Sibling Revelry

Simple tips for easing sibling adjustments

Move older siblings to new bed or quarters at least 3 months before the new baby arrives.
Never leave infants unattended in the presence of a toddler. A 2 year old who simply wants to ‘pat the baby’ doesn’t understand that he could really hurt the baby. Paediatricians note that this is a frequent and dangerous mistake
Don’t force younger children to help with the baby. Let them get involved at their own pace.
Offer both boys and girls a baby doll to diaper and feed while you care for the new baby.
If you can afford it, secure some part time cleaning help for a few weeks after the baby is born. This will allow you more time to spend with each of your children.
Instead of fussing at your toddler when she acts out while you’re trying to care for the baby, provide a special basket of ‘goodies’ to be taken out only when you need to redirect the child. Good choices: books on tape and cassette player, puppets, a special set of blocks and ‘paint with water’ books.
If you’ll return to work, try to find a childcare setting that will work for both of your children so that they can be together, and so you won’t be exhausted running from place to place.

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