Dad Advice: Helping Big Brother Adjust To A New Baby

Life is better and easier if kid #1 takes to kid #2. That’s why this dad advice column culled from the community content on the Life of Dad Facebook page is so crucial. Here are real dads giving advice on helping big bro fall in love with his new bro or sis.

Dad Advice: Helping Big Brother Adjust To A New Baby

Aaron White: We told my 4yr old son that he was going to become a super hero when his little sister is born and that his job is to protect her. You probably let him watch cartoons, try and have him watch a bunch of cartoons that involve a big brother, it won’t happen over night but subconsciously his mind should begin to shift towards being cool and most likely excited about the new baby, good luck…
#PsycologicalWarfare

Scott Shill: Most likely he’s scared the baby will replace him or he won’t be as important anymore. And it will look like it. People will come to see the baby. They’ll coo, take pictures, snuggle, etc. It’s going to be a rough adjustment for him.

Here are a few things that help:

• Give your son as many responsibilities as you can to help. Grab the diaper. Help at bath time. Learn a special “big brother lullaby” that only he sings at bedtime. (Have him sing it at nights now before going to bed. The baby just might recognize it later!) Get him a picture book or two so he can, “read” to the little. Basically, make him feel like he’s still an important & needed part of the family. Include him in routines.
• Have him pick out a, “Welcome to the Family” present from him to baby. This gives him something exciting to look forward to. In secret, pick out a present from baby to give brother. My daughter still plays with the present my son bought her. She’s 5.
• Get friends and family to come over to *only* see and play with him. Don’t ask or talk about the baby. Just ignore the child is there. Have them take your son out on special excursions.
• Mama needs to spend extra time with him, too. Most of her time will shift to baby. This helps him know he is still important & not replaced.

This is a good place to start. Good luck and congratulations!

Brendon Cilliers: We bought our first son a present (one he was really keen on) and “let” his new brother give it to him as a gift when they met. worked like a charm. we also referred to the baby before and after he arrived as your baby brother so he felt included. we included him in happy changes, bottle feeds etc. I also told him lots of nice stories about things my brother and I did together and how much fun we had. We also made sure he got plenty alone quality time with at least one of of often. All the above worked well for us. Good luck!

J.B. Goodnight: My daughter said she was gonna throw the baby away it it was a boy. But, when our boy arrived she instantly fell in love. I think if you continuously express how excited you are about the new baby, as well as give him some big brother duties, he’ll adapt just fine.

Randy Horton: Carefully introduce them and be sure to give your son plenty of one-on-one attention. We’re going through it as well and our son is adjusting to being a big brother.

Dominic Orquiz: Put on Boss Baby or Storks. Those movies always get my kids wanting another sibling.

Mark Ivan: Handcuff them together. (But seriously, treat the new kid as a “special mission” for him. He’s now the protector of the baby. It is his only DUTY. He will own it and love it.)

Ellie Rodriguez: We had a present waiting for our oldest at the hospital and when he came to meet his new younger sibling we started off with “look what he brought you, hes so excited to have a big brother.” Worked like a charm.

Matt Grabowski: Explain that now he can use the phrase “I didn’t do it!!!”

Do your kids get along? How did you help ease the new baby into their lives?

Flickr photo by Philippe Put.