Looking after a baby

Talking about 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:

As well as responding to questions there is an opportunity through our conversations, play and reading together where children can learn about what babies need – this is not to suggest that our children are providing care for a baby themselves! Rather, these moments with your child are about understanding what every child needs to grow and flourish, this starts with meeting basic needs such as feeding, changing, washing and sleeping – but it also helps us begin conversations about love and care and nurture that they need throughout childhood. If your family is preparing for the arrival of a new baby, then these suggestions for talk and play and reading together might be helpful.

Getting ready for a baby

You can chat about all the things your child needed before they were born. You could make real plans if you are expecting a new baby. If you are, your Baby Box will arrive, and you can talk about everything it contains.

Breastfeeding

Children can see someone breastfeeding or ask if they were breastfed. We gave this answer to the question how/why do babies get milk from their mum? In the Questions Children ask…. section. You can start with this to support ongoing chats about breastfeeding.

When a woman is pregnant her breasts start to make changes so they can make milk for the baby when it is born. Breastmilk is made in the woman’s breasts. When the newborn baby starts to suckle on the nipple then the flow of milk starts. Breastmilk is the baby’s food and water – it has everything the baby needs to grow and be healthy. Some mums can’t breastfeed, or decide they don’t want to breastfeed, and so then they can use a milk formula and feed the baby with a bottle.

Play/dolls

Your child might enjoy playing with dolls/babies. If a new child is expected, they might go back to doing so. You can watch as they play, get involved at their invitation, and see how they are thinking about preparations for the new baby. What does their baby need? How is everyone feeling about the impending new arrival?

You might also want to look at this topic: Talking about: Pregnancy and birth.

Books

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

The new small person

Lauren Child
ISBN 978-0723293613

For younger children 2 – 6-year-olds: Elmore Green started life as an only child, as many children do. He had a room all to himself, and everything in it was his. But one day, everything changed.

Lulu is getting a sister

Judith Viorst
ISBN 978-1481471909

Lulu has received the worst news. She’s getting a baby sister. No one ever asked her opinion on this debacle. But she’ll tell you anyway, because she doesn’t want a sibling.

Awesome man: the mystery intruder

Michael Chabon
ISBN 978-0062875099

Awesome Man’s secret identity has stayed safe, and he’s still the coolest superhero around. But there have been reports that a new hero is coming to town soon. A story for the superhero-obsessed and any child adjusting to life with a new sibling.