5min read Many children experience feelings of jealousy towards their new brother or sister, and may convey these feelings through resorting to more ‘babyish’ behaviour, such as having tantrums or refusing to use the potty even though they have been successfully potty-trained for a while. This is all perfectly natural, and is their way of expressing their feelings of frustration, and confusion about their role in your life and their place in the family. Key Points:
It is completely normal for older siblings to react in this way to the arrival of a new baby, and should not in any way affect their future relationship, particularly if dealt with in an open and non-judgemental way by their parents, so that their feelings of jealousy will diminish over time. Even if your child appears to be independent and capable of doing many things for themselves and without your constant attention, they still need your love and interest just as much as before – maybe now more than ever. These types of behaviour are particularly prevalent in toddlers, who are still so used to having your undivided attention, and were not long ago being breast or bottle-fed by you or falling asleep in your lap. Tips for managing this change
Taking a positive approachTry not to punish your older child, as this may lead to them feeling more resentful towards the baby. Although you must explain clearly that they are not allowed to hurt the baby, tell them you know they are not meaning to be naughty and should tell you how they are feeling, rather than taking it out on their brother or sister. Hopefully this should encourage them to open up to you a bit more and feel comforted by the fact that you want to know how to help them feel better. By responding with patience and understanding, your child will start to feel secure again, and know that by making room for a new member of the family, they are not giving up their place or getting any less love from you. This will help them to accept the baby and start to see that they are also a part of their life, in their role as big brother or sister. If friends and family are buying gifts for the new baby, it may be an idea to get some gifts to give to your child too so they don't feel left out. You might also want to make up a little box full of treats and fun activities, books and toys from the baby to your child. Watch our video below on tips on getting the kids involved with the new arrival Further resourcesIt may help to chat to other parents on our forums to find out how they are dealing with this issue within their family life. You can also talk to us online via our live chat service, email us at or call us on our helpline on 0808 800 2222 to speak to trained family support worker. Other organisations that may be useful:Visit the NCT website for ten top tips on managing sibling jealousy Read this advice from Bounty on introducing a new baby to siblings Last updated: October 2022 Why care of the newborn at birth is important?Babies have the right to be protected from injury and infection, to breathe normally, to be warm and to be fed. All newborns should have access to essential newborn care, which is the critical care for all babies in the first days after birth.
What are the basic needs of a newborn baby to be survive?Essential newborn care
hygienic umbilical cord and skin care; early and exclusive breastfeeding; assessment for signs of serious health problems or need of additional care (e.g. those that are low-birth-weight, sick or have an HIV-infected mother.
What are some of the important aspects of the baby's first year of life?In the first year, babies learn to focus their vision, reach out, explore, and learn about the things that are around them. Cognitive, or brain development means the learning process of memory, language, thinking, and reasoning.
How does a baby adapt after birth?Once the baby takes the first breath, a number of changes occur in the infant's lungs and circulatory system: Increased oxygen in the lungs causes a decrease in blood flow resistance to the lungs. Blood flow resistance of the baby's blood vessels also increases. Fluid drains or is absorbed from the respiratory system.
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