Prenatal Tips for the Second Trimester
If you have other children at home, you’ll need to prepare them for the new baby. Bringing a new baby home may be a big change for other children in your family. To deal with this change:
- Talk to your children about what it will be like once the new baby arrives.
- Tell your children about your pregnancy by using books and pictures about how babies grow. You can also show them pictures and videos from when they were first born and tell them what they were like as new babies.
- If you have friends with new babies, it might be a good idea to visit them.
- Have your children practice holding a baby using a doll.
- Think of something fun your children can help you prepare for like picking out a coming-home outfit for the baby.
When the baby arrives:
- Tell your children often that you love them.
- Allow them to help with the baby’s care, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.
- Remember, your older children still need time for themselves and attention from you. Make special one-on-one time with your older children when each of them can express their feelings and thoughts to you.
- Have some big brother or big sister gifts for your older children to make them feel special and needed.
Learn more about Your Prenatal Baby: Second Trimester from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.
