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Home › Articles › Preparing for Baby › Meet Your Sibling

Meet Your Sibling

Preparing Your Child for the New Baby

By Jessica Williams

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Fortunately, most toddlers seem to immediately accept mommy's growing belly – and some even seem to understand that a baby lives there. Use that acceptance to your advantage. "Don't ask the toddler if they want a baby, or if they want a brother or sister," says Dr. McCoy, "Rather, tell him that mommy will be having a baby that will be coming home 'after your birthday' or 'when summer comes.'"

Exploring New Emotions

Most parents worry about their toddler being jealous of the new baby. And although there are jealousy issues that can arise after the toddler realizes the baby isn't "going back to the hospital," the most common problem is seeing mommy holding and caring for a baby. If you have friends or family with a newborn, try to spend some time with that baby in front of your toddler. Get his interest focused on how different the baby looks, or how soft her skin is.

If you are lucky enough to see a baby regularly, you may want to let your toddler explore new sibling tasks. This is an excellent opportunity to teach him how to develop a gentle touch and demeanor. Ask him to get a diaper for the baby or find the baby's favorite blanket. Let your toddler watch how the baby scrunches up her face or flails her little arms when she isn't wrapped up. If the other mother is comfortable, let your toddler get a close-up view of how the baby nurses.

"I believe that [sibling] bonding starts from the advance involvement of the toddler in preparation for the baby," says Dr. McCoy.

Some toddlers don't seem to be interested in any of this, or some toddlers will forget all of what they have seen when their sibling is born. So probably the best exposure you can give to your toddler is yourself. Let him see you as a pregnant mommy, preparing to love and care two children - himself and the new baby inside of you. This may be the best way for your toddler to accept the new family member. "I believe that [sibling] bonding starts from the advance involvement of the toddler in preparation for the baby," says Dr. McCoy.


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