Preparing your children for the baby

Involve your older children in the preparation for the baby's arrival. You can make the discussion and preparation suited to their age and level of maturity. Here are some ways they can get involved:
• Accompany mummy to ante-natal check-ups
• Feel mummy’s growing tummy
• Listen to the baby's heartbeats
• Choosing the baby's name.

You can also plan necessary changes for them ahead of time (e.g. changing sleeping patterns, childcare arrangements) and allow time for them to settle in before the baby arrives.

Discuss with them some of the expected changes with the coming of new baby, like how mummy and daddy will have to give a lot of attention to the care of their new sibling and how they can help care for the baby.

Be sure to frequently assure them that both of you don't love them less because of the new baby.