler closer to the date of delivery so that once the mother is in hospital, the toddlers routine is not upset immediately and the child does not miss the mother very much.
