The birth of a sibling can be exciting. Keep in mind that it is also a change in your child's life — a change in her routine and a change in the family structure. To make the transition as smooth as possible, have a plan that will begin before your new baby is born and continue for several months after her birth.

Preparing for the Baby

No doubt, you have read about how to prepare siblings for a new arrival. The process is much the same if one sibling has a special need. The part that is different is how the information is communicated.

Remember that your child may need visual communication. As she notices that Mommy's tummy is getting larger, introduce baby pictures. Show her pictures of herself: Mommy's tummy, pictures or videos of her in the womb, newborn pictures, and recent ones. Show her the celebration of her birth.

Next, remind her of Mommy's growing tummy. Share photos or videos of the new sibling in the womb. Then visit the room that will be the baby's nursery. Encourage her to share in the joy of the coming birth. If your child has an events calendar, add a picture of a baby to the top of the month when she will be born.

Time as a Family

Allow for extra family time before the new baby's birth and afterward as well. Your child wants to see that she fits into this picture and may not be able to tell you her concerns. Involve your child in the care of the baby, but also show her that you will continue to care for her as well. Make a point to give the baby to your spouse and get your child a drink or help her with bedtime. Remember that for the child who is visually oriented, actions do speak louder than words.

One-on-One Parent Time

Plan one-on-one time with your child after the baby's birth. This can be done at home, or with short outings. It is especially important to include things that you have enjoyed doing together in the past. Your child is always trying to figure out what is the same and what has changed in her life. Knowing that her favorite activities with Mommy or Daddy will continue is an important part of her accepting her new sibling.

Sibling Jealousy Throughout the Years

Sibling jealousy has some part in every family. As your children get older, some of the circumstances around the jealousy will change. When “typically developing” siblings start extracurricular activities or when they can go places with friends, your child may get frustrated. Life can seem so unfair. Talk with her about her activities and privileges. Remind her that Mom and Dad are proud of her accomplishments as well.