Preparing the Siblings

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Preparing the Siblings

Your newest addition to the family may not go over so well with other members of the clan — especially your other children. Feelings of jealousy and confusion are not uncommon, but, with a little forethought, you can get siblings excited to welcome their new baby brother or sister.

Children older than age 3 years are usually excited by the prospect of a new baby. You may want to share your news with them at the same time that you tell other family members and friends, so they won't feel left out. Explain to older siblings the role they can play in guiding and teaching the new baby. You can read books together about pregnancy, childbirth, babies and how to be a big brother or sister.

If sibling-preparation classes are available in your area, take your child to one. Other ways to foster an early friendship between your older child and your new baby include letting the older child feel the fetus kick and listen to its heartbeat, taking your child on a tour of the hospital before you give birth, and showing your child pictures and videos from when she was a newborn.

But children younger than age 3 years have a very limited understanding of time and the concept of an unborn baby. You may want to defer telling them your good news until you're ready to furnish the nursery or bring the baby home — just weeks or even days before your due date. You can, however, take advantage of any questions younger children may pose about your expanding tummy to help them prepare for the arrival of the baby.

Last updated:	September 29, 2004
Reviewed By:	Faculty of Harvard Medical School