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Home › Articles › Preparing for Baby › Becoming a Big Sib

Becoming a Big Sib

Preparing Toddlers for a New Baby

By Alexandria Powell

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

As the birth draws near, get a plan in place. Let your child know that you'll be in the hospital for a few days when the baby is born. And check with the hospital, says LeMaster. Many offer sibling classes and tours of the maternity ward for soon-to-be older siblings. Make sure your child knows who will be staying with him while you're in the hospital. It should be a caregiver he's familiar with and trusts.

Finally, when the big day comes, try not to leave without saying "goodbye," says Dr. Noll. "Even if Mom has to leave in the middle of the night, it's better to let the child know what is going on, that you're OK and that you'll be home soon," she says.

After the Birth
Your toddler will want – and need – to visit you in the hospital. But he probably won't be focused on meeting his new sibling right away, says Dr. Noll. In typical toddler fashion, your child will want to tell you all about what he's been doing while you've been gone. Spend these hospital visits chatting with him.

In addition, make sure everyone else knows that being a big sibling is a big deal. "Ask family to greet your child first, before going over to admire the baby," says LeMaster. Having a gift "from the baby" for the older child is a great idea, as is having a few small gifts on hand to give to your toddler in case visitors bring in baby gifts. When it's time to go home, LeMaster recommends letting Dad carry the new baby into the house while Mom walks in with the toddler. Follow your toddler's lead, and be patient and loving.


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