Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Parenting

For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.

Tips for helping three year old deal with new NICU sibling.

2 replies

PurpleRubicon · 06/11/2024 16:20

I had my second baby two weeks ago. We've had a NICU stay due to some expected and unexpected complications. We're hoping we'll be discharged by the weekend.

My three year old is really struggling with the separation. Although I am sleeping at home, I am only seeing him for a short time in the morning before he goes to nursery and I go to the hospital. His grandmother is staying with us to help out, but he misses me and I miss him. Nursery drop offs are horrible and mornings are increasingly fraught as he tried to delay us leaving.

I'm worried about how hell cope once we're home, but with a new baby in tow. A new baby with some additional needs at that. I love both my children more than I thought possible and I just want to do what's best for them both.

Has anyone got any tips to help my 3 year old adapt to their sibling, particularly after a period of separation when it might seem like I have "chosen" the new arrival?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Alicantespumante · 06/11/2024 16:29

My 4 year old’s sibling was in NICU for 6 weeks. I mainly spent 9-5 there and evening and bedtime at home. Fortunately my child adapted really well but that may just be personality dependent.

I would advise- really good toy from new baby to big sibling! Making a big fuss of your 3yo when you are around.

Some 1:1 time with 3yo once discharged. I let mine pick a day out but I wasn’t breastfeeding so this was easier.

UnravellingTheWorld · 07/11/2024 20:31

Sorry, no advice just bumping for you. I have a 3yo and 1 week old in the NICU - it's really hard on the whole family.

Hope your baby improves quickly 🌸

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread