The excitement of expecting a second baby is often accompanied by thoughts of how your firstborn will adjust to the new arrival. It’s a significant change for the entire family, and helping your existing child feel loved, secure, and involved is key to a smoother transition. The good news is that with some thoughtful preparation, you can transform this big change into an exciting and positive event for everyone.
When to Start Preparing
It’s highly recommended to try and prepare the sibling 3–4 months before the birth of your new baby. This timeframe allows for gradual adjustment without overwhelming them too early, making the concept more concrete as the due date approaches.
- Gives time for emotional processing
- Frames the new baby as a positive, exciting addition
- Avoids introducing the idea too close to birth
Helping Them Understand What’s Coming
A beautiful way to introduce the idea is to show them photos of themselves as a baby.
This helps them understand what a newborn looks like and how much they’ve grown.
- You can talk about how you cared for them when they were tiny, creating a relatable narrative.
- Similarly, read them baby stories – picture books that depict new siblings can be incredibly helpful in explaining what to expect in a simple, engaging way.
- If family or friends have a newborn, visit them with the sibling.
- This provides a real-life, gentle introduction to a baby, allowing your child to observe, and perhaps even gently touch or talk to the baby under supervision, helping to normalise the experience.
Encouraging Bonding Before Birth
Encourage interaction with your unborn baby by letting your firstborn touch and talk to the baby in your tummy.
- This physical connection helps them feel included and fosters a sense of anticipation.
- They might love singing songs, telling stories, or simply feeling the baby kick.
Planning for Routine Changes
Anticipate changes to your routine. Any routines that will change after the birth need to be practised early on.
- For example, if a different person will be dropping the sibling at childcare, start having them do that regularly before the baby arrives.
- If Nanna is minding the sibling while you are in hospital, have some practice overnight stays at her house.
- This familiarises your child with the new arrangements and the temporary absence of one or both parents, reducing anxiety during the actual event.
Helping Your Child Feel Special
Many families find it helpful to organise a gift from the baby to the sibling to be presented when they first meet.
- This can be a thoughtful gesture that helps the older child feel special and celebrated.
- Additionally, when close family and friends come to visit the new baby and bring gifts, consider asking them to bring a small gift for the sibling as well.
- This prevents the older child from feeling overlooked amidst the excitement surrounding the newborn.
Ensuring Continued Love and Attention
Perhaps one of the most crucial strategies for preparing siblings for the birth of a 2nd child is ensuring they continue to feel loved and cherished.
- At least once a day, the sibling should have some quality one-on-one time with Mum while the baby is being cared for by someone else.
- This dedicated attention, even for just 10-15 minutes, reassures your firstborn that they are still a priority and that your love for them hasn’t diminished.
- This time can be used for reading a book, playing a game, or simply having a chat.
Support for the Transition
Expecting baby #2 is an incredible milestone, and while it will undoubtedly bring new dynamics, thoughtful preparation can lay the groundwork for a loving sibling relationship.
By involving your firstborn, adjusting routines proactively, and consciously nurturing their individual needs, you can help them embrace their new role as an older sibling with excitement and confidence.
Ready to get your whole family prepared for the exciting arrival of your second child?
Ready to get your whole family prepared for the exciting arrival of your second child?
Having A Baby Classes offers comprehensive guidance on navigating the transition to a family of four (or more!), including strategies for sibling adjustment and maintaining family harmony.
Our expert educators are here to support you every step of the way.
Explore our range of classes today and ensure your entire family feels ready and excited for this wonderful new chapter!