Prepping Your Child for the New Baby

Here's a compilation of tips from an array of child developmental experts on preparing an older child for a new sibling:

• Let the child know he's not going to be replaced by a new baby.
• Make sure to include first-borns in decisions around the house involving the baby, like how the nursery will look.
• Use phrases like "our baby" or "your baby."
• Don't start "talking up" the baby too early in the pregnancy.
• Choose books that are appropriate for the child's age to prepare for infant's arrival.
• Review photos of when the child was a baby and talk about what he was like as an infant.
• Show the child how to role play with dolls and practice changing diapers and bottling.
• Have someone take the child out of the house before you get home with the baby so when the child comes home, you can embrace her.
• When visitors come to the home, make sure your older child isn't ignored.
• Make sure the child understands that breastfeeding is a natural way for a baby to eat. And encourage your older child to sit next to you with a toy or book so he won't feel left out while you're nursing.
• Make sure there is alone time for the older child.
• Acknowledge that it's natural for the child to feel jealousy or anger, but urge her to talk about it.
• Get the child involved in the baby's care, by asking for help with the diaper, bottles, and baths.