This article is part of the Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy.
A new baby is an exciting event for the whole family! Big brothers or sisters are experiencing a lot of feelings as they watch mom's belly grow and hear all the talk about the new baby coming.
As the parent, you might be wondering how you can best help your child transition to your new family dynamic. What is the best way to tell children about a new baby coming? Are there tips for making the announcement as positive as possible?
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that how a child responds to the news of a new baby depends on their age. At all ages, letting them know what to expect, in an age appropriate manner, is important. Here are a few tips from the AAP:
Toddlers won't really understand the news but they will understand your joy and excitement. Make sure you talk about the new baby with enthusiasm. Reading picture books about a new baby arriving can be helpful as well.
This is a hard age for sharing - including sharing parents. A new baby may make a young child feel threatened. Ease those feelings by
By age 5, kids usually don't feel as threatened by a new baby, but they may resent the extra attention given to a newborn. The AAP offers these tips:
Once the new baby arrives, be sure to give your older children some extra attention too. Some alone time or a special treat will reassure your older children that they are loved just as much. This is a great time to ask relatives and friends to help out. Both help with the newborn so you can spend some alone time with your older children and help by taking the older children out for some special "big kid" time.
The AAP has a few more tips that can help kids of all ages once the baby is born:
The best thing you can do to prepare your child for the arrival of a new baby? Remind them often that they are loved and are special. Tell them that they won't be loved any less. Even children who are 10 years or older will benefit from these reminders and your time and attention.
This class is designed to help big brothers or sisters adjust to a new baby in the family. Talking about what it means to be a big brother or sister helps them explore the new feelings they are experiencing. Mom is encouraged to schedule the class nearest to her due date. An adult must accompany the child. The class will include:
All prenatal classes are free for mothers planning to deliver at Logansport Memorial Hospital. And all classes are now offered in Spanish - just let us know at the time of registration.
TO REGISTER CALL 574.753.1488