Introducing an Older Sibling to the New Baby

on February 25, 2009 at 4:05 PM

My children weren't quite two years apart in age, so my first child was really still a baby when the new baby arrived.

We fretted about how to introduce the two. Should we bring the toddler to the hospital? Would it be better if they met at home? How could we help him adjust to the idea that he'd have a new sibling, and would have to share the spotlight from now on?

I came across a slide show on Ways to Introduce Your Child to a New Baby. Here a a few highlights:

"Pick" the Baby Game -- At the hospital, have the new baby waiting in the nursery with all of the other babies instead of in your room. Walk your older child down to the nursery and let him "pick" out the new baby for your family (with your guidance, natch.) Don't forget to explain the "no returns" policy on this one!

Have a Countdown to Delivery Calendar -- Help get your child excited -- and help him understand that the new adjustment is drawing near -- by hanging a "countdown to delivery" calendar and marking off the days together.

Let Your Child Help Name the Baby -- Discuss baby names, let your child make suggestions, and vote as a family on who loves what. Not so into the baby name your child wants to go with? Let him pick a nickname instead.

Are you expecting your second baby? How are you preparing your first for the new arrival?

Filed Under: 3rd trimester, baby prep, labor & delivery

Comments (15)

Lanasmom

on Feb 25, 2009 at 4:40 PM

I liked some of the suggestions--and we are doing some of them--we have bought books on being a big sister and when the baby comes home --and we read them, --We're also getting her a little present from teh baby, that she'll get at the hospital.

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RanaAurora

on Feb 25, 2009 at 4:45 PM

Huh. The only suggestions out of those I thought was useful was the "present from the baby" and sibling books ones. You can't very well do a countdown calander to a non-induced or c-section birth. Babies in most hospitals now are with the mom, not in the nursery. My kiddo can FEEL like he has say in the name, but he definitely does not.

My thoughts really are a lot more in depth than that.

jeremysmom04

on Feb 25, 2009 at 4:53 PM

Here's a thought--have them at the birth. My son saw his baby sister's birth at 2.5, and he was 3.5, and my daughter was 13 mo when they witnessed the birth of my third.

WillDoDa

on Feb 25, 2009 at 5:24 PM

I did the sibling presents when I had my second. I had the older one pick out a present for the new baby. Then I got something and wrapped it up so when she came to see the baby for the first time she would "get a present" from the baby. It was somehing she LOVED, so it worked out really well. :)

This time, My baby will be born almost on the middle child's 2nd birthday. I'm not sure what will work because at 2, I dont' know what she will understand. The older is SUPER pumped to be getting another sibling, but the "baby" is too young to even understand remotely.

I'm sure I'll do the gifts again. And have family bring her to meet the baby in the hospital. I won't do the nursery thing.... Doesn't really make sense, and the name thing Um. no. My older wants to name a boy MATER!!!! OR Little Bill which also doesn't work for me.

tyrelsmom

on Feb 25, 2009 at 5:27 PM

My 3.5 year old is already excited,but it will be his second sibling. My second son will only be 21 months. I have no idea how that's gonna go. But it will be him getting used to not being the baby, he already has a sibling, just an older one. So it shouldn't be a big deal, hopefully.

oddballj

on Feb 25, 2009 at 5:44 PM

were getting gifts for baby and big bro from one another. My hub will obviously hold the baby after me and in the nursery. I want my son to be the next one to hold the baby. I want him to hold his brother after daddy does so he feels more included.. and it will be a very special experience. My husband and I picked the babys name...and my son gave us hus opinions(hes only 4).. and were already preparing for the baby to come.. he helps get ready and talks to his brother. He is DEFINETLY holding his baby brother after daddy. I believe it will make him feel more included and that is what we are going for.

SunshineJes

on Feb 25, 2009 at 8:33 PM

My daughter will only be fourteen months when her baby brother gets here, so none of those suggestions would really help to prepare her for his arrival. Anyone else have children this close apart, who can give us some hints? She's used to being the complete center of attention, being the first grandbaby on both sides, & we're anxious to see how she handles sharing the spotlight.

Peajewel

on Feb 25, 2009 at 9:43 PM

I do not have any suggestions on how to help the two because my children are 18 years apart in age. I got my son a tattoo the day before my daughter was born and he was very happy! But I do want to say that the picture above is beautiful! What a great choice of pictures!

LilStar9905

on Feb 25, 2009 at 11:03 PM

I'm due in 10 days and we will be introducing our 2 1/2 daughter. I am buying a little something (which i have to do asap in case i have baby any time now) for my toddler daughter for when she comes to visit new baby in hospital. And my dh is going to have our dd help him put the baby bouncy chair together and the baby mobile up before baby and i come home. Hopefully these will do the trick. As well, we have been preparing her already and it is quite exciting!

heydooney

on Feb 26, 2009 at 11:43 AM

The books we got for our son were "Waiting for Baby" and "My New Baby." I think they really helped him get ready. He also talked to my belly: "come out, baby brother!" This won't apply for many, but if you're nursing your older one, it may come as a shock to him/her that they have to share the milk. Practice by "nursing" your child's favorite toys/stuffed animals beforehand.