Helping big brothers and sisters transition to a new baby | Charlotte NC Baby Photographer

Happy Saturday everyone! As a mother of two, I wanted to write a post that I know many mothers struggle with when welcoming new babies. I see mom's on Facebook groups asking all of the time, "How will I love my second as much as I love my first?" and, "What are some ways I can help my older child(ren) adjust to new baby?"

This is a difficult question and it's looks different for every family (as it should!). There's a lot I don't know, but what I do know is this: You won't know how much you love your firstborn until you see them as a sibling. It is as if they become an entirely new person (a brother or a sister!) with their new identity. It may be very rough at first. You may have a scary moment or more - like when you leave your one week old in the Mamaroo and as you turn away to vacuum your almost 3 year old yanks them by the hair and shakes their head... Face palm.

Don't believe the fake sibling posts on Facebook - no one magically births two children who always get along and coincide peacefully all hours of the day. I remember crying as I looked at my friend who seemingly had it all together and telling my mom, "Her kids are cuddled up around the new baby singing her songs!" Just hang in there and remember that everyone has a little craziness going on.

So, what can you do to ease this transition?

1. Involve them in your pregnancy and after the birth

I know it is TOUGH to get your little one in the picture - or maybe your big one! I strongly believe that a family maternity session can be amazing for new siblings. It helps acknowledge those last few weeks they have with mom and dad all to themselves, and it also adds a little hype to being a big brother or sister. This is a really big deal for them no matter how old they are.

2. Read books!

I am a firm believer in the power of literature for young children. Even if they don't appear to be listening or they rip up everything in their sight. Read those sibling books. Make a BIG DEAL out of being a big brother or big sister. Make up a song (We did! It's super cheesy and we love it!).

Here are a few of my favorites but I'm curious to know what some of yours are, too. Comment below and tell us a funny story of your not-so-perfect transition to more than one kiddo.

Good Night New Baby

 One Special Day

The Berenstain Bears' New Baby

3. Make Up a Song

It sounds so silly but making up a song about your child’s new special role as a sibling and then to celebrate their new bond once baby has arrived. My sons still sing the silly song I made up for them four years later and my heart bursts when I hear them sing it to each other as they play.