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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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Dr. McCoy also suggests arranging an area for you toddler to set up a crib and other things for his baby doll. "Older toddlers are great imitators," she says. "They can mimic preparations going on around the home. Talking and imitating help the toddler feel involved and less frightened of the unknown."
Toddlers are smart creatures. They know what you are saying, and they know what's going on. Spend a lot of time with your toddler and show him what an important family member he is.

Other people who can help prepare your toddler are your child's pediatrician and your pregnancy health care giver. At your toddler's next check-up, tell the pediatrician that you have been getting ready for the new baby. Explain to your toddler that his doctor is going to help keep the new baby healthy too. Consider taking your toddler to your OB appointments and let him listen to the heartbeat and see any ultrasound images.

Every toddler adjusts to a new baby differently. Keep his feelings in mind, and things should go smoothly. Let him know that he is loved deeply and that having another baby just adds more love to the whole family. Don't try to "sell" him on the idea of being a big brother, but casually point out other sibling relationships he is familiar with. Make a promise to keep doing certain activities after the baby is born, and most of all, spend a lot of time with your toddler and show him what an important family member he is.

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