No matter if you are in your first trimester or your third trimester, if you already have a child or children, then you will need to get things prepared ahead of the arrival of your newborn.
You might have already experienced introducing a newborn into the family with a toddler. Yet, if you haven’t, then this post will do you a huge favour.
Here is everything to prepare and organise ahead of the arrival of your newborn with child(ren) already at home.
Get them their own space
Every child will need their own space when a new baby arrives in the family. They won’t want to be woken up every night due to a crying baby in their room. Therefore, it is best if you can give them their own personal space.
Getting children’s beds in place before the arrival of your newborn will ensure that they can have their own room and space to sleep as soon as the baby arrives. Ensuring that your child gets enough sleep is essential for their health, happiness, and wellbeing.
Furthermore, their own space might not involve physical space. Some children might not take the news very well, which they will soon grow out of. But, if they do react badly then giving them time to think and calm down is best for your relationship and their happiness. Make sure to be patient with them so that they settle down and come to terms with the fact that they will soon have a new baby brother or sister to care for.
Make sure that they will be one of the first people to meet the baby
Most parent(s) will have the desired birthing plan in place. If you already have a child or children, then you should try and include them in it if possible. Having them around while you are giving birth will mean that they can be one of the first people to meet the baby when it arrives.
If you leave your children until last, then they will feel left out and neglected. After all, they are the newborn’s most immediate family so it is a good idea if they can meet them before other people.
Ask for their advice
Getting your child involved in the pregnancy as much as possible will help them comes to terms with the arrival of a new baby into the family. To do so, it can help to ask for them their advice.
This could involve asking what colour to paint their room or for baby names. Getting them involved in any way possible will make them feel just as excited as you.
Give them attention too
Whether the news to your child about the arrival of a newborn attains a good or bad reaction, it is always good to ensure to give them as much attention as possible.
Otherwise, they will feel left out and neglected, which could cause moodiness and frustration. Make sure to listen to them and cuddle them as much as normal so that the change doesn’t feel too drastic.