New Babies: Helping your older children adjust

New babies are exciting for just about everyone. Newborns require a lot of attention, but take care that your other children don’t feel left out. There are ways to direct your attention towards all your children:

– If there are family or friends coming over to visit the new baby, they will most likely bring a little gift. Have other gifts for your other children kept away for times like these. A cheap way to stay prepared is to get little toys from the dollar store.

– New babies need to be held a lot, but you can still pay attention to your other children. If you are breastfeeding, sit your other children on your lap and read them a story, which is also good for the baby to hear.

– When you are feeding or changing your baby, have your other younger children change or feed a stuffed animal. They can also help you with the baby, but teach them to handle the baby with care.

-Older children often feel left out, too. When your baby is still young, you may miss sports games or other events, so make sure you ask about these activities and make an effort to attend some of them. Encourage them to help with the baby. They will feel as if they are needed, not in the way.

-If your other children are used to having friends over to play, do not change their ways. If you are worried about your baby waking up, create some kind of white noise like a fan or soft music in the baby room.

Related links: Four Ways to Help Your Child Learn to Trust!