Tips for preparing + introducing your older kiddo to the new baby

Transitioning from being parents of 1 to being parents of 2 is an interesting, joyful and sometimes very difficult process. This can also be a difficult and confusing time for your older kid who has always had your full attention and hasn't had to share you before. So we thought we'd share some tips on how to introduce your older kiddo to the new baby. 

Preparation

1. Talk about it. Explain to your child what is going to happen. Tell them about their new sibling that will be arriving. Let them know that it won't be an immediate playmate. 

2. Involve them in the process. Let them help you pick out baby clothes, decorate the nursery, come with to the scan (if your doctor allows it) etc. It will help make the new baby feel real before the actual arrival. 

3. Prepare them for being the big brother or sister. Complete potty training, set them up in their big kid bed, start giving them tiny responsibilities etc. By doing this before the baby arrives, they won't feel the shock as much and will already be used to some changes. 

4. Line up who will be caring for your older kiddo while you're in the hospital. Make sure it is someone your kiddo feels safe and comfortable with like a grandparent, aunt or godparent. Make sure that they spend enough time with that person leading up to the birth of the new baby so they aren't surprised to be spending a longer period of time with them. 

Introduction

5. Get a family member or friend to bring the kiddo to the hospital for a quick visit. During this time let the family member hold the baby so you can cuddle and give your devoted attention to your kiddo. 

6. Let your kiddo say hello to the baby whilst you or your spouse are holding it. If your kiddo is still quite little, they won't be able to hold the baby yet. 

7. Give your kiddo something special from the baby. This will make them feel special and noticed whilst everyone is giving the baby a lot of attention. It will also help them not feel too many negative feelings towards the baby.

8. Take your kiddo out to their favourite place just one-on-one without the baby. This will let them know that they aren't forgotten in this confusing process. Keep letting your kiddo know that they are loved and special to you even though things have changed. 

This article was adapted from an incredible Mayo Clinic article. Read more about helping your kiddo adjust, older kiddos acting out, breastfeeding around your kiddo and more in the original article here. 

Top image found here. 

10 Things to tell your babysitter

There are certain things you'll always need to tell your babysitter. Whether you've had 20 babysitters look after your kiddos or it's your first time using a babysitting service for new little one, here are 10 things you need to let your babysitter know. 

1. Medical Info
If your kiddo has a health issue, allergy, injury or just a bit of the sniffles, you need to let your babysitter know. The more health information they know, the better. Please note that babysitters are not allowed to give any medicine to your kiddos either. 

2. Contact Details
Your babysitter needs to know the best way to get hold of you while you're out as well as any numbers to call in case of an emergency. We suggest you leave your cellphone number, the number of the restaurant you'll be at, your neighbour's number and the number of your family physician. Leave the numbers near your telephone or send them to the babysitter's cellphone. 

3. Kid's Routine
Let your babysitter know as much about your kiddo's routine as possible. This will make it easier for your child to settle into the care of someone else. We suggest you leave a little note including the mealtime, bath and bedtime routines.

4. The Location of Important Things
You need to point out where you keep important things that the babysitter may need. This includes the location of the first aid kit, where extra nappies can be found etc. 

5. House Rules
Be clear about what is and isn't allowed. Set ground rules. For example, if you're uncomfortable with your babysitter being in the master bedroom, make sure to say they can only sit in the family room. Let the babysitter know what they can use in your kitchen, etc. 

6. Pet Info
If you have a pet, let your babysitter know more about them so that no issues arise while you're away. Let them know where the pet is allowed as well as how the pet behaves around your kiddo. 

7. Unusual Habits/Phases
If your kiddo has some unusual habits, please inform your babysitter. The sorts of habits we're talking about are things like not wearing shoes, hiding in certain places, a tendency to put things up his nose etc. If your kiddo is going through any sort of phase that the babysitter should know about, then explain it to them. 

8. Technology and Entertainment
Let your babysitter know what your child is and isn't allowed to use and do technology and entertainment wise. If your kiddo is only allowed 20 minutes on the iPad, let them know. If your kiddo is only allowed to watch TV after finishing her homework, let the babysitter know. Kids like to push the limits with new people. 

9. Food Rules
Is there anything you don't want your kiddo to eat? If you're limiting your kiddos sugar intake, for example, let the babysitter know. If you want your kid not to eat gluten, let your babysitter know. If your child doesn't like certain foods, etc., please let your babysitter know. 

10. When You'll be Home
This just allows the babysitter to plan ahead if they need to organise a lift or an Uber. It also gives them an ETA to tell the kiddo who wants to know when mama will be home.  

Top image found here.