Introducing Baby To Siblings

The title of this page would better be "introducing your children to the new arrival"! Bringing a new baby into your existing family can be difficult when you have other children at home. However excited your children are about their new baby brother or sister it is important to recognize they will often struggle with the reality of the new baby once he or she arrives. But there are a few simple steps you can take to smooth the transition for all involved.

Include them in the pregnancy
Prepare your children for the new arrival by including them in the pregnancy and talking about how much your new baby will need them. This will instil a sense of care and responsibility in your children, rather than one of resentment. Beware, however, following advice that says buy your children gifts from your new baby – this can set things off on the wrong footing.

Give them responsibility
Let your child or children be part of the caretaking of your new baby from day one. If they are of an appropriate age, give each child a special responsibility: one child might be in charge of gathering the diaper-changing equipment, while another is in charge of warming the bottle. Older children can even take turns feeding the baby. Don’t, however, force them to participate if they don’t want to at first. Sometimes it takes a few days for children to ‘warm up’ to the idea of a new baby in the house.

Give them your special attention
One of the problems for existing siblings is adjusting to not being the center of your world anymore. It will be hard for you to focus on anything other than your new baby when you first arrive back home, but beware of spending so much time with the new arrival that you inadvertently ignore your other children. Try to set aside special time with each child. Talk about their day at school, for example, or extracurricular activities they are involved in. Spend your special time focusing only on that particular child. It will probably be necessary to rope in some extra help from your partner or family to achieve this.

Reminisce about their birth and babyhood!
Now would be the perfect time to get out the picture albums and baby books for your older children and reminisce about how you felt when each of them was born. If possible, set aside a special day just to go through the books. Share funny stories from their childhood with them – recollecting fond memories will bring your family closer and show your other children that they are just as special as the newborn.

Make sure the family doesn't forget them
Don’t forget to talk to your partner about any concerns you have. It will take consistent efforts from both of you to help your children overcome any feelings of insecurity and accept their new brother or sister with love and enthusiasm. Grandparents have a role to play too – ensure they continue to make a fuss of your existing children as well as the new arrival.

Be patient
Above all, be patient. Some children don’t take well to a new sibling immediately; this is completely normal. Be patient and consistent and your older child will soon come around.

Editor's note: We've had an excellent tip from Ann, in Canada, who has 2 children, 3 year's apart - "When you bring a new baby home from the hospital, make a big fuss about putting a photo of any older siblings very close by the baby's basket, crib or cot. Explain to the older child that the baby will love them and needs to know that they will be loved in return, and that if the photo is close by, baby will be reassured and feel safe. As the baby grows older, give your older child credit for teaching the baby important skills. "Look, John - baby is learning how to smile! That's because she is copying her big brother!" Spend some time building a good relationship between your children when they are very young, and they will be the best of friends as they grow older, too."

You might also be interested in:

Read our Diary Of A New Mum and discover what happens when Jessica-Ann comes home from the hospital and during her first year at home. This fun read is perfect for new mums and experienced mums alike! New episodes weekly.
Diary Of A New Mum

More about Newborn Babies

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AV Baby content is for information only. If you are at all worried about your baby, please seek the advice of your midwife, doctor or paediatrician.

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