Before you conceive: five things to think about
11 July 2023
The arrival of a new baby in the family is a wonderful and exciting event. However, this period can also be full of challenges and significant changes. To make sure your family is ready for your little one’s arrival, get organised and prepare ahead of time. Especially if there’s another little brother or sister! Barza offers some practical tips and suggestions on preparing your family for the arrival of your baby.
Communicate and involve all family members
The first step in preparing for the baby’s arrival is to communicate and involve all family members in this special time. Talk (you and your husband) to relatives about the changes that will take place, about everyone’s roles and responsibilities: spouse, sibling, grandparents, benevolent aunts.
Make sure everyone is open and ready to contribute to the care and upbringing of your new baby.
Prepare your little brother or sister to accept the baby more easily
If it’s not your first pregnancy, it means the baby will find a little brother or sister at home, most likely of a young age. That’s why it’s good to talk to him (or her) from time to time during the pregnancy and explain that he (or she) will soon have a new playmate.
They must gradually get used to the idea that they will no longer be alone with their parents, so that they do not get the impression that they have lost their place in the family, that they are no longer as loved or that the new member is more important. Try to remove any doubts or anxieties and constantly tell him/her how much you love him/her and that this is the reason why you thought of giving him/her a brother or sister.
Also, make sure that after bringing your baby home, you share your affection as equally as possible with both of them and don’t make the ‘big one’ feel neglected. Otherwise, they might get jealous of the baby and you certainly don’t want their relationship to get off on the wrong foot.
Do you have a pet? Prepare it for the baby
If you have a puppy or cat and you’re a first-time mom, remember that pets feel like part of the family too. And they must be prepared for the arrival of their brother or sister, just like a small child.
Try to get him used to young children early on and observe his reactions closely. Little animals are generally extremely curious and will try to get as close as possible to the little one. Don’t be scared, but still be careful and don’t leave him unattended in his company.
But you may not have anything to worry about. Pets, especially dogs, often also take on the maternal or paternal instinct of their owners and adopt a protective attitude towards babies.
Establish a schedule and routine
A baby brings with it a new schedule and daily routine. To make the transition easier, start establishing a routine in your family early in your pregnancy. Establish regular meal and nap times, as well as time for play and family activities. This will help create a stable and safe environment for the baby and make it easier for the whole family to adapt to the new dynamic.
Prepare your baby’s room and make sure you have everything you need
Another important aspect is preparing the baby’s room. Decorate the room carefully and make sure it is comfortable and safe for the new family member. Purchase the necessary furniture such as a crib, changing table, feeding chair and other items needed for baby care. Make sure the room is well ventilated and the temperature is right for your baby.
Make a list of all the essentials you need for your baby and make sure you purchase them before your baby arrives. This includes diapers, clothes, feeders, breast pumps (if you want to breastfeed), bottles, pacifiers, hygiene products and more. Preparing in advance will help you feel more relaxed and focus on your baby after his arrival.
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Preparing for the arrival of a new baby in the family is an important and exciting stage. It is best to start preparations as soon as the pregnancy test has shown two dashes. Communication, organisation and preparation in advance are the keys to making sure your family is ready to welcome your little one with open arms.
