Things to watch out for

• When a new baby arrives, your children may feel both excited and anxious.
• You can start preparing for the baby at least 3-4 months before the birth.
• Preparing may include talking and listening, reading, and giving love and attention.
• When you get home, make sure to spend quality time with your children.

Preparing for the birth of a new baby: How your children will feel

When a new baby arrives, your other children may feel excited. But they must learn to share their love and attention with the newborn baby. This can be a big step, especially if your children are toddlers. They may feel like they’re being pushed out of the spotlight.
Almost all children have to adjust when a newborn joins the family. But a positive sibling relationship eventually develops — usually around the time the newborn is 14 months old.

When to tell your kids about the new baby

When you’re preparing for a new baby, it’s up to you to decide when and how much to tell your kids about the new baby. The age of your child also plays a role. It may make sense to introduce the idea of a newborn early in your pregnancy, at least 3-4 months before the baby is born. You can also try talking about babies in general and then about your new baby. Young children don’t have much of a grasp on time yet. When explaining to your child that a baby is coming, try to relate it to an event that’s familiar to them. For example, you might say that the baby will be born shortly after a special person’s birthday. Preparing your child for the arrival of the baby

Before the baby arrives, help your child develop positive feelings about their new sibling. This will require preparation, communication, and a lot of understanding on your part.
If you can make this time a positive and exciting one, your child will be more likely to see that the change affects the whole family, not just the new baby.

These ideas might help:

• Read stories about babies. Look at pictures and talk to your child about how your family is growing. Show your child pictures of you when you were little.
• Let your child touch your baby’s bump to feel its movements and internal kicks. You can also let them listen to your baby’s heartbeat when you visit the midwife or doctor.
• Involve your child in the practical preparations for the baby’s arrival. Help them prepare the house, buy baby items and decorate. Talk to your child about what they’re most looking forward to when the new baby arrives.
• If your child is worried about the new baby, talk to them about their concerns and reassure them. Give your child lots of love and hugs, and focus on the positives – for example, he or she will have a new sibling to love.

It’s also a good idea to let your child know what it’s like to have a new baby in the family.

If possible, spend time with friends and their newborns. Your child will realize that newborn babies are very sleepy and need plenty of care.
Make it clear to your child that their baby will be an independent little person with his or her own needs.
Encourage your child to play and interact with other children. This will help your child develop the social skills he or she needs to build a good relationship with his or her new sibling. Perhaps you can invite your child to join a playgroup or arrange for adult relatives or friends to spend time with your child.