How to Get Your Baby to Bond with Older Siblings

I think that it is very important for your older children to bond with the new baby. It will help them all will emotional issues, sharing and just to learn how to be there for each other. It can be difficult to get the older children to bond with the infant, especially if you don't get them involved before you have the baby. Let them touch your belly when the baby kicks, show them pictures of how big the baby is and tell them what is happening at certain times (if they are old enough to understand) and let them help prepare the nursery or room with you. Those are some great ideas to start with before the baby is born. You want to continue to have the older siblings bond with the baby after you have it. There are a lot of great things you can do then too. You can let the older siblings hold the baby and also feed the baby depending on how old they are and if you are not breastfeeding. If they are smaller children you could always help them. That is always a great way to bond with the baby. You could also go out for walks if it is nice outside as a family. You could let the older siblings push the stroller for you. I used to love doing that when I was younger and my brothers were babies. Plus, you all can get some exercise and bond as a whole family. You can stop at a park for the older siblings so they can play a little and let the baby watch or if the baby is a little older you can put him/her in a swing. The older siblings might love to push the baby, of course emphasize about being gentle. To summarize, the 12 top ways to get the older children to bond with the baby would be:

1. Let them help feed the baby, if you are not breastfeeding.

2. Let them help change diapers, my older daughter loved doing that.

3. Go to the park when the baby is a little older and let your older children push him/her in a swing or help slide down a slide.

4. Go on picnics

5. Let the children sing to the baby, the whole family can join in.

6. Let them read to the baby.

7. The older children can show the baby how to work some toys and play with him/her.

8. Go on walks and let the older children take turns pushing the baby in the stroller.

9. They can help get the baby dressed.

10. Let them pick out the solid food and let them feed the baby when he/she is able to be on solids.

11. Go to the Zoo and have the older children explain everything that you see to the baby.

12. Let your older children help teach the baby to walk when it's time. They seem to really enjoy that.

I have five children, the oldest is 12 and the youngest is 2. I am speaking from experience here. One of my son's has severe Autism and I think I am going to write an article on how to have siblings bond with an Autistic sibling. That can be a little more difficult. I think that it is very important for all of your children to have a bond. I am not saying there won't be any fighting but your children will have a much healthier relationship.

Source: http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/preparing-your-older-child-for-the-new-baby/