During pregnancy
To avoid this feeling, it is important to involve the older child in the major stages of the pregnancy. For example, if you have an application on your phone that allows you to track the size of your future child, you can talk about it with him: today baby is the size of a rabbit, a puppy… If he is old enough, you can also confide in him the secret of the name. It is also important to let him express his feelings, to reassure him when he doubts and to include him in the preparation of the room or the maternity bag. The arrival of the youngest will then be concrete.
At birth
Often, during the stay in the maternity ward, the eldest is entrusted to relatives, at these times, your child leaves his usual environment and does not see his parents for a few days. He may then feel a little lonely even if he is surrounded by acquaintances. You can call him on video several times during the day to give him news and reassure him. You can also take him to the maternity ward so that he can meet the new arrival in the family. This birth can be a sign of jealousy or stress for your eldest. Indeed, the newborn will receive many gifts and a lot of attention from your loved ones. Here too, involving your child can help him not to feel left out. Choose a gift with him to give to his little brother or sister. Do not hesitate to also offer a gift from the newborn for your eldest. We have prepared a list of gift ideas for your eldest and for the future baby.
The gift from the eldest to the future child:
By choosing this gift as a family, the eldest will receive attention and will be able to choose a product and color that he likes.
- The personalized pacifier clip
- A personalized bib
- A personalized bath cape or apron for intimate moments in the bath
- The customizable musical mobile so your child can choose the melody they prefer
- The symbolic birth slippers
Newborn gifts for the eldest
- A personalized "big brother" "big sister" bathrobe
- A nomadic lamp with a Fig tree motif
- A pencil case
- A personalized sleeved bib
- A cuddly toy storage with a little treasure to slip inside
- A pouch to personalize with a little phrase “my big brother’s/my big sister’s things” to store all their items.
Back home
It is often when your child returns from the maternity ward that they will have difficulty sharing your time. You can then give them some responsibilities: go get a comfort blanket, diapers or even liniment. They can also help prepare the bottle or read them stories. Depending on their age, you can also give them a baby doll with the Cocoeko bassinet and little bath cape because they will like to imitate you during changing and meal times. Talk to your child, explain their role as a big brother or sister, help them take care of the little one and let your eldest give them attention. Indeed, not letting them do so could frustrate them. During the newborn's naps, spend time with your older child: play together, prepare a meal, read... It is important that your child does not feel rejected. By having moments of complicity alone with their parents, they will not feel isolated. When returning home, your eldest will have to pay a little more attention to noises, share his time and little by little he will have to lend his toys. These moments can create anger or frustration, you can then explain to him the advantages of being a big one:- Run
- Riding a scooter
- Talk to friends
- Helping your little brother/sister
- Eating candy...
