My Portal Login

Same Day Appointments Available

My Portal Login

Same Day Appointments Available

Make An Appointment
Make An Appointment
Make An Appointment

SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

Wondering How Having A Baby Will Affect Your Older Child - Alcove Health Women's Clinic Newport News, VA

Wondering how having a baby will affect your older child?

You may be worried about how a baby will affect your older child; we have 6 tips that can help.

Are you looking at a positive pregnancy test and wondering how having a baby will affect your older child? Have you found yourself thinking the following:

I don’t want my older child to…

  • feel like he/she is getting less of me.
  • think he/she is being replaced.
  • feel like he/she needs to compete for or act out to get my attention.

It is common for expecting parents to wonder about having to divide their time and attention between their baby and older child. But we don’t want you to stress. We want to help you prepare.

Thinking about these things ahead of time will help both you and your older child feel more confident and secure as you adjust to the new addition to the family. If you’re concerned about how a baby will affect your older child, here are some practical steps you can take to help your older child adjust to their new role as a big brother and sister.

  1. Talk to your child about your pregnancy. Look at picture books or read stories about having a baby and becoming an older sibling. See the list of recommended reads below.
  2. Involve your older child with your pregnancy and plans for the new baby. Let your older child help set up or decorate the nursery or create a quiet space where the baby will rest or sleep. Ask your older child to help pick out a special toy, blanket, or outfit for the baby.
  3. Be intentional about spending one-on-one time with your older child during your pregnancy. Choose an activity you can do together. Continuing to have one-on-one time after the baby is born will be reassuring and comforting to your older child as he/she adjusts to the new family norms.
  4. Include your older child in caring for the baby by allowing him/her to help with age-appropriate tasks. Allowing them to help with minor household chores is a great way to show them they are a valued part of the family.
  5. Remember, if you’re anxious about how a baby will affect your older child, you can encourage others to help! Make sure people who come to visit with the new baby speak to and include the older sibling in the visit.
  6. Depending on the age of the child, expect him/her to regress a little. According to the Mayo Clinic, children may have toilet training accidents, want to drink out of a bottle again or want to be picked up or carried to bed. Don’t panic and don’t punish. Remember this is normal and educate yourself on how to navigate these temporary changes.

RELATED: "Free Supplies"

Remember, you are giving your child a sibling, a playmate, a pal, and a life-long friend. According to the Encyclopedia of Early Childhood Development, the sibling relationship is likely to last longer than any other relationship in one’s lifetime and provides an important context for the development of children’s understanding of their social, emotional, moral and cognitive worlds.

Though right now you may be worried about how a baby will affect your older child, remember that you’re providing your older child an opportunity to see you model acceptance, gentleness, and kindness. Your older child will learn how to be attentive, caring, patient, helpful, and so much more.

For further reading, check out these recommended reads:

Maybe you have additional concerns beyond wondering how a baby will affect your older child; as always, if you need early pregnancy medical services or material needs assistance for yourself or your little one(s), Alcove Health Women’s Clinic is here for you. Call or click here to request your free and confidential appointment today.

By Karen, Client Advocate

October 2, 2024

LOCATION

  • 11101 Warwick Boulevard
  • Newport News, VA 23601

CONTACT

HOURS

  • Monday 8:00a - 8:00p
  • Tuesday 8:00a - 8:00p
  • Wednesday 8:00a - 5:00p
  • Thursday 8:00a - 8:00p
  • Friday 9:00a - 2:00p

SERVICES

Find Out More Information On Our Blog

SEARCH

CATEGORIES