The Crib: A Blog for New Parents

No, we will NOT trade the new baby for a puppy.

No matter how excited your first child seems to be about the new baby, there will come a time when he or she decides that maybe a baby brother or sister was not such a good idea. It’s natural and normal, and it will pass, (though will occasionally come back again throughout the lives of all siblings).

All the preparations you made to help the first child adjust to the idea of a new brother or sister, are going to forgotten by the child the first time that the new baby interrupts attention that used to be reserved just for him, or her.

They will not remember how fun it was to pick out the name, or the toys, or the cute little clothes. They won’t recall how exciting it was to feel the baby move inside Mommy’s tummy, or to hold the new baby.

They will remember when they didn’t have to share their toys, or their room. They will recall when they got to sit on Daddy’s lap during a story, and when they didn’t have to be quiet all the time because there was no baby who might wake up.

Jealousy is natural for small children and for older kids too. There are ways to help the children cope with their feelings, and to feel better about sharing you, and their lives.

Make time just for the first child, when the new baby will not interrupt. Mom takes the older child for a walk, while Dad stays home with the baby, and take turns. This also gives the new baby undivided attention from each parent as well.

Share the acts of caring for the baby with the older child, let them pick out an outfit, or hold a bottle for the baby.

Talk to them about all the ways the baby makes the family stronger, and better. Such as that, every person in the family means that there is more love in the family.

Be patient, and understanding. Eventually the older child will not only accept their new sibling, but love the new baby too. The wanting a puppy, that never goes away.