Let’s be honest, introducing the newest member of the family to your older child can sometimes feel like navigating uncharted waters. That’s because you are!!
As a mom myself, I know that transitioning from one to two—and then two to three—comes with its own set of challenges and joys. When Ainsley became a big sister at just 22 months, she barely seemed to notice the change. But when Jack arrived, both girls were much more interested in their new baby brother! Having them in preschool helped maintain a sense of normalcy and gave me the space to adjust to our growing family.
If you’re in the midst of this transition, know that while it can be a little bumpy at times, it’s also an incredibly beautiful bonding experience. Embrace the chaos, cherish the sweet moments, and give yourself grace—you’ve got this! 💛
Obviously, it’s so crucial to prepare your older kiddos for the new baby. This is a big change in their life and will shake up their world quite a bit. But here’s the good news, preparation is key (and you’re already starting that process by reading this blog!)
Let’s talk specifics. What can you do NOW to prepare for the new baby?
Books
Start by reading books that talk about siblings and new babies. “I’m a Big Sister” or “I’m a Big Brother” by Joanna Cole and “The New SmallCircles -Unusual relationships for unique people” by Tess Castleman are great options. They beautifully illustrate the ups and downs of having a new sibling.Let the Older Sibling Help Prepare. As you prepare the baby’s room, let your older child be involved! Allow them to pick out some nursery decorations, or a special gift for their new sibling.
This involvement can help them feel like they’re a crucial part of this new chapter.
Keep Communication Open
Leading up to the birth, and in the weeks following, it’s important to maintain open lines of communication. Ask your child how they’re feeling, let them express any worries or fears, and affirm their feelings.
Let the Older Sibling Help After Baby Arrives
After the baby arrives, it’s a whole new ball game. During this time, it’s helpful to foster interaction between your older child and their new sibling. Let your older child “help” with the baby — maybe they can pick out the baby’s outfit for the day, or sing them a lullaby, or simply talk to the baby. This can help them form a bond with the baby, and feel included in this new phase of your family’s life.
Pre-arrange one on one time
But remember, amid all this, feelings of jealousy might creep in. It’s essential to reassure your older child that they’re still loved just as much as before. Maybe you can arrange for some one-on-one time with them – a special movie night or a picnic in the park. It doesn’t have to be grand, what matters is spending quality time with them.
Our area is filled with endless opportunities to bond with your little ones. Two of my favorite spots when my children were young were the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia and Elmwood Park Zoo—both perfect for hands-on fun and exploration. Adventure Aquarium, Sesame Place, Dutch Wonderland (our very favorite!!!) and the Philadelphia Zoo also offer amazing ways to enjoy special one-on-one time with your child. Plus, we have so many fantastic playgrounds, like Smith Memorial Playground, where kids can play and moms can connect and make new friends!
Keep Their Routine
Ultimately, keep in mind that as parents, you’re their compass in this new territory. It’s important to keep as much of their normal routine as possible.Whether it’s their beloved bedtime story, or that funny face you pull while having dinner, keeping some things the same can provide them with comfort.
And remember, every child is different and will react differently. It’s about guiding them through this process with love, understanding, and patience. I hope this helped offer some ideas on how to make this transition a little more smoothly If you’re looking for a photographer to capture these first moments with the older sibling and new baby – I’m here for you!
I hope reading Tips for Smoothly Navigating the Arrival of Baby Number Two has given you some good
ideas! Also, if you’re looking for a West Chester newborn Photographer, click here to see my portfolio of newborn photography!
