My mom is having a baby. What can I do to help?
Congratulations! You're going to be a big brother or sister and that's very exciting!
A new baby is like a game you've never played before: you have to learn the rules as you go. Since babies can't talk, your mom and dad will be incredibly busy trying to figure out whether the baby's crying means she's tired, hungry, wet, thirsty or simply needs a warm cuddle.
How can you help? Here are some suggestions: help fold cloth diapers or carry disposable ones to your mom or dad. Push the stroller or put lotion on the baby. Pick out the baby's coming-home-from-the-hospital clothes. Share some of your very soft, safe toys with the baby. Talk or smile at her, especially when she fusses. Ask if you can hold the baby with help from your mom or dad. And if you're old enough, you may be able to dress, burp and feed the baby.
As the baby grows, she'll begin to crawl and explore. This means she'll be able to get into your special things. Tell your mom or dad if the baby is teething on your toys or messing up your homework. Instead of getting mad, be patient and remember that a little baby doesn't know which toys are hers or yours or even what homework is.
Even if it seems that everyone around you is taking care of the baby, remember that baby or no baby, your parents are still there to help and listen to you, too. Let them know if you don't like all the attention the baby is getting, or if you're tired of listening to the baby cry. And be sure to ask them to make some time to spend with you.
To help your son or daughter adjusting to the addition of a new baby in your family, attend MeritCare's "Our Family is Having a Baby" class. For dates and times visit meritcare.com (keyword: baby).
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