Preparing your child for the arrival of another baby

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Welcoming a new child into the family

The arrival of a new child is an important step in a family, both for parents and children. While parents have already experienced this and prepare throughout the pregnancy, older siblings may have difficulty understanding what is happening.

There are then many ways to help the older ones prepare for the arrival of their little brother or sister. Discover some advice that can be easily applied at home and according to the age of your children!

Famille joyeux avec deux enfants

Why prepare your children for the arrival of a baby?

Preparing your child or children for the arrival of a little brother or sister is a crucial step. Indeed, the arrival of a newborn in the family can be very unsettling for a child. The role of parents is therefore to support this change so that everyone can find their place.

A new role for the older ones

The older siblings will have a new role to play with the arrival of this unborn child, a role that can be difficult to accept at first. The youngest indeed loses their place, which explains why some children regress with the arrival of a baby. It's also jealousy or difficulties in sharing that can arise in daily life. These new behaviours are a reaction to the fact that the newborn requires a certain amount of attention.

Fortunately, a well-prepared child can perfectly adapt to their new role as a big brother or big sister!

3 soeurs se faisant un calin
Famille se faisant un calin

How to prepare your child for the arrival of a baby?

There are several methods that can be implemented to prepare a child for the arrival of a baby. Most often, these methods will need to be adapted according to the age of your child or children. It is also recommended to apply them throughout the pregnancy so that the child is ready for the big day.

When to announce it?

Announcing a pregnancy to your children should be done at the right time. Despite the joy of this news, it is recommended to wait at least until the end of the first trimester to ensure everything is going well and to protect the older ones. Moreover, it can be difficult for a child to keep a secret. So, avoid entrusting them with such news without being allowed to talk about it to family, friends...

Some parents prefer to wait 2 or 3 months before the birth. This makes things more concrete. The belly is clearly visible, the baby moves, the baby's things are taking place in the house, and above all, the wait will be shorter until its arrival!

Petite fille touche et regarde le ventre de sa maman

Before 2 years old

Preparing a child of 2 years or younger can be somewhat complex for parents since it is not possible to dialogue as easily as with older ones. However, we know that children understand language even if they are not able to use it. We can therefore start by formulating simple phrases that are accessible to all.

To make things more concrete, we can offer the child to touch the belly (especially when the baby moves). We can also use a baby doll to show them what daily gestures will be needed to take care of the baby.

Papa et maman souriant avec petite fille dans leur bras

After 2 years old

Past the age of two, children will find it easier to understand what is happening and many phrases, as well as activities, will allow them to prepare for their new role as older siblings. It is particularly advised to:

  • Announce the news in a simple way, calmly, in order to be fully available to answer any questions
  • Explain what it implies, what changes will take place at home
  • Offer to touch the belly, especially when the baby kicks
  • Read stories about birth and about the role of being an older sibling (there are many books on the subject)
  • Show photos of the older child when they were a baby so they can better understand their place, but also the fact that, like them, the baby will grow
  • Involve the child in choosing certain items (toys, clothes, baby cot, wooden baby room...)
  • Ask for their help to set up the baby's room (for example, share the installation of the baby cot, a wooden child's furniture or even laying the mattress)
  • Introduce them to other babies
  • Suggest preparing gifts for the baby (drawings, crafts...) that will decorate the room
  • Avoid making the baby the only topic of conversation so that the older child doesn't lack attention


In short, it is through many explanations, but also fun daily activities that a child is prepared for the arrival of their little brother or sister.

Once the baby is here, what to do?

Once the announcement and preparation of your older child or children is done, don't forget that the real upheaval will take place when returning from the maternity ward. The child's daily life will be greatly disrupted and a new rhythm will be implemented at home.

Despite the stress and fatigue, parents will need to show patience and pedagogy to prevent the older ones from feeling left out. As with pregnancy, the idea is to involve them in their new role through very concrete daily actions. They will be able to participate in the care dedicated to the baby, but we will also make sure to reserve time just for them. Don't forget the Montessori furniture which allows children to participate in all these tasks almost autonomously.

With some effort and a little time, everyone will find a place where they feel good at home!

Maman avec ses deux enfants