Bringing home a new baby changes life for the whole family. Especially for older brothers and sisters. They might feel excited, confused, left out or all of the above. That’s completely normal. With a little preparation and a lot of love, you can help your older child feel secure and included as your family grows.

Start the Conversation Early

If you’re still pregnant, start talking with your child about what to expect. Keep it simple and age-appropriate:

• “The baby will be really small and sleep a lot.”
• “They’ll cry because that’s how babies talk.”
• “You’ll be a big helper!”

Once Baby Comes Home

Having a new baby in the home is an adjustment for the whole family, including other children. Try not to make other big changes in your children’s life soon after the baby is born. Do things like switching child care or starting toilet training before the birth or a few months later.

Here are some ways to help older children feel included and important:

• Let them help in small ways. Ask them to grab a clean diaper or pick out a onesie.
• Keep routines as normal as possible. Stick to regular meals, storytime and bedtime—it helps kids feel safe and settled.
• Give one-on-one time. Even just 10 minutes of focused attention can help your child feel seen and loved.
• Watch for clingy or “baby-like” behavior. It’s common for kids to act younger when a baby comes home. Be patient—it’s just their way of adjusting.
• Avoid big changes. Try not to start toilet training or switch child care right after the baby is born. If you can, make those changes before the birth or wait a few months.