Are you expecting your second child? Have been wondering how to prepare your firstborn for this exciting and sometimes scary change? Well you are in luck because there are several ways to prepare your child for the new baby. If you implement all or even just some of the following suggestions your firstborn will naturally transition from an only child to a big brother or big sister. One very important thing is to be open and communicate with your child. Make sure they understand what is in store and what is to be expected so that they are not surprised by anything. There are several ways to do this before and after your new baby arrives.
Before

• Take your child to a few doctors’ appointments and let them see the sonogram or hear the baby’s heartbeat. Let them feel the baby kick and explain how the baby is growing inside you.
• Use picture books and stories about becoming a big brother or a big sister. You can also use books to explain what babies are like: what they can and cannot do, why they need so much attention, etc.
• If you need to make new bedroom arrangements make sure to do this before the baby comes. This way your child will have time to adjust and will not feel as if he or she is being replaced.
• Show he/she pictures or video of their babyhood, tell them how much you had to feed them and hold them when they were newborn. Keep a few baby pictures out where the child can see them.
• Involve your child in as many preparations as possible to make he/she feel like he is helping and get him/her excited about the new arrival. Let your child help pick a name, baby clothes, and toys.
• Have daddy help your older child pick out a gift for the newborn.
• Let your child attend the baby shower.
• Prepare your child for the delivery. Let your child know what will happen and make arrangements for them in advance. Is your child going to stay with grandma during the delivery or will they accompany you to the hospital? Whatever you decide make sure your child knows what is going to happen so that when you need to go to the hospital your child will not be afraid.

After

• Make sure that the baby’s homecoming is a celebration for the entire family.
• When you get home have someone other than yourself carry the baby in and make sure to devote a short time to your older child first.
• Ask your family to do the same before asking to see the new baby.
• Involve your child in baby chores. Let your child help you by carrying the diaper bag and even helping to change a diaper by handing you the supplies or help pick out the baby’s outfit.
• Help your child find ways to express anger with the new baby, like drawing how they feel.
• Tell your child what a great older sibling he/she is, making them feel like an important part of the growing family is important.
• Set aside special time, ten or fifteen minutes, for the older child that is uninterrupted by the new baby.

Communication with your older child is the most important thing. Preparing them every step of the way will help them get ready for their new baby brother or sister.