Parents should let their older children help with the baby as much as possible. Children can help by retrieving a blanket or diaper and by choosing outfits for the baby to wear. Some children may not express an interest in the baby at first and it may take time for them to accept the newest member of the family.
Certain tasks, such as breastfeeding, exclude the older children. Having a box of special toys, games and books that are new to the older children will help during this time.
A new baby requires a lot of care and attention, which may leave the older siblings feeling lost or upset. Parents should try to give their older children at least 10 minutes of undivided attention each day. Each older sibling should get one-on-one time from both mom and dad if possible. A child’s anxieties or jealously over the new baby should not be dismissed, instead, parents should encourage their children to discuss their feelings.
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Sources:
Kids Health: http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/sibling_prep.html
University of Michigan (2009): http://www.med.umich.edu/yourchild/topics/newbaby.htm