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When you're home, take your older child to a special place — such as a favorite playground — to celebrate the new baby's arrival. Your older child's age and development will affect how he or she reacts to a new sibling. While older children are typically eager to meet a new sibling, younger children might be confused or upset.
Consider the following tips to help your child adjust.
Regardless of your older child's age, make sure that he or she gets individual attention when the new baby arrives. If you're taking pictures or videos, include your older child.
Rather than keeping your older child in the dark, give him or her some information about the situation and show that you're there for him or her. British Journal of Social Work. When it comes to keeping your baby clean, there's a dizzying array of options to choose from, whether it's baby soaps, shampoos, or body washes. Experiences and support needs of newly formed adoptive families. What To Bring to the Hospital Rosie Pope shares a few key items you won't want to be without on delivery day. Getting organized before the baby is born is your best bet, even though that might be challenging. Some nursing mothers like to have these items:
Take pictures or videos of him or her alone, too. Consider having a few small gifts on hand to give to your older child in case friends visit with gifts for the new baby. Your older child might try to get attention by breaking rules — even if it means being punished. To stop this behavior, praise your older child when he or she is behaving well. If you suspect your child is behaving badly to get attention, consider ignoring the behavior.
This might encourage your child to look for a more positive way to get your attention. Talk to your older child.
Ask him or her how it feels to have a new sibling. Keep in mind that children sometimes regress or act younger than their age after the arrival of a new baby, such as having toilet training accidents or drinking from a bottle. These are normal reactions to the stress of a new sibling that require tolerance rather than punishment. Give your older child love and assurance during regressive episodes.
Sometimes older children — stressed by the changes happening around them — take out their frustration on a new baby. If your older child tries to harm the baby, it's time for a talk about appropriate behavior.
Also, give your older child extra attention and include him or her in activities that involve the baby, such as singing, bathing or changing diapers. Praise your older child when he or she acts lovingly toward the new baby. Even if your children seem to get along, supervision is essential. Don't leave your newborn alone with a sibling or other loved one younger than age If you plan to breast-feed your newborn, you might wonder how your older child will react or how to keep your older child busy while you nurse. Your older child might hover upon first seeing you breast-feed.
Explain what you're doing and answer any questions your child might have. If you breast-fed your older child, explain that you once did the same thing for him or her.
Consider creating a breast-feeding routine that involves your older child. He or she can play a special role, such as helping with a diaper change before the feeding or getting you a pillow. To keep your child entertained while you nurse, set out special toys or a workbook beforehand. Play music or audio versions of children's books. Invite your older child to cuddle with you while you nurse. If your older child asks if he or she can nurse, the decision is up to you.
Most older children find the experience somewhat strange and lose interest. If your new baby has health issues, explain to your older child that his or her baby sister or brother is sick, and you're worried. If your baby needs to stay in the hospital after he or she is born, ask about the sibling visitation policy.
You might also take pictures of the baby and show them to your older child. Keep in mind that if you don't talk to your older child about the baby's condition, he or she will likely still sense that something is wrong. Rather than keeping your older child in the dark, give him or her some information about the situation and show that you're there for him or her. If you have multiples, the time demands are even greater for parents.
Multiples also attract attention from family, friends and even strangers. Your first child may have a range of emotions, from excitement to jealousy or even resentment.
The ultimate newborn baby checklist can help you determine what you'll need to purchase and prepare as you get ready for baby's birth. Car seats · Strollers · Feeding · Baby care · Baby gear · Nursery · Vehicles · Home 5 nightgowns (for use until the cord falls off); 8 one-piece stretchy sleepers (go for. Preparing can be as rewarding and special as the first time. You might tire more easily, even before the baby is born, since caring for You'll be trying to get your infant on a feeding and sleeping schedule while handling your older child's needs. have just as much love for your new arrival as you do for your older child.
Older toddlers and kids might express their feelings by testing your patience, misbehaving, throwing tantrums , or refusing to eat. These problems are usually short-lived, and a little preparation can help an older child adjust to the idea of welcoming a new sibling. The arrival of a new baby brings big changes to older kids, so you might want to hold off on introducing others. Consistency will help make your child's adjustment easier. Siblings play a very special role in a new baby's life, so don't leave your older child out of the decision-making.
Reassure yours by encouraging his or her help in the preparations. Give everyone a little time to get used to the "new reality" of life with a second child. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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