How to Prepare an Older Sibling for Bringing Home a New Baby
by ParentCo.
July 12, 2016
Let me start with a "not-so-cute" story. My friend had just given birth to her second child. One day she was in the restroom. She overheard her three-year-old whisper to his friend “Mamma is in the bathroom, let’s put the baby in the dog house.”
A second pregnancy always seems unremarkable. There is always a “I’ve done this before" feeling except for one big niggling worry: How will I explain to my older child that someone is coming along who will steal not only their toys but also their parents' love and affection and how will I make my child actually love this new person?
Here are a few tips which I hope will make this major milestone in a parenting life a wee bit easier.
The pregnancy project
Breaking the news
When do I bring up the big topic? This question will torments you since the time the pregnancy kit shows two red lines. Around 12 weeks is an ideal time to share the news. For toddlers less than two years old it is okay to delay the news until the third trimester, as they will not be aware of what is happening until the tummy grows.
The older kids need to be prepared earlier. Break the news gently. Make sure both the parents are present. You can say “Mamma has a baby growing inside her. You are going to be a big brother/sister” or “We are so proud of you that dada and mamma have decided to give you a little baby."
Be prepared for three different kinds of reactions because curiosity is different in different minds.
1 | Absolute disinterest. This doesn’t mean your child hasn’t understood what you said. It just means he needs the situation to be more tangible before he gives it any importance.
2 | Range of questions. How are babies born? Did you swallow the baby? Be calm and answer all questions thoroughly.
3 | Sadness. If your child is sad on hearing the news tell her/him it is okay to be sad. If you acknowledge their feelings it is easier for them to accept it and be more open it with you.
Show and tell
Children love hearing about their newborn period. Take them back to those days. Show them their old albums and videos to explain how babies behave. You can say “See how Mamma always held you, Mamma will also hold our new baby like that." Take them to see other little babies so that they start interacting with other babies. Read them age appropriate books about newborns so that they know what to expect: crying a lot, pooping a lot, and sleeping a lot. Always use "your little brother/sister" while referring to baby #2.
Include your child
Make sure your first child is a part of your pregnancy at all times. Include them in picking names and decorating the nursery. You can take your child for the scans to hear the baby's heart beat. You can even make your child talk to your tummy. All this will make the birth of a new child an exciting reality for him.
Daddy time
If you live in a nuclear family and your first born is used to the mother doing most things for him, make it a point to have daddy spend a lot of time with your child. Feeding, bath time, and playtime with daddy are all things which should be a part of his routine before the little baby comes along.
The hospital stay
The days you are in the hospital and your older child is at home is crucial in the formation of his opinion on the younger one.
Explain to him how it will be, who will take care of him, who will sleep with him. Make sure his routines are followed.
The first visit should be with family only. Make sure someone else is holding the baby when your older child walks in. Introduce the younger one to the older child and can cuddle them together. It is a good idea to have a gift ready from baby #2 for your older child. It could be anything from a Big Brother T-shirt to a Big Brother soft toy.
Happy homecoming
Homecoming is another bridge you have to cross. Again, see to it that someone else is holding the baby so your hands are free to hug and cuddle your first one.
If your first one has to sleep in another room or another cot, make sure this transition is done way before your delivery.
Do not schedule anything new like toilet training or child care at this time. Remember, his emotions are already in turmoil and following an established routine is the best way to deal with it.
Breast feeding
Your child will be very curious about breast feeding and this is also the time when most tantrums are thrown because you will be having the new baby for long lengths of time without being able to cater to the older one. Explain the process of breast feeding. You can involve the older one in getting the pillow or changing diaper and make sure to schedule some interesting activity during your breast feeding times. If your child throws a tantrum, be firm and say that you will deal with his problem only after breast feeding.
Sibling showdown begins
Visitors
You can pre-warn most visitors to include the older child in their conversation. Most thoughtful visitors will also get gifts for your first born. If at all someone says “what a beautiful baby,” be diligent about saying something like “yes, now we have two beautiful babies.” Your first born should not feel alone during these times.
Regression
It is normal for a jealous older sibling to start regressing to gain attention. Thumb sucking, toilet accidents, nightmares may all restart. Remember these are all temporary. Be empathetic but firm about rules. Keep telling them about the "big child advantage.” They are older, so they can eat ice-cream, play in the park, etc.
Allow frustration
Expect tantrums and tears. Say "I know you feel it would be better if your little brother wasn’t there. I know you feel Mamma doesn’t love you but mamma loves you so much.” Give words to their feelings. Make it easier for them to share it with you. Praise good behavior at all times and ignore tantrums.
Time alone
Having another child is not about dividing the first born's allotted love. It is about giving him more. Make no compromise on having time alone with your older child. It could be buying groceries, taking him to his favorite restaurant, or bedtime story telling. Make sure baby #2 is nowhere around during these precious moments. Encourage your child to share his feelings with you all the time.
Play favorites equally
Say “Mamma and Dadda love you both so much” or “You both make us so proud.”
Help
Finally, don’t hesitate to ask help when needed, accept help when offered, and offer help when required.
All this may seem overwhelming, but from someone who has "been there done that" with two little mischief makers and seen hundreds of women doing this as a pediatrician, let me tell you: It's all worth it.
And on the days you are frustrated, want to pull out your hair, and feel all this is a mistake, just remember there will come a day when your two little munchkins will be best friends and will rely on each other physically, mentally, and emotionally. So happy parenting.
ParentCo.
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