How can I prepare my child ahead of time for their new baby sibling?
Here are some things you should do to help prepare your older child:
Tell your child about your pregnancy when you tell your friends. Your child needs to hear about it from you, not from someone else.
If you plan to move your child to a new bed and/or bedroom, do so well before the baby arrives, so your older child doesn’t feel displaced by the baby. This also goes for any other major changes, like weaning, toilet training, and starting preschool or child care.
Check with your hospital about sibling preparation classes and hospital tours.
Bring your child to prenatal visits so they can meet your birth attendant.
Give them a realistic idea of what to expect when the baby first arrives. You will be tired, and the baby will take lots of your time. The baby will not be able to do much at first, except eat, sleep, poop, pee and cry. The baby will not be a playmate.
Visit friends with a new baby, if possible.