Preparing your child for a new sibling:
The arrival of a new baby can bring many changes to a family. Parents spend a lot of energy on preparations, and after the baby arrives, much of the family's attention involves caring for the newborn.  All this change can be hard for older siblings to handle. It's common for them to feel jealousy toward the newborn and to react to the upheaval by acting out.  But parents can prepare kids for an addition to the family. Discussing the pregnancy in terms that make sense to kids, making some arrangements, and including kids in the care of the newborn can make things easier for everyone.

Tips to help explain the "bump":

• go through your child's baby pictures
• read books about childbirth and soon they'll have a brother or sister, (make sure the books age-appropriate)
• visit friends who have infants
• get your little one talking to your bump
• show your child the new bassinet or cot for the baby
• involve your child; let them help pick out baby's coming home clothes and pack your hospital bag
• talk about potential baby names
• show how the baby moves in your tummy, let them feel your tummy
• include your child; take them with you to the doctor / midwife appointment to hear the baby's heartbeat
• explain to your child that the baby will arrive in a particular season, such as winter or when it's cold outside.

Tips for a happy homecoming:

• prior to the new baby arriving home, have your partner or a loved one bring your child to the hospital or birth centre for a visit. Allow another loved one to hold the baby for a while so that you can give your older child plenty of cuddles
• when you're home, take your older child to a special place - such as a favourite playground - to celebrate the new baby's arrival
• make sure that your child gets individual attention when the new baby arrives. If you're taking pictures or videos, include your older child. Take pictures or videos of him or her alone, too. Consider having a few small gifts on hand to give to your older child in case friends visit with gifts for the new baby
• if your child wants to, let him or her help make birth announcements by drawing pictures, etc
• have your child pass out something special to friends announcing the baby's birth
• consider your older child and baby exchanging gifts. Your older child may want to pick out a special gift for the baby
• ask your friends and relatives to greet your older child before seeing the new baby.

Involve your child in caring for the new baby: If your child wants to, let him or her:

• hold or bring the nappy to you
• help stock the baby's dressing table with nappies and supplies
• help dress, burp, and feed the baby
• smile and talk to the baby, especially when the baby is fussy (be sure to let the older child know you are aware that the baby is enjoying it)
• hold the baby with supervision
• share some toys with the baby - let your older child keep the toys that are very special to him or her
• If the older sibling is not interested in helping with these activities, provide a planned activity for him or her while caring for the baby. Things you can do for your older child include:
• bathe the new baby and older child at the same time if older child doesn't object
• assess the needs of your older child and plan to meet those needs before caring for the new baby.
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