Preparing your child for a sibling

Chelle is mama to a feisty red head called Fizz wife to Gav. Since 2009 Chelle has been on a massive career and life changing journey - first being a mama, then returning to work and all while blogging her journey. Chelle blogs at Unique and Chic- a website she says covers everything unique even when you don’t feel quite as chic - sharing her own and others parenting stories along the way. You can find her on twitter as @chellemccann.
We decided to tell our daughter, Fizz, straight away that she was going to have a sibling. We pretty much told her as soon as we knew, when I was around 5 weeks pregnant. As Fizz and I have such a close relationship - we co-slept for her first 3 years, co-sleep still 1 night a week and spend 3 days a week just the 2 of us, that I wanted her to start forming a bond with the baby as soon as she could so she doesn't feel left out when baby arrives.

Here are a few things we have done:

Bump shots - I do a weekly bump photo to share the growth of my tum with friends, family and on my blog. and I try to get Fizz involved with these when she wants too as well. More often than not she wants to draw on my tummy.

Scans - we took Fizz to our 20 weeks scan and let the sonographer tell Fizz if she was getting a baby brother or sister. It showed her the reality of what was happening to my body. Although she did declare she had had enough now after about 15 minutes.

Cuddles and singing - I let Fizz cuddle the baby and talk to the baby whenever she asks to.

Time - just have time to answer any questions or just be. Don't let the world revolve totally around the new baby. As hard as it is you need to spend time focussing on your childs needs through morning sickness and extreme tiredness.

Teddies - I took Fizz shopping for a present. She's picked out the most adorable Paddington Bear for her brother.

Most of all try to have fun with your pregnancy. I have been hospitalised and had regular sickness. I try not to get down in the dumps around Fizz and instead tiredness has become afternoon film time. There is always an alternative way of making sure your first born still feels important while you get a quick nap! We have a regular afternoon movie time with a treat like ice cream and I let Fizz pick the film, we grab blankets and enjoy a cuddle while we watch (and maybe a sneaky few winks for me).

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