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Caring for Your Other Children

Welcoming a new baby into the family is an exciting time for parents and for other children as well, but is a time of adjustment for everyone. You can help your child(ren)to happily welcome the new baby into their lives with just a little planning and consideration.

First, depending on your child(ren)'s age, let them know before the baby's birth some of the things they can expect. There are many books available on helping a child get ready for the new baby - it is a good idea to read these with your child both before and after the birth of the new baby.

Also, for the days that you are in the hospital, your child(ren)'s routine will be disrupted. Let them know ahead of time what they can expect during this time as well - i.e., if a grandparent or friend will be caring for them, who will take them to school, tuck them into bed, etc. Children thrive on routine and this reassurance will help them to feel more at peace with the changes going on around them.

Some other ideas:

  • Keep your children's routine as normal as possible in the days and weeks following your baby's birth.
  • Praise your older child(ren) for good behavior and when they help.
  • Don't ask children to help with a job that is too much for them. Easy jobs, like getting a diaper, make them feel important and helpful.
  • Keep snacks and other things your children may need (as appropriate) where they can get one themselves if you are busy with the baby. They can also help you by bringing you a snack, too.
  • Children can "read" to you while you are feeding the baby. Even the youngest child can tell a story from pictures.
  • During the first week home from the hospital, focus on your family, not on the housework.
  • Carve out some time alone with your older child(ren). Reading a book together, grocery shopping or a short walk together can revive you all and help you to reconnect.
  • Let your older children know how special it is to be their age. Point out the special things that they can do that the baby can't.
  • Be prepared for some regression if your older child is a toddler. A perfectly potty trained toddler may suddenly start having accidents. Some toddlers may have renewed interest in pacifiers or bottles. Just be patient with your child and praise him/her for being a "big boy/girl."
  • Remember to let your older children know how special and loved they are. A new baby brings even more love into the family for everyone to share.