Five Ways to Introduce Your Child to the New Baby

Big Kid, Meet Your New Baby! 5 Tips For Easing the Transition

December 4, 2012

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One of the most amazing parts of motherhood is watching the bond that develops between your children. Siblings share a special relationship unlike any other, so it's essential to emphasize that from the get-go. I can still remember the excitement of taking a "Big Sister" class at the hospital where my brother was born . . . and that was more than 26 years ago.

If you're expecting a second lil one, consider a creative way to introduce your child to the family's newest addition. Here, some tried and true methods for ensuring that the initial meet and greet is a smooth, successful, and special one.

Source: Jennifer Little | Sugar Photography

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by Lisa Horten 3

Source: Jennifer Little | Sugar Photography

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3 Comments

2 years

Do did we and 5 kids later haven't had much trouble with the transitions. My kids are 4,6,8,10 and 13 and we still talk about how great it is to have so many sibs. We remind them often that they are best friends through it all. Siblings are the best gift. Good luck!

schnappycat 2 years

We did all of these things with our 2.5 year old son and the transition was relatively smooth. He's been a pretty good big brother so far. However, when we tried to include him in the naming process, his primary suggestion was "Bus Beep Beep, " so we opted to head in another direction. LOL! :)

amaebi519 2 years

We've noticed our 2 1/2 y.o. daughter adores babies but gets jealous when we interact with them, so we've been doing a lot of prep with her...I'd love to hear other parents' ideas, too! Here's our strategy list: - Referring to the new one as "our" baby (i.e. the whole family's) - Kids books that reference the ways big sibs are special and important (I'm a Big Sister - J. Cole & Best-Ever Big Sister - K. Katz) - Letting her shop to choose a gift from herself to the baby - Presents she'll get to unwrap: pj's and t-shirts with a Big Sister motif; baby supplies for her doll (Graco has a pretty cheap kit with a playard, stroller, baby gym, and diaper bag) so she can do for her doll what adults are doing for the baby - Introducing her to babies - if you don't know any personally (!), a lot of new parents at the mall have been more than happy to let our toddler interact with their newbies (just have your toddler ask the baby's parents first!) - Transitioning her to a toddler bed, booster seat and potty well in advance so the new baby isn't using 'her' stuff - Brainstorming with her about ways she can be involved when the baby gets here (passing us wipes, etc.), since she takes pride in being helpful ...Hopefully the transition is a relatively smooth one!