With each new Baby welcomed into our family, we always make it a point to include the older kids with the preparations. Whether that be letting them share the news with Extended Family. Holding the envelope with Baby’s gender until we can find out with the whole Family. Attend Midwife appointments throughout the Pregnancy, etc. We want our kids to know that while Mama may be growing the Baby this is an exciting Family Event. Below are some Ways to Include Siblings in Baby Preparations and make them feel involved in your little blessing’s arrival.
Purchase Something for the Baby
Let your kids have fun picking something out for the New Baby. Go shopping together for baby clothes you may need. Books OR Toys you want to have in the Baby’s Room. If you are worried about your child being jealous or having a tantrum that they don’t get a new toy remind them that they get to teach the baby how to play with their new toys. Or even read one of the new books to Baby after they are born.
Once the items you have ordered or gifts others have sent you for Baby arrive, let the older children open the packages and help you put them where they belong.
Set Up the Baby’s Space OR Nursery
When we are ready to get the Baby’s Space together, we include all the Kids to help. We pull Rubbermaid Bins out of the closet, and the Kids unpack clothes, toys, books, blankets, etc. we may already have on hand. With Baby #7 being our 6th Boy in a row we already had most everything we would need.
The Kids have fun reading the books they find then putting them in a Basket OR checking out the “old” Baby Toys they used to play with before putting them away. Our Boys love hearing if a certain outfit OR toy used to be theirs and even get a kick out of us showing them pictures in said outfit or playing with the toy.
Wash Baby Clothes
Sometimes Kids LOVE to help Mama with everyday chores, like Laundry, and if is your reality then let them help! Sorting Baby Clothes into piles. Tossing a load into the Washing Machine then Dryer. Folding and putting away tiny baby clothes can be such fun for Kids!
Over the years once Baby is born, we have let whichever Kid is the Big Helper for the day pick out clothes for Baby to wear. They enjoy selecting their favorite outfit. Or picking one they used to wear and having the Baby wear it too.
Deep Clean the House
During the “Nesting” Stage it may be harder for Mom to clean everything on her list, so make it fun and include the older kids. Sure, they may not clean exactly to your liking, but at least it won’t all fall on you. Treat them to Ice Cream, a Happy Meal, OR some other fun reward when you are done.
Some ways Siblings can help could be wash windows. Dust furniture. Find “lost” treasures under the Couch. Vacuum OR Mop. Sanitize Doorknobs and Light Switches, etc. Recently a few of my Kids showed interest in cleaning the toilets… WHAT?! You better believe I GLADLY let them have at it but went back behind them to inspect their work once they were done.
Meal Prep
If your kids are old enough let them help with the Meal Preparations. This is another great way to Include Older Siblings in Baby Preparations because who doesn’t like to lick the spoon after Mom has been baking. Maybe have them…
Create a two-week Meal Plan of foods they enjoy and would like to eat Postpartum. Help grocery shop for the ingredients needed for the Meal Plan you created. Bake Muffins, Breads, Cookies, etc. to stock the freezer with. Organize Gift Cards OR pick where to eat one night for dinner Postpartum. Since Baby #7 is due the beginning of February we asked one set of Grandparents for food gift cards as Christmas Gifts. We will save these and use them after Baby is born on the days that Sam doesn’t want to bother thawing anything from our Freezer Meal stash.
For More Baby Preparation Ideas…
Check out my Pregnancy + Home Birth Resources on the Blog. Happy Wednesday!
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