How to Prepare Your Preschooler for a New Baby

• Step 1

  Spend time around babies. If your child's playmates have new babies at home, invite the family to visit--make babies an ordinary part of life. Prepare your child for the reality of a newborn. Explain that the new baby sister won't be able to play, talk or do much besides eat, sleep and cry.

• Step 2

  Talk about when the new baby is coming as the due date grows closer. Since preschoolers don't have a sense of time, "it may be more useful to explain that the baby will arrive in a particular season, such as winter or when it's cold outside," recommends KidsHealth.org in a December 2008 article. (See References 1)

• Step 3

  Read books about new babies. Your children's librarian can make suggestions. Books include "Baby on the Way," written in 2001 by William Sears M.D., Martha Sears, R.N., and Christie Watts Kelly. It speaks to the child becoming an older sister or brother, and talks about the changes babies bring. "My Baby Brother Is a Little Monster," by Sarah Albee uses familiar characters to tell the story.

• Step 4

  Include your child in planning for the baby, picking out clothes or decorations. "This will make him less jealous," says the American Academy of Pediatrics in its 2007 publication "Sibling Relationships." (See References 2)

• Step 5

  Encourage role play. Provide a doll and let your preschooler take care of her own baby. A real diaper and wipes are fun props.

• Step 6

  Be ready for regression. If your child is potty-trained, expect slip-ups. Behaviors such as tantrums that you thought your child had grown out of may reappear. Some regression in a preschooler is "normal and is your older child's way of making sure he still has your love and attention," according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (See References 2)

• Step 7

  Introduce other caregivers now, before baby is born. Whether a grandparent, neighbor or trusted babysitter, make this person a pleasant part of your child's life before the baby makes her appearance. Use this time to get some rest. Your preschooler will enjoy some one-on-one time with a special friend.

• Step 8

  Give lots of hugs and snuggles--now and after the infant is born. As soon as the baby arrives, your preschooler might suddenly seem like a teenager in comparison. Enjoy your older child's "babyness" before the new baby comes, and be sure keep up the hugging and snuggling afterwards.

• 2
• Preschool teachers or day-care providers can be useful resources in preparing your child for the new baby. Your child may not always feel like talking about the baby. Make sure to also do things not related to the baby.
• Preschool teachers or day-care providers can be useful resources in preparing your child for the new baby.
• Your child may not always feel like talking about the baby. Make sure to also do things not related to the baby.
• Never leave a newborn alone with a preschool-age sibling. If your child's behavior concerns you, speak to your pediatrician.
• Never leave a newborn alone with a preschool-age sibling.
• If your child's behavior concerns you, speak to your pediatrician.

References & Resources

• KidsHealth.org
• University of Michigan: New Baby Sibling: Helping Your Older Child Adjust