Sibling Class - Detroit Lakes, MN

We hope you will find it helpful in preparing your children to become familiar with where babies come from, typical newborn behavior, the do’s and don’ts of handling a new baby and ways to celebrate being a Big Brother or Big Sister. The many activities around the room for the children are hands-on activities. Please feel free to assist your child in those activities you would like them to participate in. Please stay with your child during each activity.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After attending this course, children with the help of their parents will be able to:

• Share what they have done to prepare for a new baby
• Explain what a new baby looks like
• Verbalize 3 things new babies can and cannot do
• Safely touch, hold and play with a new baby
• Verbalize 3 ways they can help take care of the new baby
• Join in activities that will help celebrate being a Big Brother or Big Sister
• Tour the Birthing Center to see where mom is going to stay when she has the new baby

Tips to Help Your Older Child Adjust to the New Baby

• When in the hospital, greet your older child without holding the new baby. Shorter visits, depending on the age, are usually less stressful for you child.
• Have the older child pick out and bring a gift for the baby in the hospital. Have a present for the older child from the baby when he/she comes to visit.
• Put a picture of the older child on the bassinet for the baby to see. A special picture that the older child has made can also be taped to the bassinet.
• When coming home, have someone other than mom carry the baby into the house. Greet the older child and then bring the baby into the picture.
• Show your older child pictures of when he/she was a baby. Discuss all the things they can do now that they are bigger.
• Make special time alone with each of your older children.
• Realize that regression to baby-like behavior is normal and will pass!