Include Your Child From the Beginning Include your child in the new baby's arrival from the very beginning.
Tell him or her that they are about to become and big brother or sister.
Take the time to explain to your child the benefits that this will have for him and the role he will play in the family dynamics.
Assure your child that you will love him just as much as always and that the new baby will be someone else who will love him too.
Let him know that he will be receiving more love not less.
Allow him to help with making decisions regarding the baby.
Even a two year old will appreciate being included and helping in the decision making process.
For example take him shopping with you to buy baby sleepers, let him choose between two choices which he thinks the new baby will like the best.
Let him help prepare the nursery Even if that help is confined to putting small objects on a low shelf let him help.
Perhaps you can allow him to pick out a special toy for the baby that is from his big brother or sister.
You might also choose a small toy for your older child that will be from the new baby to present when the baby comes home.
As your pregnancy progresses allow him to feel the baby move, answer his questions and read him books so he understands that the reason mother's body is changing is because of the baby.
Make Him Feel Special and Important Any young child is bound to feel a bit jealous when they see all the new things that the baby is getting via a baby shower.
You can combat this feeling by either suggesting that the guests bring a big brother or sister gift as well or by having a separate "big brother or sister" celebration for the child.
A few small gifts given simply because he now has a new role in the family will make your child look forward to the role he will be having from now on.
Take him on a Tour of the Hospital Nursery If at all possible arrange with the hospital staff to take your child on a tour of the delivery room and nursery.
Explaining that this is where the new baby will be born and sleep until coming home.
Tell him or her that you need them to keep dad company until your return, so they will feel like they are helping at this very special time.
Giving your child a little reassurance and including them in the plans for the new babies arrival will help them to accept and look forward to the changes that are taking place.
Continuing to include them once the baby is born will make for an easier adjustment for both you and your first born.