Preparing Siblings for a New Baby

A new baby can be just as stressful for the baby's sibling as it is for his parents. Here are some helpful tips if you're preparing your soon-to-be big brother or big sister for a new baby. *Read books about babies and talk about what babies are like. *Get a baby doll and role play "how to take care of a baby". This will empower your older one and help him feel that his contributions to caring for the baby really matter. When the baby is at home, allow your older one to help as much as possible. *If there are space or other major changes (such as bedrooms) at home, be sure to make these changes as soon in the pregnancy in possible so your older one doesn't feel displaced when the baby arrives. *Spend time with friends who have babies so the older one learns what babies do, that they may cry a lot and that they need lots of attention. *Plan a special time each day to spend with your older child to have fun and talk. Having one-on-one time will really help your older one feel special as she discovers her new role in the family.