A new baby is an exciting and life changing event for the whole family! For young children however, it can also cause anxiety. Parents will often wonder what’s the best way to introduce them to their new sibling, to make the transition easier. We have therefore put together some expert tips below.

Before the Birth

Introducing a child to a new sibling can start well before birth. According to the Raising Children Network, the ideal time to start preparing a new sibling is 3-4 months in advance. Don’t fear if you’re already close to birth, as you can start implementing the tips below at any time leading up to the event.

1. Stories & Role Play

Read stories together with your toddler about birth and new siblings. Engage in role play about what it means to look after a newborn. Give your child their own baby doll to care for. Communicate in a way they can understand about their new sibling arriving. For example, show them pictures of themselves when they were a newborn.

2. Involve Them in the Process

Include your child in the pregnancy process as much as possible. Let them touch your baby bump and listen to the baby’s heartbeat if they accompany you to any appointments. Involve your child in the day-to-day preparations for their new sibling, like preparing the baby’s room/bassinet, choosing new baby items, etc.

3. Loving Attention & Quality Time

Give your child loving attention to make them feel valued and secure, leading up to the birth, during the birth and very importantly after.

During the Birth & After

In general, if you make the arrival of the new baby a positive and exciting time, your child is more likely to feel that the change is about everybody in the family, not just the new baby. Once the baby has arrived there are some great ideas below for introducing them to their sibling.

4. During the Birth

If you’ll be away for the birth, discuss with them beforehand that you’re going away for a short time and re-assure them when you’ll be back with their new sibling. You can even print out some family photos for them to keep near their bed while you are away. If they visit you in hospital, make them feel special and loved. Tell your child how happy you are to see them.

5. Hugs & Reassurance

Once the baby has arrived, reassure your child with a big loving hug and special attention before introducing them for the first time. This is especially important for toddlers. Once you introduce them, let them touch the baby gently and re-iterate their important role as the older sibling who can help care for the new baby.

6. Making Your Child Feel Important

Suggest to family and friends that they also bring something small for your child if they are bringing gifts for the newborn. You can also involve your child in caring for the newborn as much as possible. For example, ask them to help bring items the baby will need. Let them cuddle the baby and help you with other baby rearing tasks.

7. Quality Time

Most importantly, plan as much quality time with your older child as you can, so they feel secure and equally as valued. New mumma's can't do everything alone, so it will require enlisting as much support and help from your partner/family/friends/community with your newborn, so you can get adequate rest, and also some special time with your older child. This could be a little game, drawing together or reading a story at bedtime. Remember it's quality, not quantity and small things can make a big difference. 

Overall, introducing siblings to their new baby brother is sister is an exciting time for the whole family. It is a great opportunity to bring everyone closer together and allow your child to re-define their new role within the family in a positive way.