Welcoming a new baby into your family is a blessing but what if your older child does not feel quite as excited?

This week we welcomed a royal baby into the World, and we can almost guarantee that there will be squabbles in one way or another.

It can be difficult when a child has had your undivided attention to then start sharing it with a crying new baby, but there are lots of things you can do to help the transition.

A special present

To help your child take to the baby, when they come to see you in the hospital you could buy a present for your child but from the baby. The baby giving your older one a present will make them feel special and flattered, and most importantly, included.

Buy big brother/sister books

These can be really helpful before you give birth. If you sit them down and read books about it they will understand it a little better. Even if you are just worried that you are not explaining it properly, simple words and pictures will be a massive step forward in the process.

Quality Time

Once the baby is born, you will be all consumed and that's ok. But make sure you have quality time with your child to make sure they still feel important and wanted, the amount of attention the baby will inevitably get will be noticed and it’s important to keep this in mind.

Emphasise how important it is to be a good big brother/sister

Kids love to feel like they are doing a very important job, that only they can do. Tell them that they are the most important people to teach the new baby everything they will need to know. Tell them it’s very important that they look after the baby and keep them safe. This will include them so they don’t feel left out.

Special Jobs

Having a newborn means you are constantly feeding, changing, washing, waiting, repeating. This is the perfect time to get your first born involved if you have the patience for them. Give them jobs that only they can do. They could be in charge of getting the babies clothes ready when you are giving them a bath, give them some freedom to choose how they help. They could help mummy get the baby’s bottle ready.

Ask their advice

It doesn’t have to be you telling and teaching them all the time, ask them for their advice, what do they think? How should Mummy do this? It will make them feel empowered and like their opinion is necessary and needed.