If you’re a parent and getting ready to add another tiny human to the mix, it is totally normal to feel apprehensive about the new family dynamic. Bringing home a baby has a BIG impact on the whole family unit. Today, let’s dive into the world of preparing your kids for a new sibling and discover how to smooth the transition of welcoming a new baby.

This is as much about preparing yourself as it is your older kiddo(s). Imagine this: you bring home that sweet new baby, and suddenly your older child becomes a whirlwind of emotions. Your previously chill, amazing, angelic child may become a totally unrecognizable agent of chaos. It is STRESSFUL. However, your older child is not a monster, they are working through a BIG shift in dynamics. This is totally normal, even with the best of preparation. However, when you take the time to create an open and honest dialogue with your little ones about what to expect, you’re smoothing the transition and reducing the meltdowns.

Now, let’s talk about how to have that oh-so-important conversation about the new baby. Age-appropriate language is key, my friend. It can start by involving them in pregnancy activities, like accompanying you to doctor’s appointments, sharing about your birth plan, or helping you choose a new outfit for the newest family member. Reading books about becoming an older sibling, identifying different sibling dynamics in their favorite tv shows or books (Bluey & Bingo are #goalz), and simply talking about it A LOT, can help smooth the transition

Here’s the deal: siblings often have worries and fears about what this new tiny human means for them. It’s totally normal for them to feel concerned about being left out or overshadowed, but don’t worry! By truly listening to their feelings and concerns, you’re showing them that they’re seen, heard, and deeply loved. Keep those lines of communication open and reassure them that their place in the family is as treasured as ever.

Once baby arrives, the language you use can have a big impact on how they feel about their sibling.

SHHHHH the baby is sleeping!

Try this:

Hey sweetheart! Remember for the next hour we are going to play quietly. What are some fun activities that we can do together?

I have to feed the baby, I can’t play right now.

Oh I would love to play, and I’ll be available in about 15 minutes. Can you get an activity set up for us?

Cultivate a special connection between siblings by letting them help with simple baby tasks (who wants to be the official baby wipes dispenser?). Refilling water and snacks, grabbing burp clothes, or even inviting them to feed their doll/favorite stuffy when you feed the baby are great ways to make them feel like part of the team.

If older sib is upset, and you can’t set the baby down, you can tell baby “hey, it sounds like Sally is really upset right now, let’s go check on her.” This again lets your older child still feel seen and heard.

We all know that change is inevitable when a new baby arrives. Adjusting routines, involving siblings in decision-making, and ensuring each child gets their own special time can make a world of difference. In the early days of postpartum, that may look like snuggling and reading a story together, while your partner takes the baby for a few minutes. Setting aside even just 5 minutes of one to one, distraction free connection time with each of your older kiddos each day can create a solid, secure bond.

Preparing kids for a new sibling an ongoing and ever-evolving process. Remember, that even with the best preparation there are going to be bumps along the road. By nurturing a positive and harmonious family dynamic, you’re setting the stage for a future filled with strong sibling bonds, shared laughter, and maybe even a few hilarious sibling pranks along the way.