preparing for baby Archives - American Greetings Blog

Finding out that you’re going to become a mother or father is possibly the most exciting news one can receive. On the other hand, if you already have young children who will soon become big brothers or sisters, you definitely have an added item on you to do list while you’re preparing for baby: Telling big brother or big sister the news.

Therefore, it’s important to make the time and effort to ensure they understand what is going on—and all the fun a new baby brings! Doing so may very well help them become just as energized and enthusiastic as you!

Here are some very helpful tips from the American Greetings experts on how to get your kids eager to take on their new role:

Get them involved: Perhaps the most important advice for getting kids excited for a new baby is to get them involved. Have them help you pack your hospital bag, or even give ideas on names. You will be spending quality time together, while at the same time making them feel included in the process.
Stroll down memory lane: Go through their own baby pictures to help explain what’s happening and to give them a sense of what the new baby will look like.
Practice makes perfect: Visit friends who have infants to get your child accustomed to being gentle with their own little brother or sister.
Head to the library: There are countless books for children that will help them learn what being a big brother or sister is all about. By reading to them, you can reinforce the messages and make them fell even more comfortable.
Pre-school: Many hospitals actually offer classes for future siblings to teach them everything from how to hold their little brother or sister, to what their job is as a big brother or sister. If you think this kind of support would help your youngster, check with your local hospital to see if they offer such a course.
Celebrate their new responsibilities: Get them a small gift in recognition of their new role. Anything from a cute t-shirt to a fun card will do. Just make sure you are letting them know how important their role is so that they can share in your excitement.

The more time you take to prepare your child for their new sibling, the easier the transition will be when the baby actually arrives. By giving them extra attention, and getting them excited about their new responsibilities, you can help any child embrace their new role as big brother or sister.

How did your older children take the news that a baby was on the way? Did you announce it in a fun way? We’d love to hear in the comments!

Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, the birth of a child is certainly something to be celebrated! As you begin to preparing for baby, how are you planning to capture its announcement, first moments, and milestones that are as special as your new arrival?

We consulted with our team of baby-celebration experts. Here’s what they had to say about some of the latest and greatest trends:

Host a gender reveal party! Invite your nearest and dearest to share in the unveiling of your baby’s sex. When you go for the ultrasound that will tell all, have the doctor’s office write down the baby’s gender on a piece of paper and place it in an envelope. Bring it to a bakery and ask them to bake a white cake tinted with corresponding pink or blue coloring, depending on the results. Then ask them to frost the cake in white icing to seal the secret. When everyone’s ready to find out the happy news at the same time, slice the cake—and enjoy your sweet treat together!

Not having a shower? Host a small get-together after baby arrives so that everyone can meet your bundle of joy. And since new parenthood usually means lack of time and sleep, use disposable plates and cups and just order take-out—or consider serving only beverages for a true “Sip ’n See.”

No time for baby journaling? Try a baby wall calendar to keep track of important dates like the first time they roll over or the day the first tooth sprouts. Many calendars come with stickers to make marking the date even easier. To provide a record of baby’s development, do a quick video recording instead of journaling.

Take monthly progress photos. Keep track of baby’s growth by taking a photo each month for their first year of life. The trick is to keep one element the same in all photos in order to stay focused on the baby’s size. For instance, pick the same piece of furniture, such as a favorite armchair, in the same location each time. Or use the same prop, such as a stuffed animal, to place next to them to mark their growth. Or keep baby in the same type of outfit throughout. White onesies are perfect for this. You can even iron on numeric stickers to show baby’s age!

Are you a seasoned mom that has some great tips to share with moms-to-be? We’d love to hear them in the comments!