A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Your Firstborn as They Welcome a New

Sibling | Richmond Upon Thames Newborn Photographer

As a Richmond Upon Thames Newborn Photographer, I’ll never forget the day I brought my son home from the hospital; my daughter was not even 2 years old and was excited to meet her baby brother. With the love also came other emotions, and 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 mum of two myself, I’m here to assure you that this journey, while occasionally bumpy, can also be an amazing bonding experience for your family!

It is important to prepare your older kiddos for the new baby. This is a big change for them and will make a difference to their existing lives. 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?

Books to support siblings

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 Small Circles –

Unusual relationships for unique people” by Tess Castleman are great options.

They beautifully illustrate the ups and downs of having a new sibling and support a older sibling to understand what is going to occur.

Let the older sibling help to prepare.

As you prepare the new 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 may 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

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. Whether it’s their beloved bedtime story, or that funny face you pull while having dinner, reading a bedtime story, 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 newborn and family photographer to capture these first moments with the older sibling and new baby – I’m here for you!

Click here to see my newborn photography near Richmond Upon Thames – covering the areas of Surrey, Kingston upon Thames, New Malden, Chessington, Epsom, Guildford, Hampton, Wandsworth, Roehampton and Putney.

Or, maybe you would like to learn about what to expect at a newborn photoshoot.