There’s nothing more exciting than finding out that you are
expecting … again. Thoughts of tiny toes and sweet baby breath flood your mind,
and your world is all of a sudden in total bliss. Along with another baby,
though, come worries of, “How will I possibly love this baby like I love my
first?” or “How will my child adjust to having a new baby in the house? Will he
still know that I love him just the same?”
Having another baby, whether it’s your second, third or
fourth, can be an exciting and overwhelming time. There are lots of things to
consider, including how everyone’s life is going to change once your due date
has arrived.
Here are eight effective tips on how to make a smooth
transition from one baby to two, or more.
1. Belly banter
Prepare your son for the upcoming arrival of his baby
sister. Let him touch and kiss your belly while you are still pregnant. Having
a hands-on experience will help him make the connection that there is something
special inside of your belly and you want him to be a part of it.
2. Gift giving
Pick out a gift from your unborn baby to “give” to your
older child after she is born. If you are allowing your older child to visit
you at the hospital, give the gift to him and tell him it’s from his baby
sister. This will make him feel extra special during a time that may be a
little scary for him.
3. Hold on tight
Help your older daughter hold your newborn son. Let her sit
in an adult’s lap (or yours, if you feel up to it) and let her “hold” the baby
with help. Once she sees that this baby is a living, breathing person, she will
start to take on that roll of big sister.
4. Nursing/bottle basket
Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding, fill a
basket, bin or bucket with special toys that your older child has never seen
before (think dollar store toys). Only take the basket out when you are feeding
the new baby. Your older children can play with their new toys and feel like
they are still a part of what you’re doing.
5. Make a date
Have your husband watch the baby while you and your older
son go on a date. Take him to his favorite restaurant or stop by the park to
push him on the swing. It’s important that you continue to take time just for
you and him so that he gets that one-on-one attention with you.
6. Tummy time
Have your older daughter help you with the baby’s tummy time
by letting her pick out which toys to put in front of the baby. This small act
of helping out will make her feel like she is taking an active role in the
baby’s life. Bonus: you’ll all get a laugh out of watching the baby try and
reach for the toys.
7. Special play time
Newborns tend to sleep for most of the day. In between
catching up on your naps, make a point of having special play time with your
son. Whether it’s rolling out play dough or baking brownies, this time at home
with him will make both of you appreciate the special bond that you have had
from the beginning.
8. Spread the love
Be sure to hug and kiss your husband in front of the kids.
When they see mom and dad are happy, they too will be happy. This public
affection will reassure your other children that they are safe and loved by two
happy parents.
Meagan Ruffing is a freelance parenting writer and
stay-at-home mom to her two children. She and her husband are expecting their
third child this fall and are starting to prepare for their new addition.