There is so much stress involved in having a baby who needs special care before coming home. Much of that stress can actually come from having to sort through emotional reactions from older children who aren’t able to fully understand why their new sibling hasn’t come home yet. Finding the right combination of solutions can help everyone to get through this situation together.
Have They Met the New Baby?
Many times, older children aren’t able to meet special needs children when they’re in the hospital. There are usually rules governing who can be with the baby and how long they can stay. Find out what the rules are where your child is so that you can take your other children to visit if they’re able to do so.
Take Tons of Pictures
If visits are off the table, you can still do more than you might think. Take lots of pictures whenever you can. It’s amazing how much your new family member can change even overnight, so the more pictures you have, the better. Pictures can also help you to explain certain procedures or illnesses to your other children. This is especially helpful if the new baby needs to use oxygen or other assistive tools.
Keep Them Informed
You can’t necessarily share everything with your other children, of course, but you can certainly find ways to keep them as informed as you can. This helps them to feel more involved in what’s going on. If there are smaller decisions that they can help with, such as choosing a toy for the new baby, make sure that you involve the other kids.
Make a New Routine
When the new baby does arrive home, your routines are going to change. Prepare for that in advance by trying to anticipate what those changes might be and how they might impact your other children. You may want to seek pediatric home care services for help and advice. You can all work together to come up with a new routine that benefits everyone and includes the new baby.
As your new baby is able to come home and grows older, everyone will have more opportunities to bond with each other.
If you or a loved one are considering Pediatric Home Care Services in Cutler Bay FL, contact the caring staff at Providence Healthcare Services. We provide services in all of Miami Dade county and the Upper Keys. Call today (305) 680-5349.
