How To Prepare Your Child For The Birth Of Your Baby

December 18, 2021

 How To Prepare Your Child For The Birth Of Your Baby


Congratulations, your family is growing by one more. That's wonderful news, but there is a lot to do between now and the birth. One of the most crucial duties you'll have in the next few months is to prepare your older child for the significant role of becoming a sibling (for the first time or again).

 

It's common for your youngster to respond to the news with excitement, rage, or virtually no emotion at all. A lot of it will depend on age (a 3-year-old will not understand the shift in the family dynamic as well as a 10-year-old would, for example), but learning about their growing emotions and how they respond to them is an important aspect of a young child's emotional development.

 

No matter how prepared your child seems to be, there will be an adjustment phase once the baby is born. Read on to find out how to make the adjustment an easier one. 

 

Image from Pexels

 

Sharing The News 

There is no tried-and-true approach for informing a child about a new baby. Consider the due date as well as the age of your child when you think about how to tell them what is happening. Most children under the age of five have difficulty grasping time, so it's better to suggest the baby will come when the weather warms up or around Halloween, so they understand things a little more. 

 

If your child asks about anything, don't feel obligated to explain everything. A child seeking a literal response to the question of where a baby comes from is searching for a literal answer. Saying "from my belly" is probably sufficient. Allow your child's inquiries to lead you.

 

Remind Them They Were A Baby 

When you're going into the attic for baby clothing and equipment you've saved for another day, don't forget to bring out picture albums and baby books from when your child was a newborn. Discuss how adorable the baby was and how much joy it will be to have another little one in the family.

 

Ask For Their Advice 

While you may not be daring enough to get name suggestions from your kid, you can solicit their input on other crucial things such as bedding, toys, and even clothes. If you decide to register at a store, bring your child with you (try to make the trip short; you can always go back later and add goods if necessary) and ask for their feedback while you're there. Allow your child to choose one or two things that you will buy on the spot, such as a little toy or a pair of pajamas.

 

Including young children in the process of preparing for the new baby will demonstrate to them that they are an important, contributing member of the family and that they should be a part of the new sibling's life.

 

Expect Some Moodiness 

It's natural for your child to have various emotions regarding the new baby on different days (or hour by hour). As your lap shrinks and you are unable to bend and pick up your older kid, they are likely to get irritated since they believe their world is being turned upside down. No matter how your child feels, it is critical that you listen closely and do not make your child feel guilty if they are not overjoyed at the prospect of a new baby.

 

Have Some Fun

Make sure you spend plenty of time with your older child before the new baby comes and make plans for after the birth too. Your child might be worried about losing out and scared that you'll be spending all your time with the new baby. 

 

You can also involve them in the baby shower if you're having one. If you give them a starring role, perhaps asking them to gather the gifts together or serve some food (or even make it), or having them come up with some fun games to play at a baby shower, they'll feel important and included, and this can make a big difference in how they feel about the baby overall. 

 

Don't Rush Milestones 

Is your preschooler toilet-trained? Do you intend to transition your toddler to a big-kid bed? You may wish to wait a bit longer. You don't want your child to feel uprooted because the newborn needs their cot, or you don't want to have to change two diapers. 

 

Once the pregnancy is in the third trimester, it's best to avoid bringing any substantial changes to your child's life. Yes, the new baby might need to sleep in their crib, but during the first few weeks or months, you may want to try utilizing a Moses basket or similar until the change can be made without any repercussions. 

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