Having a new baby is an exciting and joyous time for any family, but it can also be a big adjustment for older siblings. As parents, it’s important to involve your child in the preparations for the new arrival to help them feel excited, included, and prepared for the changes ahead. From decorating the nursery to organizing the house, there are plenty of ways to get your child involved in the process. In this blog post, we will share 50 ideas for involving your child in preparing the house and nursery for the new baby.
1. Let your child help choose the new baby’s name: One of the first and most important decisions to make when preparing for a new baby is choosing their name. Involve your child in this process by asking for their input and suggestions.
2. Create a countdown calendar: Help your child count down the days until the new baby arrives by creating a fun and creative calendar together.
3. Have your child help decorate the nursery: Let your child choose the color scheme or theme for the nursery and involve them in painting, picking out furniture, and decorating the room.
4. Make a special space for your child in the nursery: If your child will be sharing a room with the new baby, make sure to create a special space just for them in the nursery.
5. Read books about becoming a big brother/sister: There are many books available that can help prepare your child for their new role as a big brother or sister. Take the time to read these books together and discuss any questions or concerns your child may have.
6. Have your child help pack the hospital bag: Let your child pick out some special items to include in the hospital bag, such as a toy or book for the new baby.
7. Plan a fun outing with your child before the baby arrives: Take your child on a special outing, just the two of you, before the baby arrives. This will give you some one-on-one time together and allow your child to feel special and important.
8. Involve your child in choosing baby clothes: Let your child help pick out some baby clothes, especially if you have a gender reveal party or know the sex of the baby.
9. Have your child help set up the crib and other baby furniture: Your child will feel proud and accomplished for helping to assemble the new baby’s furniture.
10. Let your child help decorate the house for the new baby’s arrival: Involve your child in decorating the house with balloons, streamers, and other decorations to welcome the new baby home.
11. Create a “welcome home” sign: Have your child make a special sign to hang in the house to welcome the new baby home.
12. Have your child help with baby shower preparations: If you are having a baby shower, let your child help with the preparations, such as making decorations or helping with the guest list.
13. Make a special gift for the new baby: Encourage your child to make a special gift for the new baby, such as a hand-drawn picture or a handmade toy.
14. Have your child help pack and organize baby items: As you prepare for the new baby, involve your child in packing and organizing baby items, such as diapers, wipes, and clothes.
15. Create a baby name guessing game: Have your child help come up with a list of names for the new baby and then play a game to guess which one you will choose.
16. Make a family photo album: Create a special family photo album with your child to show the new baby and help them feel like an important part of the family.
17. Have your child help with grocery shopping: Take your child along on grocery shopping trips and let them help pick out items for the new baby.
18. Create a special bedtime routine: As the due date approaches, create a special bedtime routine with your child that includes talking about the new baby and reading books about becoming a big sibling.
19. Plan a special activity for when mom goes into labor: If possible, plan a fun activity for your child to do when mom goes into labor, such as a sleepover at a grandparent’s house or a fun day out with a relative.
20. Make a “big sibling” t-shirt: Get your child excited about their new role by making a t-shirt that says “big sibling” for them to wear.
21. Have your child help with baby-proofing the house: As you prepare the house for the new baby, involve your child in baby-proofing tasks, such as installing safety gates and outlet covers.
22. Make a special welcome home gift for the new baby: Encourage your child to make a special gift for the new baby to give them when they come home from the hospital.
23. Have your child help with baby’s first bath: Let your child help with giving the new baby’s first bath, under close supervision of course.
24. Create a “baby’s firsts” scrapbook: Have your child help create a scrapbook to document the new baby’s first milestones, such as their first smile, first tooth, and first steps.
25. Make a special meal as a family: Plan a special meal to celebrate the new baby’s arrival and have your child help with preparing and cooking the food.
The New Baby is Coming! 50 Ways to Involve Your Child in Preparing the House and Nursery
26. Have your child help with laundry: Show your child how to do laundry and have them help wash and fold the new baby’s clothes.
27. Create a “big sibling” box: Fill a special box with activities and toys for your child to play with while you are busy with the new baby.
28. Have your child help with diaper changes: If your child is old enough, involve them in diaper changes and teach them how to be a helpful big sibling.
29. Make a special “big sibling” certificate: Create a certificate to congratulate your child on becoming a big sibling.
30. Involve your child in baby’s first doctor’s appointment: If possible, bring your child along to the new baby’s first doctor’s appointment and have them help with tasks like weighing the baby or holding their hand during a check-up.
31. Have your child help with decorating the baby’s room: Let your child help hang pictures, put up decals, or choose a special blanket for the new baby’s room.
32. Make a special delivery for the hospital: Have your child help pack a special bag or basket to take to the hospital with you, filled with items for both mom and the new baby.
33. Create a “big sibling” photo shoot: Have a professional photographer or a family member take photos of your child with the new baby to document their special bond.
34. Have your child help with baby’s first outfit: Let your child pick out the new baby’s first outfit to wear home from the hospital.
35. Make a special toy for the new baby: Encourage your child to make a special toy for the new baby, such as a soft plushie or a wooden rattle.
36. Have your child help with feeding the baby: If you are bottle-feeding, let your child help by holding the bottle or helping to burp the baby.
37. Create a special bedtime routine for the new baby: Involve your child in creating a special bedtime routine for the new baby, such as reading a book or singing a lullaby.
38. Have your child help with baby’s first bath at home: Let your child help with giving the new baby’s first bath at home, with supervision and guidance.
39. Make a “big sibling” photo collage: Create a collage of photos of your child with the new baby to hang in their room or in a special spot in the house.
40. Have your child help with writing thank-you notes: After the new baby arrives, have your child help with writing thank-you notes for gifts received.
41. Create a special “big sibling” book: Have your child help create a book about their experience as a big sibling, with photos and stories about their new role.
42. Have your child help with holding the new baby: Once the new baby is home, let your child help hold and cuddle with the baby (under close supervision).
43. Make a special “big sibling” bracelet: Create a special bracelet for your child to wear that says “big sibling” to remind them of their important role.
44. Have your child help with organizing baby’s clothes: As you receive gifts and hand-me-downs for the new baby, involve your child in organizing and putting away the clothes.
45. Create a special “date” with the new baby: Set aside a special time for your child to have one-on-one time with the new baby, such as reading a book or playing a game.
46. Have your child help with planning the baby’s first birthday: Involve your child in planning the baby’s first birthday party, from choosing a theme to making decorations.
47. Make a special “big sibling” memory book: Create a memory book with your child to document their first year as a big sibling.
48. Have your child help with changing the baby’s diaper: Encourage your child to help with changing the baby’s diaper, under close supervision and guidance.
49. Create a “big sibling” playlist: Make a playlist of songs that your child can listen to while spending time with the new baby.
50. Have your child help with reading to the new baby: Reading to the new baby is a great way for your child to bond with their sibling and develop their own reading skills.
Involving your child in preparing the house and nursery for the new baby can help them feel excited, included, and prepared for the changes ahead. From helping to decorate the nursery to involving them in daily tasks like diaper changes and feeding, there are plenty of ways to make your child feel like an important part of the process. By following these 50 ideas, your child will be ready to welcome the new baby into the family with open arms.