Going from one baby to 2 is an enormous change! And it’s not simply mother and father who must prepare — your firstborn does too.
As a social employee and a mother, I wished to assist my daughter alter to being an enormous sister. Listed below are some ideas that labored for our household:
BEFORE THE BABY ARRIVES
- Contain your baby early
The earlier you contain your baby in making ready for a brand new sibling, the higher! It will give her extra time to regulate. Enable her to ask questions. Relying upon her age, let her select gadgets for the nursery or go to physician’s appointments. - Use easy and repetitive language
Name your baby an enormous sister or brother. Level to the newborn in your stomach. Let him speak to the newborn if he desires to. - Allow them to really feel their feelings
The anticipation of a brand new sibling can result in a number of totally different emotions! Enable her to really feel all of them, even when it’s not pleasure. You’ll be able to proceed to point out your delight although she could not really feel that simply but. She could also be feeling worry, anger or frustration. - Spend one-on-one time collectively
Intention for every guardian to spend high quality one-on-one time with the older sibling every day. And attempt to proceed this even after the newborn arrives. Simply 10-Quarter-hour every day may help her really feel reassured. This needs to be enjoyable and particular time to attach — not a time to show ABCs. - Use books and dolls
Books is usually a useful gizmo to assist him perceive what to anticipate, methods to share, and potential feelings he’ll really feel. One instance is “I Am a Huge Sister” or “I Am a Huge Brother” by Caroline Jayne Church. Having a child doll may help him follow issues like feeding and altering diapers. - Make a countdown
Counting down the times helped my daughter perceive when the newborn would arrive. It additionally helped construct pleasure. As we bought nearer, we took her for a enjoyable household outing. There we defined that she would go to along with her grandma and grandpa whereas we’re within the hospital with the newborn.
AFTER BABY ARRIVES
- Count on regressive behaviors
Regressive behaviors are doubtless after a significant life change! In different phrases, your baby could return to a habits he’s already outgrown. This might embody having potty accidents or wanting a pacifier after beforehand giving it up. I like to recommend not being reactionary or calling consideration to it. As an alternative, encourage good behaviors with labeled reward and incorporate extra high quality time collectively. - Maintain routines the identical
A brand new sibling is a large enough change! Attempt to keep away from every other main transitions for 8-12 weeks after the newborn is born. For instance, in case your older baby continues to be in a crib, wait earlier than switching to an enormous child’s mattress. - Handle expectations aloud
You’ll be able to assist set the tone and handle expectations for each siblings by verbalizing them aloud — even when the newborn can’t perceive these phrases but. As an illustration, if the newborn is crying whereas I’m making lunch for my daughter, I don’t drop every part instantly. I’ll say, “One minute, I would like to complete lunch after which I’ll decide you up.” It helps my older daughter perceive that I’ll nonetheless meet her wants, too. And generally I put her first. - Allow them to assist (if they need)
In case your baby desires to assist with the newborn, let him! It could actually encourage bonding. That stated, keep away from forcing it or displaying damaging emotions if he’s not . Giving particular reward for when he’s serving to and displaying kindness towards the newborn will assist to encourage extra of that fascinating habits.