Bringing a new baby into the family is an exciting time, though it can also be stressful, as you make space in your home and arrangements for infant care. Furthermore, your other children may feel some confusion about the new addition. To ease any concerns they might have, consider following the guide below.

How to Prepare Your Child to Be an Older Sibling

1. Tell Them at the Right Time

While you might be overjoyed about telling your child that they will be a big brother or big sister soon, sharing the news too early can be detrimental. Not only could it be harder for them to grasp the idea before you’re showing, but if there are early complications, the loss of the pregnancy might be hard to explain. Alternatively, the idea might make them anxious, not knowing what the future holds—a feeling that can be prolonged if the birth is still many months away. Therefore, it’s often best to wait for the second or third trimester.

2. Set Expectations

One of the biggest concerns your firstborn might have is that they will be neglected as Mom tends to the baby’s infant care. Before delivery, take the opportunity to have some one-on-one time with them to bond and explain that while you might be busy with the newborn, it does not take away from how much you love them. After the birth might be a good time for Dad to also pay special attention to your oldest.

3. Keep Your Child Involved

There are a lot of preparations for a newborn, so get your child involved. Ask for input when purchasing supplies or designing the baby’s room. Encourage them to suggest names, share ideas for toys and other items, and in general, feel that their opinion matters. The sense of responsibility can be fulfilling and it’s another way to strengthen bonds before the baby arrives. Once their new sibling is here, let them hold them under safe circumstances or assist in small ways with their infant care.

Being parents to two or more can be rewarding—but hectic. If you need a place where your kids can go to be under the supervision of trained educators, consider day care at Merry Manor School of Childhood. Serving Lincoln, NE families, their staff brings seven decades of combined experience to each child—from those six weeks old up to 13 years. Their infant care, preschool, and child care services are all carefully designed to cover essential topics and keep children engaged. Learn more on their website. Call (402) 466-2215 to discuss enrollment and connect on Facebook for news and updates.