Bringing Baby Home to Big Brother or Sister

A new baby arriving in the family brings about big changes for everyone, especially for a young sibling. Not only are mom and dad’s attention focused on someone else, but grandma, grandpa and other special people in their lives are also making a fuss over the new little one.

It’s best to start planning a baby’s arrival ahead of time with your child, says Cindy Ferraro, RNC, NP.C, director of maternal child health at Somerset Medical Center. The birth of a new baby can be stressful for a young child, particularly for those under 2 because the child’s sense of security has not been fully formed.

So what’s a parent to do as the nine months go quickly by?

• Don’t tell a young child too soon because they usually don’t have a clear understanding of time. Wait until later in the pregnancy so he or she can see what is happening and be more involved in visits to the doctor.
• Have your child help pick out items for the baby, such as clothing or bedding.
• Give your child a special “baby” doll to play with and take care of. This also will provide you with an opportunity to teach baby care and safety.
• Try not to make too many other changes in the child’s life close to the baby’s birth. For example, if it’s time to change from a crib to a bed, do it well in advance of the birth so the toddler will see it as something special for her- or himself.
• Don’t try to toilet train around the time of the birth unless the toddler makes it very clear that he or she wants to do so.
• When mom is in the hospital:
• Have your child visit mom. It’s important that the child see her doing well and meet the new baby.
• Help choose presents for the child and new baby to exchange.
• Expect your toddler’s behavior to change a little during this transition. He or she may start acting babyish by asking for a bottle, having potty accidents and/or acting out around the baby.
• Arrange special times for just you and the big brother or sister without the new baby around. Ask friends and family to also plan special times alone with the child.
• Teach your child to be gentle with the new baby and that safety is always important.

“Remember that a new baby will have an impact on everyone in the family including your other children,” says Ferraro. “It’s important to create positive feelings about the family’s newest addition early on. You’ll be pleased you did when you finally witness the loving interaction between your children.”

Somerset Medical Center offers an array of pre- and postnatal classes to help you prepare for a new baby, including a sibling preparation class. For more information, call 908-704-3766 or visit somersetmedicalcenter.com.

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