Is Your Eldest Ready for a New Baby?

Not literally, of course, but many young children—boys included—love the idea of playing mommy. Purchase a baby doll for your child (a new one if necessary) and have a "naming party" whereby you officially name the doll, even make a birth certificate and put a mock hospital bracelet on its arm. When Suzannah Aftosmis was expecting twins, her mom bought her two-year-old daughter twin baby dolls—one boy and one girl. "We did a lot of role playing," says Aftosmis. "Brooke would bring us bottles and diapers."

Put together a supply basket for your child's new doll consisting of a bottle, blanket, bodysuit, and any other supplies you feel are appropriate. While you are taking care of the new baby, your older child can care for her baby as well. In her mind, you'll be doing something together as opposed to feeling as though you've left her to care for her new sibling.