Becoming a Big Sister or Brother Washington DC

Here are a few hints to help you prepare your other children for a baby brother or sister.

• Talk to your child about the birth of the baby. Tell them what the baby will look like, where he will sleep, and how babies act. Some young children have unrealistic expectations of what a new born baby can do. I know one little fellow who was ready to play football with his new brother on the day he arrived home
• Avoid asking your child if they want a brother or sister because they may wrongly think that they can choose and they may say "No Thank you"!
• Answer any questions your child may have about you and your changing body or about the baby. There are some great picture books available for children that can help you discuss this.
• Let your child help you get ready for the baby by shopping with you for baby supplies or by helping you fix up the baby's sleeping place. 
• If you are planning to move your child to a new room or in to a bed, make sure you do it well ahead of the baby's birth
• If your child does not have a baby doll get one before the baby is born - you can role play how to hold and act around a new born baby. I know some dads are quite uncomfortable about their sons having dolls, but explain it will help the child to adjust to the new baby and it also helps young boys to role play at being like dad!
• If you can, have your child spend some time around babies. Ask a friend or relative with an infant to visit.
• If you have baby pictures of your older child, look at them with your child and talk about what they were like as a baby. Read books about new babies with your child.