Full term pregnancy can seem like an eternity especially to a child waiting for a baby sister or brother to come to full term. When deciding to tell your child that he is going to be a big brother wait until the second trimester. He will have a lot of questions and concerns. Before you tell him discuss with your partner what will be appropriate responses to his questions.

To prepare him for the new baby let him know that he is special and the baby will not in any way replace him. Explain to him that babies are helpless and can't do anything for himself. Explain to your child that after the baby is born, you will need a lot of help from him. Let him help out. Find little tasks that help to welcome your new addition to your family. A great idea is posters hand drawn for the baby by you and your child. The art work done together can be a great quiet time to sit and discuss how he feels and answer any questions he may have.

When it comes closer to the time of birth, try not to let your child see you in any pain caused from pregnancy or labor. This may scare you child and cause resentment towards the newborn. Explain to your child that you will need to go away for a few days but that he can come visit you. While packing your bag for the stay in the maternity ward let him also pack two bags, one for him to keep with him at the sitters and one to take to the hospital to entertain himself.

Reassure him that he will be a great big brother and he will teach the new baby how things work around your home. He will see himself as a great helper and form a close bond with his new sibling.

Once home and settled back into your schedule you may find it helpful to include your older child in feeding the baby or holding it while it sleeps. Help make your son feel like he is still a very important part of your life. You know he is, but he may think that the new baby gets all the attention and may act out.

Finally, when you have guests over to visit the new one, make sure your older child and you spend some time together while your guests visit with the newborn. Keeping time as equal as you can and letting him be part of the baby's life as much as possible will form strong ties.

Learn more about this author, Alisa Mantall.
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