You may have heard stories about older siblings being mean, or throwing tantrums when the new baby comes home, or even being jealous weeks or months later. Well here are a few tips to get the ENTIRE family ready during the last trimester for the new arrival! Begin preparing by 6 months or when you really start to show. (The following are tips for new siblings that are under age 5 but can be applies to many ages)
- Think about the Major Transitions that might effect the older sibling before baby arrives, such as: (Pick up to three of these and do only one per month, so that you don't overwhelm them with the changes)
- Giving up crib (so you don't have to use two)
- Moving to another room
- Getting a new bed
- Potty training
- Starting daycare or other childcare
- Weaning, or giving up bottles
- Giving up passifiers or binkies
- New car seat
- Read books
- About being a big sister or brother
- About how a baby is in the belly one day and out the next day
- Have the older child read a book or tell a story to the baby in your belly
- Establish A Routine
- Allow the older know they will get one on one time with mommy, daddy etc.
- Pick a day mommy will get to be with the older child and have someone else care for the baby (even of only for an hour in the other room)
- Picking days for daddy, & grandma to have alone playtime too will also help them feel inlcuded and remain confident about their new role as a big sibling
- Using language while you are out to remind the older siblig that since they are the BIG Brother you get to go to the park, baby isn't old enough yet.
- Include New Baby in Daily Routine before they are born
- Talk about baby when eating meals, going for walks etc...
- Also have the baby get kissed goodnight from older sibling and good morning.
- Having the baby be part of the everyday routine will help ease this transition when they are outside of the womb.
- Role Play
Buy or get a new doll (new to your home)- Have them be responsible for burping, feeding, changing dolls diaper
- Have them name the baby (doll)
- Have them help pick out clothes etc.
- Have events happen through out the week that require the older sibling to help get the doll a diaper, or food, or put them down for a nap.
- Ask the older child what they think might help the sick baby feel better?
Give the older sibling responsibilites- Such as picking out a new toy for baby room
- Helping paint wall in babies room
- Draw a picture or make wall art to decorate babies room
- Show them where the diapers will be so they can be the new "diaper helper"
- Talk about Emotions
- The baby and any feelings they may have about the new baby once it arrives.
- If they seem to be acting jealous, show them how they can help
- remind them of how big they are and what they get to do
- If they seem happy and smiling about baby put words to the emotion you see them express
- Put words to any emotions you see the baby have or the older sibling have
- Acknowledge emotions is key to feeling ok about having feelings no matter what kind they are.
Good luck and tune in for more podcast or LIVE feeds by visiting: http://thebbbcafe.podbean.com/
