If you're about to have a new baby in your family,
you'll want to know something about them. Answer this
question.
A new baby is:
- smelly
- funny
- annoying
- great
- all of the above
The answer is 5, of course!
Babies are wonderful, but they can also wake you up at night.
They dribble, spit, and make lots and lots of dirty diapers. They
can't talk, walk, or go to the bathroom like you do! Because
they need so much care, your mom and dad will be busy making sure
the baby gets the rest, food, clean diapers, and love he or she
needs. But just because your parents are busy with the baby doesn't
mean they love you any less - they just love the baby too!
It can be a lot of fun to have a new baby in the house, but it
can be tiring, too. You might love the baby right from the start.
But it's also OK if you miss the way things were before the
baby came. If you feel left out or need some attention, tell your
mom or dad. Also be sure to tell a parent if you're having
trouble getting your homework done or you're not getting enough
sleep.
Before the Baby Arrives
A baby takes 9 months to grow big enough to be born. Before the
baby comes, ask your parents any questions that you have. Where
will the baby sleep? Who will take care of you while everyone is at
the hospital? Some hospitals offer classes for kids who are about
to be big sisters or big brothers. These classes help kids learn
about babies so they know what to expect.
You also can learn about babies by getting books out of the
library. But the best way is to spend time with a real, live baby.
Maybe your mom or dad can arrange for you to visit a friend who has
a young baby. Then you'll get to see how a baby looks, smells,
and sounds!
Who Is This Little Person?
When it is time for the baby to be born, your
mom
will probably spend a few nights at the hospital. After the baby
arrives, you can visit her in the maternity ward where the babies
are delivered. There you can get your first look at the newest
member of your family.
Expect your brother or sister to be small, squirmy, and sleepy.
When they're first born, babies are too little to play with
toys or play peekaboo with you. They're just getting adjusted
to the world. In time, your baby sister or brother will be able to
smile at you, laugh, and play. But for now, babies mostly want to
sleep, snuggle, and eat.
The Baby Comes Home
So what can you do at home with the baby? Early on, you can be a
wonderful help to your mom and dad. If you're old enough, you
may be able to hold or feed the baby. Your mom and dad can show you
the right way to care for your brother or sister. You'll have
to learn the rules for what you're allowed to do on your own
and what you need to have another grown-up help you with. For
instance, only grown-ups can give the baby a bath. But you might be
able to do some important jobs, like put on the baby's little
socks!
Kids also can help in many other ways, like being a personal
assistant to your mom or dad. What does a personal assistant do?
You run all over the house getting the stuff your mom or dad needs
for the baby. Diaper? You got it! Pacifier? You got it! Paper towel
because the baby just spit up again? You got that, too!
Kids also can fold baby clothes, answer the phone, or
get their dear, sweet mothers a drink from the kitchen. That
is
so
helpful, especially if she feels busy and tired. And if the baby is
cranky, you can work your magic by smiling at the baby and trying
to cheer him or her up.
You could even read the baby a book. The baby won't
necessarily know what you're talking about, but he or she will
like hearing the sound of your voice. Maybe the story will help the
baby drift off to sleep. When that happens, everyone can relax a
little. And it might be a good time to ask your mom or dad to spend
a little time - just the two of you.
When a new baby joins the family, you're in for some
changes. But so many of them are good ones. Not only do you have
this cute little bundle around the house, before you know it, that
little bundle will sit up, crawl, walk, run, and even play
hide-and-seek with you. In other words, this baby just might grow
up to be a lifetime pal!
Updated and reviewed by:
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: July 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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