You are expecting a new baby.  How exciting.  Now it’s time to share the excitement with your older child.  What steps can you take to help prepare him for the new arrival?

Start the process of introducing your new baby by talking to your older child.  Talk about how fun it will be to have a new brother or sister.  Talk about ways that he can help.  Explain how his role as a big brother is important.  Be excited. 

If you are preparing a baby’s room, allow your child to participate in the decorating process.  Let him help pick out paint colors if you plan to paint and wall hangings.  Also allow him to help decide which baby furniture to add to the baby’s room.  Go shopping and have him pick out clothes and/or a special toy for the new baby.  You should in turn purchase clothes and/or a toy for your child as a gift from the baby.

Another important way to prepare your older child for the new baby is to include him in the naming process.  Graciously accept any suggestions he makes for the baby’s name.  Sit together and flip through baby name books.  Talk about the meaning of some of the names. 

Sharing pictures of the sonogram with your older child is yet another step in introducing your new baby.  Point out different parts of the developing infant.  There are medical offices that also have the 3D ultrasounds.  This is especially exciting because your child can get a detailed look of your new baby’s face.  If you are able to get a video of the baby’s heartbeat, show this to your child also. 

Once your baby is born, the excitement will continue.  Even though you will be busy caring for your new one, your older child may still be feeling a little abandoned.  Take steps to include him in the care of the new baby.  Have him bring diapers and clothes when you need them.  He can also help “mix” the baby bottles by shaking them once they are made.  When breast feeding, your older child can bring you a blanket to help make baby more comfortable. 

With the assistance of you or your spouse, encourage your child to hold the new baby.  This makes really cute pictures.  You can also let him help pick out clothes for the baby to wear.  Include your older child during bath time by letting him “test” the temperature of the water to make sure it’s okay for his baby sibling.

Even though you have taken many steps to introduce your new baby, your older child will still need some one on one time with you.  Solicit the help from your spouse and other family members to care for the baby.  That way you can spend some special moments with your older child.  You can read books from the library about welcoming new siblings or read one of his favorite stories.  In turn, your spouse and family can do the same. 

Introducing your new baby is not a difficult task.  Taking steps to include your older child will ensure a smooth transition for the entire family.  So, have fun!

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