Adding another addition to the family is such a fun and exciting time for everyone. You, as mommy to be again, can relax more for the pregnancy since you know what to expect for the most part. From your first born, you may already have most of the big ticket items stored away so even nesting will be a breeze. But in all the commotion of the new baby’s arrival, don’t forget about your first love, your first born. This can be a difficult time for them and how you handle the pregnancy and your time after the baby is born, will determine just how well they will cope with their new sibling.

A tip that my little one and I greatly benefitted from, came from a good friend of mine. She reminded me to make sure that big sister was included in all the baby endeavors. Also, to make sure that she knew that the baby was not just mommy’s, but all of ours to love and enjoy. Each time I referred to the baby growing in my belly, he was our baby. This opened the door for conversations of what it was going to be like once he got here and all the things that she would be able to help with. I let her know that she was a very important part of the family and being a big sister was a great honor. This made it so much easier on me when she had to deal with me not being able to do as much physically with her towards the end when I was at the too big, too miserable, just get this baby out of me stage.

Every child I know that has had a new baby in the picture has gone through what I like to call the baby blues. No matter what you do to help the transition, it will happen. Talking about the baby before he/she is here and the baby actually being here are two very different things. Babies require much, if not all of our attention most of the time and no matter how much we have talked to our kids, the reality of it doesn’t really hit home till baby comes home. It is our job to make the extra time no matter how difficult.

Until you have more opportunities to take big brother/sister out for quality one on one time look for opportunities for your little one to help like getting diapers and wipes for you, picking out baby’s outfit or singing lullabies and give them praise for doing such a good job. When you don’t have your arms tied up, take advantage and sit down and read a story together, play dolls or just get them to talk about what’s on their mind. It is so important that you talk with them about how they are feeling, acknowledging it and work to make them feel better about what’s bothering them.

I know how hard it can be to figure out how to distribute your time between the kids so their need are met and I’m probably not the best at it either but we are all parents and therefore imperfect. All we can do is try to do the best we can and take it one baby step at a time and hope we get it right without doing too much damage in the end.