Before Childbirth and at the Hospital
If you are lucky enough to know someone who has recently had a baby, see if your preschooler can play big brother or big sister for a few hours. Depending upon the age of your child (and the bravery of the new parents), ask if your child can do some simple, adult-supervised tasks like holding, feeding or bathing the infant. If you don’t know anyone with a baby, look into courses at the hospital. They won’t let you touch the babies obviously, but the nurses often have true-to-life dolls that are a good substitute and will at the very least let your child get a feel for what they can expect.
As the due date gets closer, talk to your child about what will happen when mom (and dad) have to go to the hospital. Explain who will be caring for them and that not only will they be able to talk to mom on the phone (if this is an option) but that they’ll be able to visit mom and the new baby after the baby is born. In the days before giving birth, try to keep a regular routine. You want life to be as close to normal for your preschooler.
Let your preschooler be the first member of the family to meet the baby, as close to its birth as possible. And keep the meeting private, just immediate family members so your child can react naturally, without a crowd present. The first time your preschooler sets eyes on a new sibling, could be overwhelming emotionally for him, so it’s important that you stay in tune with what he’s feeling. When it’s time for other visitors to stop by, let your preschooler play whatever role he’s comfortable in. Some will want to act as the master of ceremonies, introducing their new sibling to grandma, while others may prefer to hang back and watch the action. If possible, ask a relative that your child is especially close with to take him for a walk or maybe get a snack, just to help him get away from it all for a little while.
Above all else, a new baby is cause for celebration. Be sure to let you preschooler pick out a gift to give to her new baby brother or sister and likewise, have the new baby “bring” a present to your little one. While you are at the hospital, after the baby has been born, it’s likely the new addition will get lots of gifts from well-wishers. This could be hard for your preschooler, so you may want to stock up on little items like coloring books, crayons, stickers and small trinkets to bring out.
Next...New Life at Home
