Preparing Child for Baby
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-734 -- More Projects »
Family activities expert Dr. Bra Vada Garrett-Akinsanya offers simple tips for preparing a young child for the arrival of a new sibling.
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Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
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Figure D
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- Involve your child in your pregnancy and share pictures of the ultrasound (figure A).
- Give a child a baby doll to take care of as training for the new baby (figure B). Help them put a diaper on the doll and feed the doll with a bottle.
- Make a shirt with your child that says "Big Sister" or "Big Brother" (figure C). Make a tiny little baby shirt for the new arrival that says "Baby Sister" or "Baby Brother."
- Tell your child stories about when he or she was a baby. Read through their baby book and look at pictures in the family album with them. Let your children help you put together a baby book for the new arrival (figure D).
- Talking to your child about the arrival of the new baby is the most important thing you can do. Before the new baby is born, talk to your child about the changes that are going to occur in the household. Talk to them about their role as the older sibling, and be sure to give them plenty of reassurance.
- Let a child help make a "Welcome Home" sign for when you return from the hospital with the new baby.
- Involve your child in the decorating of the nursery. Ask them to paint or color pictures to hang in the nursery.
- Purchase videos and books about new babies. Watch these with your child and encourage him or her to ask you questions.
- Talk about the time you will be in the hospital, and put together a special package for the child to enjoy while you're away. Place special treats such as books and a new toy in the package.
- Ask your child to help in picking out a name for the new baby.
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