When you are pregnant, this has a major impact on the rest of the family. Especially for older children, it can take some getting used to having a brother or sister. Some children are very excited from the moment they know it, they can hardly wait for the time to come. Other children need some time to process it and are afraid, for example, that they will receive less attention. It is always good for older children to be involved in the pregnancy. That way they can get used to it and you’ll probably make them excited. Children who are already happy with your pregnancy will only be happy if you involve them. How can you involve your children in your pregnancy?
Tips for involving your child in the pregnancy
Of course, it depends on the age of your older children to what extent you can involve them in a pregnancy. For example, a toddler will understand less about your pregnancy than an older child. You have the best sense of which tips are useful for your child.
Provide information about the pregnancy
Older children in particular find the pregnancy itself very interesting. They are curious about how a baby can grow in the belly. You can easily involve your child in your pregnancy by reading or showing information about the baby. There are several books for sale with photos of how a baby grows in the belly. You can also tell us how big the baby is and what he can already do. This way your child can get an idea of the baby. You can also show the ultrasound. After all, it is your baby’s first photo. It is not recommended to take your children to the ultrasound scan. An ultrasound is medical, you don’t want your children to be there when you hear bad news. If you would like your children to see the baby in the belly, have a fun ultrasound scan done after 20 weeks.
Connect with the baby
During the first few months of your pregnancy, no contact can be made with the baby. But after about 20 weeks of pregnancy you can feel the baby moving. This is great fun for both younger and older children! Your belly suddenly becomes a baby! You cannot force your child to sit on your stomach, but most children want to feel the baby move. When you feel the baby moving, call your child so he can feel it too. You can make a game of it, especially later in the pregnancy. You can feel where the feet are or where the back is. If children like it, they can also talk to the baby. A baby recognizes voices after birth!
You can also involve your children by talking about the baby. For example, would they prefer a brother or sister? And what do they think are nice names? What do they think the future will be like? These conversations will open your eyes.
Buy baby supplies
All kinds of things have to be bought for a baby, such as toys and clothes. Children often enjoy being involved in this or choosing things. But some children also find it difficult. The baby gets all new things, while he gets nothing himself. You can solve this very easily by combining it. If you buy something for the baby, buy something for your other children too. This does not have to be expensive, but children are often very happy with some clothing or a small gift. After all, it is a bit of a party for the whole family.
- Also buy some small gifts for after the birth. Most visitors take this into account and buy something for all the children. But just in case, you always have something on hand.
- Make a maternity basket for your children. A maternity basket is a basket full of presents. Your maternity period officially lasts ten days. You can put ten presents in the maternity basket so that your children can choose and open a present every day.
Conclusion
Every child reacts differently to the news that their mother is pregnant. Small children often don’t understand much of it yet. They see your big belly and know there is something in it, but they don’t understand what exactly that means. But you can fully involve older children in your pregnancy. You can show them information about the baby in your belly. You can also let them make contact with the baby. In order not to make children unnecessarily jealous, it is important to draw a single line. It’s not fun for the children if the baby gets all new things and presents, while they don’t get anything themselves. There are plenty of small and cheap gifts for sale so that your pregnancy is a celebration for everyone!
read more
- Why should you have a fun ultrasound during your pregnancy?
- What is a 3D and 4D ultrasound?
- Preparing for your birth at home or in the hospital
- Create beautiful memories during your pregnancy!