If you have other children at home, bringing home your new baby can be a difficult time for them.  While you prepare for the birth of your new baby keep in mind that you’re going to need to help make it an easy transition for your other children.  Here are a few points to keep in mind when thinking about introducing the new baby to your older children. 

Make sure to treat all your children equally.  You’re going to want to dote on your baby once you bring him/her home.  Plus your new child is going to need some extra attention from you.  Don’t spend so much time with the new baby that you inadvertently ignore your older children.  Try and set aside some time each day to spend alone with each of your children.  You can talk about their day at school, read a book, or do whatever that child likes best.  Make sure this time is set aside exclusively for the child. 

Before the baby is born is a great time to bring out the old picture albums and baby books from your older children.  Tell them how you felt when they were born.  Remember some funny stories to tell them.  It will bring your family closer and show your older children that they were just as special to you when they were born. 

Have your children be involved with the baby.  Give them each a special job – getting the diapers, pulling out the wipes, etc.  Older children can help in the feeding of the baby.  If your child doesn’t want to help out, don’t force them.  They might need a few days to warm up to the idea of the new baby. 

Finally, be patient with your other children.  Some children at first are going to be jealous and won’t take well to the new baby.  Let your children know you love them all the same.  Eventually your children will warm up to the new baby.  Just be patient!