theChat.scot

---

Talking about pregnancy and looking after a baby

In the section of The Chat called Questions Children and Young People Ask you will find some suggestions as to how to answer these questions:

• How did the baby get in your tummy? Where did I come from?
• Does the baby grow in your tummy?
• How does the baby get born? Does it hurt?
• How/Why do babies get milk from their mum?

As well as responding to these questions you can also think about taking and playing together so that your young child begins to learn about what babies need and – even though they are little – they can find ways to help if there is a new baby in the family.

---

Pregnancy

With some ideas about how to answer the questions above, your child will likely be fascinated by the growth of the baby, a pregnancy at home provides the opportunity to talk about what the baby and mum needs. A pregnancy in the extended family or friendship group can also be a time to talk and encourage interest in the baby and mum’s needs.

---

A new baby at home

This can be both exciting and a bit worrisome for a young child. But they can be part of the excitement about the impending arrival, help organise clothes and things the baby needs. You can talk about what they were like when they were born and came home. There are stories to read together about being a big sister/big brother. When the new baby’s Baby Box arrives that’s a time to go through everything that the baby needs. You might also notice that your child’s play changes in preparation, if they have dolls and other baby things available to play with you will see them imagine different scenarios and roles. You can get involved and just observe. Then, when the baby arrives, jobs can be shared, and you can ask for help with some appropriate tasks.

---

Books

You might like to read these books together. Your library or nursery might have them, or you can ask a library if they will order a book for you.

This guide explains each step of the pregnancy journey and helps young children feel involved and excited. With a month-by-month approach that compares the size of the growing baby to something familiar to the young reader. The book includes information about how life might change once Baby arrives, and how exciting it will be to have a new baby brother or sister.

Celebrating the bond between mammal mamas and their babies. A book for cuddling up with a breast-feeding child or the older sibling who wonders how the new baby gets fed.

Lola has a new baby brother, and she can’t wait to share her love of reading with him. When the baby is finally here, Lola takes on the role of big sister, she helps around the house and tells Leo stories to cheer him up when he cries.

A book about pregnancy, from hearing the thumpity-thump of baby’s heartbeat to that unforgettable first meeting.

An introduction to the facts of life for younger children that follows the story of a new life from the moment of conception to the birth of a baby – guided through each stage with simple illustrations, inviting lots of discussion and providing answers to questions.

Discover how a baby forms inside its mother. Lift the flaps on the pages to see the baby changing as it grows and grows.

Preparing a young child for the impact a new baby may have on their life and family.

This book showcases different baby mammals all sharing one common trait, they are all nursing from their mothers. In rhyming English text, readers are introduced to 13 different nursing mammals.