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Writer's pictureEmily Herbert

EHerb Life Guide for Expecting Moms: Preparing Older Sibling

Updated: Dec 11, 2023


a close up photo of a family of three are holding the pregnant mom's belly with text overlay Guide for expecting moms preparing older sibling

Welcoming a new baby is an exciting journey, and preparing older siblings is a key part of ensuring a smooth transition for the whole family. In this EHerb Life guide, we'll walk you through practical steps to cultivate sibling harmony and create a supportive environment for your growing family.


a back of the girl who is drawing a welcome sign for her soon arriving sibling with text overlay Guide for expecting moms preparing older sibling

Step 1: Set the Stage for Excitement

Embark on this exciting journey of sibling preparation by involving your older children in the creation of a truly special "Welcome to the Family" poster. Picture a scene filled with laughter and creativity as your kids grab colorful markers, glitter, and perhaps a touch of imagination. Together, you'll design a poster that not only welcomes the newest member of the family but also serves as a visual representation of the love and excitement awaiting the new arrival. This hands-on activity not only sparks creativity but also fosters a sense of shared anticipation, setting a positive tone for the entire family. The "Welcome to the Family" poster becomes a tangible expression of warmth and inclusion, a beautiful first step in preparing older siblings for the joyous journey ahead.





woman's hands scrapbooking, holding a word love with text overlay Guide for expecting moms preparing older sibling

Step 2: Share Baby's Journey

Dive into the heartwarming process of sibling preparation by crafting a personalized "Baby's Journey" scrapbook with your older siblings. Imagine a cozy afternoon filled with joy and creativity as you gather ultrasound images, snapshots of the growing baby bump, and drawings lovingly contributed by your older children, each expressing their unique expectations and excitement. This collaborative effort not only captures the milestones of the baby's journey but also becomes a cherished keepsake for the entire family. As you flip through the pages together, the "Baby's Journey" scrapbook transforms into a visual celebration of the impending arrival, weaving a tapestry of shared memories and budding sibling connections. This creative endeavor not only builds anticipation but also solidifies the idea that the new baby is a shared adventure for the whole family to embrace.


a woman reading to a toddler with text overlay Guide for expecting moms preparing older sibling

Step 3: Storytime Extravaganza

Elevate the excitement of sibling preparation by transforming an ordinary evening into a "Storytime Extravaganza" for the whole family. Gather together, creating a cozy circle where the magic of storytelling unfolds. Explore a selection of heartwarming books that beautifully capture the essence of becoming a big brother or sister. From classics that have stood the test of time to modern tales brimming with charm, these stories serve as delightful guides through the journey of siblinghood. The Storytime Extravaganza not only imparts wisdom but also cultivates a sense of unity, preparing everyone, young and old, for the wonderful adventure that awaits. Consider books like:

Find more books on preparing older sibling to new family addition here.

a woman and her daughter shopping with text overlay Guide for expecting moms preparing older sibling

Step 4: Baby Gear Fun

Transform the preparation journey into a joyful family affair by immersing older siblings in the delightful world of "Baby Gear Fun." Envision a scene filled with enthusiasm as your kids eagerly explore the baby's future haven, arranging tiny clothes, soft blankets, and charming toys. This hands-on involvement not only instills a sense of inclusion but also sparks genuine excitement as they actively contribute to creating a cozy space for the newest family member. For a dose of inspiration, consider referring to our insightful post, "EHerb Life Baby Registry Guide: Balancing Affordability and Quality for Every New Parent." This guide is a treasure trove of ideas to ensure the nursery setup is not only enjoyable but also thoughtful, striking the perfect balance between affordability and quality. Let the Baby Gear Fun begin, turning the process of setting up the nursery into a memorable family adventure that lays the foundation for a warm welcome to the little one.

a girl playing with a doll with text overlay Guide for expecting moms preparing older sibling

Step 5: Role-Playing Adventure

Elevate the sibling preparation experience with the entertaining "Role-Playing Adventure." Envision a lively scene where older siblings immerse themselves in a fun game, taking turns being the caregiver in a delightful simulation of baby duties. To enhance this interactive activity, consider purchasing a lifelike baby doll. These dolls provide a tangible and adorable prop for the role-playing game, allowing older siblings to practice changing diapers, feeding, and even singing lullabies in a playful and educational manner. This engaging adventure not only imparts essential caregiving skills but also fosters a sense of responsibility and connection among siblings, making the upcoming arrival of the new baby an exciting family affair. So, let the Role-Playing Adventure begin, and consider acquiring a doll for this activity to elevate the experience for your eager older siblings.



a photo of a family from the back enjoying a walk with text overlay Guide for expecting moms preparing older sibling

Step 6: Special Sibling Time

Amid the whirlwind of preparations, carve out precious moments with the heartwarming "Special Sibling Time." Imagine the scene as you designate dedicated one-on-one moments with each older sibling, creating a space for individual connection and shared joy. Whether it's a cozy chat, a favorite activity, or simply enjoying a treat together, these special moments reassure each child that they are valued and cherished. This intentional bonding time not only strengthens the unique connection between you and each older sibling but also communicates that their importance in the family remains unwavering. Picture the smiles, the laughter, and the shared experiences during these special sessions, laying the groundwork for a resilient and harmonious family dynamic as you eagerly await the newest member's arrival.



a photo of a teddy bear a blue box and baby socks with text overlay Guide for expecting moms preparing older sibling

Step 7: Baby's First Gift

Cultivate a sense of love and anticipation within the sibling preparation journey by involving older siblings in the creation or selection of a "Baby's First Gift." Envision a heartwarming scene where your kids, with thoughtful consideration, choose or craft a special token of affection for their soon-to-arrive sibling. Whether it's a handmade blanket, a personalized onesie, or a carefully chosen toy, this gesture not only fosters a sense of involvement but also begins to cultivate the spirit of giving and sharing. Guiding older siblings to contribute to this meaningful gift not only strengthens the sibling bond but also instills a sense of responsibility and excitement about the impending arrival. Picture the joyous moment as they present this heartfelt gift, laying the foundation for a relationship filled with love and thoughtfulness.




As you navigate this exciting journey, remember that cultivating sibling harmony is about creating an environment of love and inclusion. Each step brings your family closer together, building a foundation of support for the arrival of your newest family member. Enjoy this magical time of anticipation, and let the harmony grow in your EHerb Life.


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