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 child for the upcoming arrival of his baby
sibling. Let your child touch and kiss your belly while you are still pregnant. Having
a hands-on experience will help them make the connection that there is something
special inside of your belly and you want your child to be a part of it.
2. Gift giving
Pick out a gift from your unborn baby to “give” to your
older child after he/she is born. If you are allowing your older child to visit
you at the hospital, give the gift to them and tell them it’s from the baby. This will make your child feel extra special during a time that may be a
little scary for him/her.
3. Hold on tight
Help your older child hold your newborn. Let him/her sit
in an adult’s lap (or yours, if you feel up to it) and let him/her “hold” the baby
with help. Once your child sees that this baby is a living, breathing person, he/she will
start to take on that roll of big brother/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.
READ MORE: Prepare your kids for a new sibling
5. Make a date
Have your husband watch the baby while you and your older
child go on a date. Take them to their favorite restaurant or stop by the park to
push them on the swing. It’s important that you continue to take time just for
you two so that your child gets that one-on-one attention with you.
6. Tummy time
Have your older child help you with the baby’s tummy time
by letting them pick out which toys to put in front of the baby. This small act
of helping out will make your older child feel like they are 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
older child. Whether it’s rolling out play dough or baking brownies, this time at home
with ythem 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 with three children. She and her husband remember what it was like as they started to prepare for their 3rd addition.