Sibling Acceptance

The anticipation of a new baby can be an exciting time for a family, but it can also be confusing for big brothers and big sisters.

A new baby's entry into the family is a major transition for everyone, but most especially for the other little ones in the home.

Get your toddler ready for the new addition to your family by teaching about babies and making them feel comfortable. Focus on what the baby will look like and what the baby will do, such as eating eating and sleeping. Keep your toddler feeling secure and involved, before and after the baby is born.

Before Baby arrives.....

• Give your child a time frame for when the baby will arrive, such as right after her birthday, around or Christmas time.
• Give your child the appropriate expectations: explain that for the first few months the baby will do little more than eat, sleep, and cry.
• Tell your child the story of the birth and when you were pregnant.
• Read books or watch videos about becoming a big sister or brother.
• Decorate the newborn's room with your child.
• Make major changes, such as toilet training or giving up a dummy or bottle, at least a few months before you expect to give birth.
• Start your child's new routine a few weeks before your baby is due.
  Begin arranging time for your child to spend alone with grandparents, friends, and your partner, so others can tend to their needs while you care for the baby.
• Babysit for a friend or relative's baby a few times before the birth of your new child, to get them used to having a baby around.
  

After Baby arrives.....

• Do not blame the baby for big changes that disrupt your older child's life.
• Allow your older child new privileges, such as a later bed time or extended playtime.
• Talk to your child about what a great older sibling they are.
• Don't try to make your child stay quiet while the baby sleeps. Your baby will adapt to the noise, and your older child's life will be less disrupted.
• If you find yourself in the middle of an activity with your older child when your baby begins crying, wait a minute or two before responding to show the importance of what you two have been doing and that your connection to your older child remains strong.

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