Episode 6: Preparing for a new arrival

Issues of concern

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Sarah, Simon and Zebedee

Tantrums

Plan:

• Firmly cuddle and tell him it will be ok - adult stay in control
• Leave room - tantrum with no audience will subside
• Distract him - produce a toy and talk about a future outing
• Be loving and firm
• Avoid triggers
• Give a warning
• Be consistent
• Praise good behaviour
• Offer a limited choice - more effective than simply "no"
• After a tantrum praise your child for calming down. Give a big cuddle and tell them you love them
• Tantrums are not your fault - some days are incredibly demanding, emotionally and physically

All children who have tantrums will turn out to be nice children and pleasant adults.

Preparing for new baby

Sibling Jealousy

1. Make older child the centre of attention at the first meeting
2. Encourage the child to do a drawing for the new baby
3. Have a gift (something you know your child really wants) at the end of the cot from the new baby
4. Have a photo on your locker of you and him so he knows you were thinking of him
5. Get daddy to carry baby to the car - Make sure your hand is free to hold older child
6. When baby naps, see that as your "special" time alone uninterrupted with older child
7. Regression - common reaction to the introduction of change - less talk time - child wants to go back to drinking from a bottle or wants is comforter at all times- oversensitive - whining and crying at the slightest frustration - let him be a baby if he needs to.
8. Simple things often work to get them involved - like letting him choose a nappy, open the box of wipes works
9. Visitors - have 10 little gifts wrapped up and hidden in the house
10. Arouse the child's interest in advance of the baby coming.

Preparing for hospital

Packing for the hospital:

Delivery Bag

• T-shirt with front opening - 100% cotton
• Box of paper panties
• Walkman
• Bed socks
• Water spray
• Lip balm
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Bach rescue remedy
• Box for tens machine
• Tie band for long hair
• Camera

Going Home

• Loose comfortable clothes
• Shoes

Baby

• Cardigan
• Hat
• Shawl or blanket
• An approved car seat that has been fitted into the car.

Requirements for stay in hospital

1. A small weekend case or bag is sufficient to take your belongings into the hospital
2. Jewellery and other belongings should not be brought to the hospital

For Mother:

• Dressing gown
• Nighties
• Slippers (not mules)
• Disposable panties
• Toilet bag / Shower cap
• Bras
• Sanitary towels (Maternity)
• Box of tissues
• Towels

For Baby:

• Two medium towels
• Baby gowns or babygro's x 8
• 8 Baby Vests
• Hat
• Disposable nappies
• Jar of Vaseline
• Cotton wool

Safety outside the home

1. Put childproof lock on the gate
2. Fence off any water areas - a child can drown in two inches of water
3. Bury dog and cat excreta before child has a chance to poke it, play with it or even eat it
4. Store all tools in a locked shed
5. Never reverse or drive the car while child is playing outside
6. The clothesline should be at a higher level than the child can reach
7. Fence off rubbish bins so that child can't get in and rummage about inside them
8. Fill in all the pot holes and level the ground
9. Corner off a play area with sand pit, boxed in swing, slide, ball area, paddling pool
10. Never leave a paddling pool with water in it- empty it, either deflate it or store it upside down