Build Strong Sibling Attachment Through Unique Baby Gifts

Do you remember how you struggled with your first child birth? Back then, your concerns were how painful the delivery might be, how you would be able to cope financially and how you would actually foster a healthy parent and child relationship. Now that you are having your second baby, you are worried less about these factors. You are now bothered by a new kind of concern. How do you welcome a new baby without making your first-born feel left-out?

Show your first-born that love does not run out.

You must be able to make your first-born understand that you will never run out of love to give, not even when there is a new baby around. Show him that a new addition to the family means more love and more joy in your home. And do show your child that unlike candy or ice cream, sharing love with the new baby does not mean he'll have less left.

And do pay attention to your first-born even with the baby around. Keep in mind that no amount of TV, books or unique baby gifts can truly divert the attention of a child. If you spend a lot less time with him, he will notice. So do communicate with your child and always reassure your love for him.

Better yet, get your first-born involved in your daily rituals of taking care with the new baby. Not only do you get to spend time with your first born, you also foster healthy siblings' relationship. And to this effect, you should also encourage your first born to play with his new sibling. Put those unique baby gifts into good use!

Build strong siblings' attachment right from the start.

Get your first-born involved in the experience as much as possible. Talk to him about the coming of the baby. Take him with you when visiting health practitioners and when taking an ultrasound. Get him just as excited as you are by the new arrival. Make the new arrival a family's baby and not just Mom's and Dad's.

Keep your first-born involved.

You can also get your first-born involved in your decision-making (only those that he can handle of course). Ask for his opinion when out shopping for unique baby gifts. You can also ask him where the baby's car seat should be. Make him feel like he's playing the important role of a caring and protective big brother.

You can also ask 'big brother' to produce his own unique baby gifts. Give him materials for his own personalized gifts. You can give him plain baby tees or onesies and a set of fabric paints. Ask him to paint a picture that would show his love for the baby.

Make him experience the magic, too.

Having a new baby can be a magical experience for the parents. Make your first-born feel the magic too. Watch movies about siblings with him. Make him excited about the unique baby gifts for the new arrival. Read books that are about having a sibling. Make the whole experience fairytale-like. And give your first-born the role of a hero out to protect and love the new baby.

It's always a comfort to see your kids getting along with each other. And you can make this happen by starting early. -- iS