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Step 1
Tell the children in your family as soon as you feel comfortable. Let your child be the one to share the exciting news with family and friends. This helps get them excited about the event!
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Step 2
Check out books! There are several books in stores and at your local library you can get to read with your child. Some explain to youngsters how babies are made; others go into detail about living with siblings. Sort through until you find books you are comfortable with.
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Step 3
Involve your child in planning the nursery. It can be a fun experience shopping together, picking out diapers, clothes and toys. If you re-decorate, involve your child in putting up decorations. Include a picture of your older child as a gift for the new baby. Your child can also pick out a special gift to give the new baby when he or she is born.
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Step 4
If you have a baby shower for the new baby, include family type items, too, such as picture frames for pictures of all the children. Other great items might be an “I’m the Big Brother/Sister” t-shirt or an “I’m the Little Brother/Sister” sleeper.
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Step 5
Let the children help in picking out names for the new baby. With so many baby books in stores and websites dedicated to baby names, you can spend quality time together. However, don’t be surprised if your child picks out names after cartoon characters! Try to include your child in as much decision making as possible.
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Step 6
Depending on the age of the children, many parents are now choosing to have their entire family with them in the delivery room. They feel this helps the family bond. This would have to be thought over carefully and discussed with everyone.
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Step 7
Have a doctor or nurse hand a doll or stuffed animal to your child when they see the new baby for the first time. This makes the older child feel more included. They are getting something new to play with, too!
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Step 8
Give your older children bubble gum with "Boy/Girl" on it to pass out to their young friends while you’re passing out cigars! Let them enjoy the excitement as much as you!
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Step 9
Allow your children to help address and fill out the birth announcements. Try to purchase or make extra so they can pass announcements to their young friends also. This is an exciting time for them as well as a big adjustment. Include plenty of pictures of all the children together with your announcements. If possible, place a “New Big Bother/Sister” announcement and picture in your local paper.
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Step 10
Plan some alone time with your child in the first few days after the baby comes home, if you have someone to babysit. This may be difficult; but it’s probably the most important thing you can do. Even if it’s an hour for story time, it’ll mean the world to your child. You will let your child that he has a special place in your family.
