A new baby is a blissful addition to the family. As you prepare for your due date, you can help to get older children involved in the planning. The following ideas will help you bond with your kids before their sibling arrives. With some creativity and education, they will be excited about becoming a big brother or sister.
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#1. Let Them Help with Baby Clothes
Every new baby needs plenty of clothing to stay cozy and comfortable. Your children will feel important while they help you shop for infant clothing essentials. Let them help you pick out baby girl or baby boy clothes. Ask them about their favorite colors and styles. As they learn about materials and explore patterns, they will discover more about caring for their sibling.
If you have hand-me-down baby boy or baby girl clothes, let your kids sort through them. Have them organize the garments by ones you will use and ones you will save or donate. Recall with them how cute they looked in their infant bodysuits and sleepwear. They will feel love and pride as you fold and prepare to wash the clothing.
If you have a baby sprinkle or shower, your first-born children can be a part of the celebration. From opening presents to helping you carry clothing to the baby nursery, they will realize they are vital in caring for your baby and your family.
#2. Have Them Help Decorate the Nursery
Children love to create and decorate. A vast and vibrant imagination can help you brainstorm nursery themes and colors. They will also like to pick out furniture and baby bedding.
Let them contribute to the room’s artwork. An original painting with their signed name on a bookshelf or wall will help to symbolize the bond between siblings.
When it is time to adorn your infant’s room, give your kids some ways to help. Activities may include putting bedding on the crib and placing rugs on the floor. They can also add decorations to shelves and find places for pillows and plush animals.
#3. Teach Them About Being a Sibling
Even if your kids are excited about a new baby, they may still need to learn to be good siblings. Thankfully, many books are out there to help you guide older children. Some selections were written especially for toddlers, including simple language and colorful illustrations.
Books for little ones will explore the emotions of becoming a sibling, as well as the joys of being a big brother or sister.
Some of the best books for grade school kids focus on caring for babies. They also talk about the pride of being older and wiser. Positive approaches and sweet emotions help comfort children and keep them excited about the days to come.
Along with reading fun books, you can tell them stories about your own experiences as a brother or sister. Share nuggets of wisdom about what it is like to have a new sibling in the family.
#4. Give Them a Special Brother/Sister Gift
Your child will have to stay patient as they watch you prepare for your new baby. Reward their kind heart and good behavior with a “sibling gift.” The present does not have to be extravagant.
Instead, it should be a token of your appreciation of them helping you prepare and a gesture of love as they take the big step of becoming a brother or sister. Some parents shop for the gift alone and give it as a surprise. Others will let their kid pick out a gift they like.
Whether you wrap the present or shop for it together online, be sure they know why they are receiving it. Include a card or digital message to let your child know they are special and appreciated.
Gift ideas include comfort items like personalized blankets or plush animals. Other options include jewelry or toys they can play with as you take care of your newborn. Think about what will entertain or delight your older son or daughter. Then, as they use the gift, they will always remember why you gave it to them.
#5. Spend Quality Time with Your Older Children
Kids go through many different emotions when welcoming a new baby into the family. Your first-born child may be fearful that they will no longer be as important as they once were. They could be anxious about losing attention or what the house will be like when the baby arrives.
You can give them time to voice their concerns and help them sort through solutions. It is also an excellent time to make memories before your infant arrives. Consider doing a few activities that will not be as easy until the baby gets older. Some households like to take a unique family vacation or a fun short trip.
Think about what fills your older children with self-confidence and pride. Attend the kids’ sporting events and school activities as much as possible, especially if you miss a few games or trips once your newborn arrives.
Along the way, give your older kids plenty of hugs and snuggles. Remind them they can come to you any time for love and affection, even when the new baby arrives. At the same time, they will also have a new sibling that enjoys their cozy cuddling.
Sharing the Joy of Becoming a Sibling
Every child is an essential part of the family. As you take the time to remind your older kids that they are special to you, let them know that they have an important and cherished role as a big brother or sister.
The newborn stage is a busy but short time, and your commitment to each other as a family will help make the phase as smooth as possible. Make the transition to siblinghood a positive and gradual experience. With this gentle approach, your first-born child will adapt to their role and feel proud about how they contribute to their household.
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