Baby and siblings at home
Try to arrange for your child to see you and the baby as soon as possible after the delivery.
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When your toddler visits, have eyes only for him. Ideally, your new baby should be asleep in the bedside cot. Make a fuss of your toddler until he asks about the new baby. Only then show him his sister, but not for long, and not paying too much attention to her. Make his visit short so that you can attend to your baby once he's gone.
Bringing the baby home
- When you greet him, make sure someone else holds the baby so that you are free to cuddle him.
- For the first few minutes give him all your attention.
- Give your child a present from the new baby, something he's really been looking forward to.
- In the first weeks set aside some time when the two of you can be together without any interruptions.
- Involve your child in the new baby's bath times, changing, and feeding times. Describe everything that your new baby is doing so that he can get to know her and relate to her.
- A newborn baby has a well-developed grasp reflex. Put one of your child's fingers into her hand - she'll grasp on to it very tightly and he'll interpret this as love from his newborn sister.
Posted 16.11.2010
See more in the dossier: Preparing baby's siblings
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