First things first, this is not an announcement! I don’t want to be confusing folks with this post especially because we are well out of the ‘preparing my kid for baby’ phase, but I was recently asked how I prepared Remy for Theo’s arrival so I thought I’d share my advice here on FabAve too! I’m not going to lie, I was nervous for the introduction of another child into our family, not to mention how my first born would take the adjustment. Would she experience anger and jealousy, or would she instantly be connected to this new, tiny little human? While there is no way in knowing that answer, there were a few things I did to prepare Remy for her baby brother’s arrival, and if you are in the midst of a similar transition, here are some tips.

Be around other babies.
If you have friends or family that have babies, take advantage and pay them a visit with your first born. This is a great opportunity to show your child how to be gentle with a tiny baby and how babies do a lot of nothing after they’re born. They don’t just come “ready to play” but require a lot of attention. Show your child how much babies cry and how their sibling will probably be doing a lot of the same.

Get them involved.
Add some fun to the “preparing for baby” process and get your eldest involved! This could be as simple as having them help you wash, fold and put away baby brother’s/sister’s clothes. Here are a few other ideas to get your child involved:

• Bring them along with you to a check-up appointment! This way your oldest has a chance to “see” their sibling and hear their heartbeat

• When you’re out shopping for baby, have your child pick out an outfit or some supplies for their new little baby brother or sister

• Encourage your eldest to talk or sing to their sibling, and have them frequently kiss them

Get them excited.
Hyping what’s to come may seem simple, and it is, but it’s also really essential. Getting your child excited for their sibling will help set the expectation that they play a major role in this new chapter. Explain to them their new role of big brother/big sister and tell them how important this new title is, they’ll be momma’s little helper!

Add a couple big brother/big sister books into the rotation.

There are a ton of books out there geared toward preparing children for a new baby brother or sister and I credit this easy tip for getting Remy excited for her new sibling! A story can go a long way in illuminating (pun intended) to your first born what’s about to happen.

We did the same with Remy’s favorite TV show. She loves Dora the Explorer, so when the ‘new sibling’ episode aired, we recorded it and watched it often to help explain what’s in store for her.

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