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’m here to assure you that this journey, while occasionally bumpy, can also be an amazing bonding experience for your family! My girls are now 17 and 12, but I remember the excitement of finding out we were expecting Victoria, and how fun it was to introduce Audrey to her in the middle of the night when she was born in Killeen, Texas. Audrey was so sleepy but held on to her teddy bear and our birth photographer captured the sweetest first photos of the two of them!
Check out this blog post from my Austin birth photographer about my girls meeting.
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.
Here are some local places to go and resources for you in Richmond, Virginia, Midlothian, Virginia and Lawton, Oklahoma.
Richmond and Midlothian, Virginia:
- The Art Factory
- Maymont https://maymont.org
- Taylor Farm Park https://henrico.gov/rec/places/taylor-farm-park/
- Park 365 (extra great for kiddos with disabilities) https://soar365.org/park365/
- Pony Pasture
- Pocahontas State Park
- Midlothian Mines
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
- Huguenot Park
- Wishing Well Park in Midlothian https://www.wishingwellpark.com
- Urban Air
- Multiple escape rooms
- Axe throwing
- Mini golf
Lawton, Oklahoma and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma:
- Museum of the Great Plains
- Lawton Scavenger Hunt
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
- Medicine Park and Bath Lake
- Urban Air
- Oklahoma City Zoo
- Oklahoma Aquarium
- Escape Rooms
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 Midlothian, Virginia newborn photographer to capture these first moments with the older sibling and new baby – I’m here for you!
Click here to see my newborn photography gallery.
Or, maybe you’d like to learn more about Seven Things Your Lawton Newborn Photographer Wants You to Know
