Your waistline is expanding and you’re adding to your family — a new baby is on its way! If you’re already a parent to an older child, adding a new baby to the family is not only a big transition for you, but for your older children as well. New babies can be a big change for older siblings, but including them in the preparation and arrival can help ease the transition.
If you’re pregnant with baby 2, 3, 4 or beyond and you want to make it as seamless as possible, here are seven fun ways for older siblings to welcome the new baby!
1. Share the News!
When the time is right share the news with them before the world knows. Include them in a fun announcement (if that’s your thing) when telling family members.
2. Photos
If you choose to do maternity photos or family photos include the kids and the growing belly. Show them they are very much a part of the new addition with memories that will last forever.
3. Date time
Make time to date each of your children–take them out on special outings even if it’s just a quick breakfast date before school drop off. Their is a lot of change coming their way but taking the time to give them some one on one attention will keep them feeling included rather than left out.
4. Name Game
You may not actually use any of the names your older children suggest but it’s fun to get their input on name ideas. It’s funny to hear the suggestions and you never know what nicknames will come from it. Our first nicknamed our second, Dragon–we had a good laugh over that!
5. Presents all around.
Take the older siblings shopping for a birth day present for the new baby. In turn have a special present to give to each sibling from the baby. My daughter thought it was so special for her new baby brother to have a toy for her when they first met. She in turn thought it was so fun choosing a special present for him.
6. Artwork
Not sure how to decorate the nursery or what to hang on the walls? Have your older kids make something special to hang on the wall. Maybe it’s hand prints on canvas, a hand drawn family portrait or something fun they did in school; no matter what it is practical and meaningful.
7. Plan a party
Nothing says ‘Welcome New Baby’ like a fun homecoming party! Let the older kids decorate the house and bake a cake for new baby’s homecoming. It’s especially fun if you didn’t know the sex of the new baby before birth day–the kids will have a great time decorating in blue or pink!
Photo credit: adapted from Felipe Fernandes Photography | Flickr