Is your family expecting? Congratulations! While now is a time for joy and celebration, we understand that not everything may be rosy when it comes to adding to your family. If you already have an older child(ren), introducing them to their younger brother or sister may seem overwhelming. Perhaps they are angry at having to share their parents with someone else, or nervous about having a new sibling will be like. Whatever the tension, Watch Me Grow is here to help your child(ren)’s introduction to your newest little one be a positive experience for everyone involved.
Watch Me Grow is your source for high-quality child care in North Las Vegas. We offer exceptional day care programs for infants and children ages six weeks and up. All of our programs feature fun and educational activities, such as reading, socializing, outdoor time, and more. We also provide a nutritious and delicious lunch for all the children under our care, and give parents and guardians daily reports on their child’s milestones. Read on to discover some useful tips for introducing a new baby to your older child, and get in touch with us today to schedule a tour of our Las Vegas daycare center. We are happy to provide you with a tour of our safe, clean, and engaging facility.
Foster Connection Before Birth
Just as you’re bonding with your new baby during your pregnancy, your older child can, too. Look at ultrasound pictures together and let your child feel your tummy whenever the baby kicks. Sing, talk, and read stories to the new baby together. You may even want to take your child to prenatal appointments to hear the baby’s heartbeat. Imagine what the new baby is doing inside your tummy. Are they happy? Sad? These activities can help your child envision his or her new sibling as a living, breathing person, and even a future friend.
Plan The First Meeting
Being away at the hospital to give birth may be unsettling for your older child, as their routine has been upset and they don’t know what to expect. Planning your older child’s first meeting with the new baby can help ease both of your anxieties. When your child comes to the hospital to meet his or her sibling, take some time to be alone with them for exclusive cuddles, hugs, and kisses. They will have been anxious to see you. Next, bring in the new baby, and keep the attention on your older child and their reactions. Refer to the new baby as “your little sister” or “your little brother” to help them start thinking about what role this new addition will play in their life.
Have The Siblings Exchange Gifts
Gift-giving between your children is a great way to foster a positive relationship. If your child is especially young, you can have the new baby “give” a present to your older child, such as a big brother/big sister t-shirt, a new toy, or a book about becoming an older sibling (we recommend Peter’s Chair by Ezra Jack Keats or Maple by Lori Nichols). If your child is old enough to understand the gift is not from the baby, simply say “Congrats on becoming a big brother/sister!”
Apart from helping your older child feel warmly towards the new baby, this can also prevent feelings of jealousy and loneliness.The new baby will likely be receiving a lot of gifts over the coming months, and you don’t want your older child to feel left out. You might also want to have your older child give the new baby a present themselves, such as a snuggly pacifier or onesie, so that they develop a nurturing attitude towards their younger sibling and feel like they’re being included in the celebrations.
Set Your Little One Up For Success At Watch Me Grow!
Whether you’re looking for child care for one or several of your children, Watch Me Grow is here to help! We offer infant care for babies ages 6 weeks to 18 months, toddler care for toddlers ages 18 months through 2 years, preschool for 3- to 5-year-olds, and before and after school programs for children ages 6 through 12. When you enroll your child at Watch Me Grow Las Vegas, you can rest assured that your little one is in good hands. Contact us today!
