How to Make Your Child Feel Special Before Baby No. 2 Arrives

During your second pregnancy, it’s normal to have mixed feelings as your party of three nears its end. While there are even sweeter days ahead, you may feel melancholy and nervous about the change. How do you savor the waning weeks, while soothing any trepidation your child may be feeling? How do you prepare your child for becoming a big brother or sister? How can you involve your older child in preparing for the baby? We came up with 12 ways to make this time memorable and reassuring—and they’ll all make your first-born feel extra special.
   

12 Things to Do Before Baby No. 2 Is Born

Make your child king (or queen) for a day.

Designate a day when your kiddo is unequivocally in charge (within reason). After making it clear that she can’t, say, shave the dog, let her dictate what you do, where you go, and what you eat for an entire day. (Just keep reminding yourself this is a one-off. There is no harm in eating marshmallows for breakfast just this once.)
   

Be spontaneous.

Since spur-of-the-moment is not going to be in your vocabulary for a little while, surprise him with a favorite adventure you’ve planned for the day.
   

Take a family portrait.

Capture the final moments of your “first family” for posterity—and for your child. She’ll likely enjoy posing between her parents. And order a framed print to hang in her room.
   

Pick out a big kid bed.

Not only does leaving the crib behind have a practical urgency, but it will make your child feel important and grown-up. Do this sooner rather than later to help ensure that last-minute jitters don’t make him cling to the crib. Also have him choose his bedding—even if it clashes with the walls you just painted.
   

Make something for the nursery.

Explain that you need help decorating the baby’s room and suggest she create a masterpiece in whatever medium she prefers. Alternatively, browse through her artwork and ask if she’d be willing to donate one to the nursery.
   

Define “the baby.”

Make sure your child knows exactly who you’ll be bringing home from the hospital—i.e. an immobile, sleepy, wee creature, rather than a playmate. If you can’t introduce him to a newborn, show him videos and pictures online.