The arrival of a new baby is an exciting time! However, the older siblings may have mixed feelings about the whole experience. While they may be excited to have a brother or sister, they aren’t sure what to expect and how it will impact their world. The key to a smooth transition when bringing a newborn into your family is to help the siblings prepare for the arrival. 

1. Let them be part of the planning 

Make planning for the new baby’s arrival a family activity. Allow siblings to choose what outfit the baby will wear home from the hospital. Have them help put the nursery together. Ask them for their ideas on things that you are willing to follow through with. The more involved they are in the process of planning for the baby’s arrival the less threatened they will feel once it happens. 

2. Make a big deal out of what they can do

Help older siblings find their new place in the family. Older siblings get to do a lot of fun things that newborns aren’t able to do, so make a big deal out of these activities. Look for new responsibilities or activities that they can participate in now that they are getting older. This could be staying up a little later or helping to fix dinner. Help the older siblings to be so excited that they are older that they won’t be jealous of a baby that isn’t able to do the same things. 

3. Have your newborn give their siblings a gift

New babies receive all kinds of presents and attention. Family members and friends want to come over to see the baby and many are bringing presents. Pick out a special gift that you can give to your older children from the new baby. Make sure it is something special that will be meaningful and appreciated by your children. 

4. Set aside some special time

Everything seems to be about the new baby ones they arrive. Children that are used to having lots of attention from their parents can start to feel a little jealous. Be intentional about spending one-on-one time with your older siblings once the new baby arrives. When your newborn is napping take time a moment to read books with your child, play a game or do a project. Baby’s feeding time is also a great time to snuggle with the older siblings and read together too. 

5. Include siblings in the newborn photo session

 

A newborn photo session is a fun way to capture this precious time in your life. It’s also a great way to capture some of those first moments of your children interacting together. At Csilla Leonard Photography we capture your family together and your newborn alone. Including siblings is a nice way to let them feel like they are part of the entire experience. 

It’s never too early to contact me about a newborn session once you know your family is going to be growing.