The arrival of a new baby is always an exciting time, but sometimes bringing home your second or third baby can be more challenging than the first little one. This is largely because of the fact that you have to care for your older children while also managing the needs of your newborn baby. At Reza Ahmadinia OBGYN, Dr. Ahmadinia works with High Desert mothers throughout their pregnancy in order to help them prepare for the arrival of their next child. He also provides tips and advice for Apple Valley moms who want to prepare their older children for the arrival of the new baby.
Tips for Helping Siblings Deal with New Arrivals
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- Once you have completed your first trimester, share the exciting news with your older children. Explain that you are pregnant and that means a baby brother or sister is on the way. Help prepare them by reading books about pregnant moms and books about new babies coming home from the hospital. This will help them understand what lies ahead, and will help you bond with your older children about the arrival of the baby.
- Involve your older child in preparations for the new baby. Take him to the store in order to pick out a few new toys to give to his new baby brother or sister. Also help him organize his own space, and create an “off limits” area for the baby. Establishing a special, protected place for your older children will help them feel secure after the new baby comes home.
- Take time before the baby arrives to spend one-on-one time with your older children. Explain that mommy will be busy once the baby arrives, so this is a special day to spend together.
- Take your older child to the hospital for a tour of the labor and delivery wing. Many children worry about what happens to their moms when it’s time to deliver the baby, so this will help your child feel more secure about what is going to happen. Explain that they will be able to come up and visit you after the baby is born.
- Once the baby arrives, remember to have patience. This is not only an adjustment for you as a new parent again, but it’s an adjustment for your older children, as well. Explain that you will need to be feeding the baby and taking care of the baby often, but prove to your toddler that there is still special time in the day for him. When the baby is asleep, play a game, read a book or watch a special TV show with your older child.
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Pregnancy is an exciting time for you and your family, and it’s always helpful to spend the next 9 months preparing mentally and physically for the new baby. Taking the time to prepare your older children will help with the transition, and allow everyone to enjoy the special time with the new addition.
