Published 11/3.25

Certified Doula, Tayler Morrison, shares tips on bringing the newest member of the family home.

Going Home

Bringing home your newborn baby to join your family is one of the most joyous times; however, for some, this may also be a bit intimidating. Depending on the ages of the older siblings within the home, you may choose different ways to navigate this. Every child will have a different response and time frame to adjust. As your belly grows, start talking with your older children about the baby and involve them as much as you can. Giving younger children a baby doll to practice with is a great step. Older children can help choose names, decorate, pick out clothes, etc, for their newest sibling.

The New Normal

Younger children will likely have a harder time adjusting. It is completely normal to see regressions and behavior changes- some for the better and some for the worse. Remember, your child is adjusting to a new normal, as are you and your spouse. Giving yourself and your family grace in this period is beyond important. Older children can still have a hard time, and you may see behavioral changes in them as well. Try your best to keep them involved as much as you can. Simply having them fetch a diaper or pick out the baby’s outfit for the day can truly help.

Creating Routines

Creating a new routine or modifying old routines can also be beneficial; it may seem hard at first, but in the long ru,n it can benefit the whole family. Starting with easy routines and changes can help the whole family adjust to a new normal. This can simply be a few minutes of screen time in the morning while you make breakfast or a bedtime story in the evening for everyone to wind down with. Creating simple habits for the whole family can help children have a sense of normalcy daily as they adapt to other changes. It may seem hard at first, but as you all learn from each other and what works best, it will get easier.

Story by Tayler Morrison for BlueWaterParent.com.