How to Prepare Your Young Child for a Newborn Sibling or Infant Cousin

When you have a 4 to 6 year old and are having another baby there are some things that you will want to discuss with your young child about the newborn baby. Also, you may want to talk to your young child about newborn babies if you have a friend or family member that is having a baby. Since your child is old enough to understand what they can and can not do it is a good idea to discuss everything before they meet the baby as well as when they are around the baby. These kind of things can apply to when your young child is around an infant as well.

The Child Holding the Baby

One thing that everyone wants to be able to do is hold the newborn baby, and young infants for that matter, and this is something that you young child will want to do as well. If you decide that letting your young child hold the baby is okay here are some things that you will want to mention them.

Can't Get Up - Let your child know that when they hold the baby they have to remain sitting down.
Can't Touch the Top of Their Head - Let your child know that babies have soft spots and that they have to make sure not to touch the top of the baby's head.
Can't Bounce Them - A lot of the time children will attempt to do what they see their parent do. Of course you won't be bounces a brand new baby but often people will bounce an infant on their knee. You will want to make sure that your child knows that this is something that only an adult can do.
Can't Cover Their Face - If the baby starts to cry your child's natural instinct may be to place their hand over the baby's mouth. Ahead of time before your child is holding the baby explain to them that if the baby starts to cry the best thing to do is to let an adult take the baby.
Can't Hug In a Squeezing Fashion - Explain to your child that babies are fragile and that you have to be super careful when you, if you, hug them.

The Child Touching the Baby

Even when your young child is near the baby they may want to feel them. You will want to mention that your young child can't do certain things when they are feeling the baby.

Can't Tickle - Explain that new babies are not ticklish and with infants that they have to be very gentle if they want to attempt to tickle them.
Can't Poke the Baby - If you ever play pat-a-cake with a baby your child may think that a playful poke will make a baby laugh. Just make sure you explain that any poking, that really should only me attempted on the infant, should be done very softly.

The Child Talking to the Baby

Of course your child can talk to baby, however you will want to stress that they use a gentle indoor voice when they do.

Can't Yell - By letting your child know that yelling can scare a baby they will work extra hard not to use loud voices around the baby.
Can't Laugh Loudly - Make sure that if they are laughing, or pretending to laugh more likely, that they keep it somewhat mellow around the baby.
Can't Startle the Baby - If you ever play peek-a-boo with a baby your child may be excited to do that, which is fine just mention to them to keep their voice a little bit low so they don't scare the baby.

The Child Walking Near the Baby

Obviously your child will be walking around the baby, especially an infant that can play on the floor, but by making a point to mention some safety precautions when walking near the baby you will ensure that the baby is not accidentally stepped on.

Can't Walk Too Close to the Baby - Explain that the baby may move their arms and legs suddenly and so your child will not want to step to close or they could accidentally step on the baby.
Can't Walk Over the Baby - For the reason of the baby moving you will want to make sure that your child knows that it is not a good idea to step over the baby.
Can't Run Near the Baby - Running can result in an accident and by have a no running rule you will avoid any running accidents.

The Child Jumping Near the Baby

Jumping may be a no no all together.

Can't Jump Near the Baby - Although jumping is fun just explain that you can't jump if you are near the baby.
Can't Jump Over the Baby - Stress that there can be no jumping over the baby as well.

It will be very hard on your child hearing "no this" and "can't do that" and they may feel a little insecure about the new baby and perhaps even a little jealous. This is why it is a good idea to explain, as best as you can, in a positive manner.