The arrival of a new baby can cause lots of changes. Some parents report that their first child often gets jealous of the love and attention that has shifted to the new baby.

This is only natural. However it is important to prepare your firstborn for life with a newborn sibling, as doing this will help encourage a healthy sibling bond.

The following five ways may help you prepare your firstborn for a new sibling.

1. Inform and prepare your child about the new arrival

Start by talking to your older child about the upcoming arrival of his or her new sibling. Show your older child your growing abdomen or ask him or her to help you get ready for the new baby by arranging the newborn’s clothes and supplies.

Also talk about the different things that will happen. Explain to your older child that the new baby will probably eat, sleep and cry most of the time and may not be able to play with him or her initially.

If you plan to move your child to a new bed and/or bedroom, do so well before the baby arrives, so your older child doesn’t feel displaced by the baby.  This also goes for any other major changes, like weaning, toilet training, and starting preschool or child care.

2. Encourage your child’s connection to the baby by:

Referring to the new sibling as “Our baby” or “Your brother” or even “Your baby.”  The more connected they feel, the less jealousy they will exhibit.

3. Don’t ask your older child what sex they will want

Try not to ask your child if he/she would like to have a brother or a sister. If he/she then says they really wants a brother or sister but you have the opposite, then they may be disappointed.

4. When the new baby arrives, have your spouse or a relative bring your child to the hospital for a brief visit

During this visit, allow someone else to hold the new baby for a while so that you can give your older child plenty of attention.

You may consider giving your older child a gift from the baby and when you are finally home, you may want to do something special for your first born such as buying their favourite fast food or taking them to a place they like.

Tell us. What are other ways to prepare a child for a new sibling?