To help the adjustment of other children to a new baby, which practice is recommended?

• A. Having the children choose or make a gift to give to the new baby upon its arrival home.
• B. Emphasizing activities that keep the new baby and other children together.
• C. Having the mother carry the new baby into the home so she can show the other children the new baby.
• D. Reducing stress on other children by limiting their involvement in the care of the new baby.

Answer: (C)

Introducing a new baby to older siblings works best when the entrance to the home is a calm, guided moment that shows the mother remains involved with all the children. Having the mother carry the newborn into the house and present the baby to the siblings creates a clear, positive moment of family integration, helping the older children feel included and reassured that they still matter to mom. Other approaches don’t provide that same sense of inclusion or can overwhelm the family: giving a gift from the siblings doesn’t establish the family entry pattern or mom’s ongoing involvement, focusing on activities that keep the baby and siblings together can be overstimulating, and limiting the siblings’ involvement in care reduces their participation and can increase insecurity.