Adjusting to a New Sibling | Orlando Newborn Photographer

Let’s be honest, introducing the newest member of the family to your older child can sometimes feel like navigating uncharted waters. That’s because you are!!

As a mom myself, I’m here to assure you that this journey of adjusting to a new sibling, while occasionally bumpy, can also be an amazing bonding experience for your family! 

I’ll never forget when I was pregnant with my second baby and telling our firstborn that he was going to be a big brother. He seemed excited because we were so excited, but did he know his whole little world was about to be rocked? We spent months preparing and talking about the importance of being a big brother, how special this would be for him. It was going to be great! Inside, I was actually quite terrified about how this might go.

Obviously, it’s so crucial to prepare your older kiddos for the new baby. 

This is a big change in their life and will shake up their world quite a bit. 

But here’s the good news, preparation is key (and you’re already starting that process by reading this blog!) 

Let’s talk specifics. What can you do NOW to prepare for the new baby?

Books 

Start by reading books that talk about siblings and new babies. “I’m a Big Sister” or “I’m a Big Brother” by Joanna Cole and “The New SmallCircles – Unusual relationships for unique people” by Tess Castleman are great options. 

They beautifully illustrate the ups and downs of having a new sibling.

Let the Older Sibling Help Prepare 

As you prepare the baby’s room, let your older child be involved! Allow them to pick out some nursery decorations, or a special gift for their new sibling. This involvement can help them feel like they’re a crucial part of this new chapter.

Keep Communication Open

Leading up to the birth, and in the weeks following, it’s important to maintain open lines of communication. Ask your child how they’re feeling, let them express any worries or fears, and affirm their feelings.

This can lead to really sweet conversations. I remember our toddler always touching his baby brother’s ears. When I asked why he does this, he said, “he has cuddly ears” and proceeded to call him his “cuddle baby”. After he said it out loud, it became his nick name for the baby that was eventually shortened to “Cud”. We still laugh about it!

Let the Older Sibling Help After Baby Arrives

After the baby arrives, it’s a whole new ball game. During this time, it’s helpful to foster interaction between your older child and their new sibling. Let your older child “help” with the baby — maybe they can pick out the baby’s outfit for the day, or sing them a lullaby, or simply talk to the baby. This can help them form a bond with the baby, and feel included in this new phase of your family’s life.

This was a great way for our 3 year old to feel included in daily activities with the new baby. He took pride in being a good helper, and he was actually super helpful. Countless times, I asked him to run back upstairs to grab something I had forgotten when it was time to change or feed the baby and my little helper was more than happy to grab it for mommy!

Pre-arrange one on one time

But remember, amid all this, feelings of jealousy might creep in. It’s essential to reassure your older child that they’re still loved just as much as before. Maybe you can arrange for some one-on-one time with them – a special movie night or a picnic at the park or in the yard. Some good parks that are fun with little ones are visiting the swans at Lake Eola, Phelp Park or the Community Playground in Winter Park, and there are always cute dogs walking around Kraft Azalea Garden. Another idea is to grab a shake at Shake Shack and look for fish in Lake Killarney. It doesn’t have to be grand, what matters is spending quality time with them.

Keep Their Routine
Ultimately, keep in mind that as parents, you’re their compass in this new territory. It’s important to keep as much of their normal routine as possible.

Whether it’s their beloved bedtime story, or that funny face you pull while having dinner, keeping some things the same can provide them with comfort.

And remember, every child is different and will react differently. It’s about guiding them through this process with love, understanding, and patience.

I hope Helping Older Children Adjust to a New Sibling offered some ideas on how to make adjusting to a new sibling go a little more smoothly! If you’re still looking for an Orlando Newborn Photographer, click on the following link to view more newborn images and helpful posts as you continue to navigate this journey.

If you’re looking for a photographer to capture these first moments with your older sibling and new baby – I’m here for you!

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You may click here to see my portfolio of newborn photography. Or, maybe you’d like to learn more about my luxury photography experience for new and expecting mothers!