6 Ways to Help Older Children Adjust to a New Sibling | Cleveland Ohio Newborn Photographer

Let's be honest, introducing the newest member of the family to your older child can sometimes feel like navigating uncharted waters.

That’s because you are!!

As a mom myself, I'm here to assure you that this journey, while occasionally bumpy, can also be an amazing bonding experience for your family!

Obviously, it's so crucial to prepare your older kiddos for the new baby. This is a big change in their life and will shake up their world quite a bit.

But here's the good news, preparation is key (and you’re already starting that process by reading this blog!)

Let's talk specifics. What can you do NOW to prepare for the new baby?

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Books

Start by reading books that talk about siblings and new babies. "I'm a Big Sister" or "I'm a Big Brother" by Joanna Cole and “The New SmallCircles - Unusual relationships for unique people” by Tess Castleman are great options.

They beautifully illustrate the ups and downs of having a new sibling.

Let the Older Sibling Help Prepare

As you prepare the baby's room, let your older child be involved! Allow them to pick out some nursery decorations, or a special gift for their new sibling. This involvement can help them feel like they're a crucial part of this new chapter.

Keep Communication Open

Leading up to the birth, and in the weeks following, it’s important to maintain open lines of communication. Ask your child how they're feeling, let them express any worries or fears, and affirm their feelings.

Let the Older Sibling Help After Baby Arrives

After the baby arrives, it's a whole new ball game. During this time, it's helpful to foster interaction between your older child and their new sibling. Let your older child "help" with the baby — maybe they can pick out the baby's outfit for the day, or sing them a lullaby, or simply talk to the baby. This can help them form a bond with the baby, and feel included in this new phase of your family's life.

Pre-arrange one on one time

But remember, amid all this, feelings of jealousy might creep in. It’s essential to reassure your older child that they're still loved just as much as before. Maybe you can arrange for some one-on-one time with them - a special movie night or a picnic in the park. It doesn’t have to be grand, what matters is spending quality time with them.

Keep Their Routine

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Ultimately, keep in mind that as parents, you're their compass in this new territory. It's important to keep as much of their normal routine as possible.

(Add local suggestions of things they could do with the older sibling.

Example: specific parks, local shops, local restaurants, events, etc)

Whether it's their beloved bedtime story, or that funny face you pull while having dinner, keeping some things the same can provide them with comfort.

And remember, every child is different and will react differently. It's about guiding them through this process with love, understanding, and patience.

I hope this helped offer some ideas on how to make this transition a little more smoothly!

If you’re looking for a photographer to capture these first moments with the older sibling and new baby - I’m here for you!

I hope reading 6 Ways to Help Older Children Adjust to a New Sibling has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for a Photographer in Cleveland, Ohio, click here to see my portfolio of images.

Love,

Danelle

How to Prepare for Your First Pregnancy in Cleveland by a Northeast Ohio Newborn Photographer

Did you know there are more than the typical 3 trimesters of pregnancy? Today I’m spilling the tea on everything you can expect from conception to the mysterious "4th trimester."

I’m not only going to share with you what to expect in each, but also a lot of local resources you can use as you plan for your pregnancy, newborn and birth in Mentor Ohio.

Cleveland Ohio Newborn Photographer, Mentor Ohio Newborn Photographer

First Trimester: The Secret Life of Pregnancy

The first trimester is like a secret club where only you and your growing baby are members. During these first 12 weeks, your body is working overtime to create a new life, and you might be feeling the effects (hello, morning sickness). It's like you're part of an exclusive group that only fellow expectant moms can truly understand.

Second Trimester: The Golden Age

For many, the second trimester is the golden age of pregnancy, where you can finally start enjoying the journey. With the nausea subsiding and the baby bump showing, it's time to embrace the experience.

Third Trimester: The Home Stretch

The third trimester is when things start to get real. As you prepare for your baby's arrival, you'll want to make sure you have everything in place for a smooth transition.

Birth: The Main Event

The moment you've been waiting for is finally here: birth! Whether you're planning a natural birth or a C-section, this stage is exciting and emotional!

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The 4th Trimester: What No One Tells You

Surprise! Your journey doesn't end with birth. The 4th trimester is the first three months of your baby's life, where both of you are adjusting to the world outside the womb.

• ●  This is the time of possibly postpartum depression or anxiety can occur here. If you are experiencing some sadness or feelings of being low, it’s best to seek help and talk with someone. Local support groups filled with other moms going through this same phase are all a great resource. Ask while in the hospital, the nurse should give you local resources available.

• This is also the time when breastfeeding can be a challenge for both the mom and baby. There are tons of lactation support available to help guide your through this challenging time.

  Of course, every journey is unique, and it's okay to feel a whole range of emotions along the way. As long as you've got your support system and resources, you'll be able to navigate this crazy adventure.

  Thanks for reading!

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