How to Support Your Child When Welcoming a New Sibling into The Family

If you are expecting a baby this year, what can you do to support your child/children in preparing to welcome your new baby? After all, introducing a new baby into the family dynamic can be a significant adjustment for everyone involved, especially siblings.

Here are some tips to help you to support your child in welcoming in a new baby:

Prepare in Advance:

Start talking to your child(ren) about the new baby before they arrive. You may wish to talk about “our baby”, and involve older children in the preparations, such as setting up the nursery or choosing baby clothes. There are lots of great books out there you could read together, especially for younger children too.

Talk to them about the birthing day. If they’re going to stay with a family member of friend talk to them about this, and encourage the person they’re with to talk about the exciting things they may do together. If they’re going to be in your birthing space, for example if you’re planning a homebirth, talk to them about what that could look like, plan activities and introduce them to those who may be there - this is where working with a birthkeeper, doula or Independent Midwife could help as they will have time to really get to know you child(ren) during your pregnancy.

Maintain Routine:

Try to keep your child’s routine as consistent as possible. A predictable schedule can provide stability during times of change and help your child(ren) feel more secure.  If you're thinking you'd like any older child(ren) to have a few days a week at nursery / childminder once the baby is born it's important to start and establish this as their routine well in advance of your new baby's arrival.  

Likewise with bedtimes, if it's usually mum who runs bedtime, perhaps start your partner running the odd one and build up to every other night - this means less pressure on you whilst you're recovering from birth (and towards the end of pregnancy too to be honest)

Involve Them:

Encourage your child to participate in caring for the baby (with supervision, of course), such as helping with nappy changes, fetching things for you, choosing a story to be read to the new baby or holding the baby with support if they're old enough. This involvement can foster a sense of responsibility and connection.

Validate Their Feelings:

Understand that your child may experience a range of emotions, including jealousy, frustration, or confusion. Listen to their concerns, validate their feelings without judgement, and let them know how much you still love them and you’re still their parent too.

Spend Time with Them, One to One:

It's important older child(ren) feel a sense of attachment and stability with you. By making dedicated time to play with your older child(ren) this shows them you still have time for them.  You're still their parent too.

Model Positive Behaviour: Show your child how to interact gently and lovingly with the baby. Praise them for their efforts and emphasize the importance of being a caring older sibling.

By approaching the situation with patience, understanding and proactive support, you can support your child(ren) in navigating this change in family dynamic and foster a loving relationship with their new baby brother or sister.